Our Program
Kids' Haven is a grief support center for children ages 3 to 18 years old and their families. It is the only program of its kind in central Virginia. Our mission is based on four principles:
- Grief is a natural and healthy response to death for young children, teens, and adults.
- Within each individual is an instinctive inclination and capacity to self-heal.
- The duration and intensity of the grieving process are unique to each individual.
- Caring and acceptance assist in the healing process.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Group Grief Support Nights are held twice-monthly at St. John's Episcopal Church on Boston Avenue. We begin with a shared meal at 6:20 p.m. After supper and an opening circle children are divided into age groups and go to separate rooms where they are led by volunteers trained in the special needs of grieving children.
In these groups, children participate in age-appropriate activities and conversations that facilitate the grieving process. A parent or guardian is required to accompany their children to Group Grief Support Night. These adults meet in a separate group and have an opportunity to support one another both in their own grief and in the care of their grieving children. Participation in the adult group is optional.
After group gatherings all Group Night participants come back together for a brief closing ceremony before dismissal at 8:00 p.m.
IN-SCHOOL SUPPORT
Teen Support Groups are offered during the school year at E.C. Glass High School; additional schools have guidance persons, many of whom were trained by Kids’ Haven, who provide in-school grief support programs. A school representative may call Kids’ Haven to discuss offering an in-school support group or to schedule staff training at the school.
HISTORY
Kids’ Haven was founded as a community outreach project of the Junior League of Lynchburg. In 1998 we were chartered as an independent not-for-profit organization with the sole mission of serving, through the provision of support and educational programming, the unique needs of children grieving the death of a person who was significant in their lives.
There is no charge to participants in any Kids’ Haven support program.
Frequently Asked Questions 
