The mission and programming of Kids’ Haven are based on four very basic principles:

• For young children, as well as for teens, and adults, grief is a natural and healthy response to death.
• 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 (see Events) and include a shared meal that begins at 6:30 p.m.

After supper and an opening circle children are divided into age groups 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.

Parents and guardians who accompany their children to Group Grief Support Night also have a group; here they are offered 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 in partnership with the guidance departments at Amherst County High School and 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.

HAVEN OF THE HILLS
In 2008, Kids' Haven entered into partnership with Centra Health-Hospice of the Hills to create Haven of the Hills, a program of support for families living with a life-limiting illness. Participants are not required to be enrolled in Hospice to receive this support; referrals may come from any source, including self-referral. Anticipatory grief support is provided one-on-one in homes where there is a diagnosis of cancer, cardiac, respiratory, renal, or neurological illness, an accident, or complicated aging. Support also is available for local college students. Staff and trained volunteers from both Kids' Haven and Hospice of the Hills provide Haven of the Hills support.

There is no charge to participants in any Kids’ Haven support program.

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Kids’ Haven staff members and volunteers are available to talk to schools, churches, community organizations, and other child-advocacy programs about the needs and care of grieving children.

Training for Kids’ Haven Group Support volunteers is held at least once each year, more frequently as needed. Social workers, teachers, and other child-focused people are welcomed to attend these training sessions to expand their care-giving skills.

There is a small fee, to cover training expenses, for those who do not commit to volunteer service. On-line registration is accessible through the support tab.

Kids’ Haven maintains an extensive lending library of resources related to grief and the care of the grieving.

I started bringing my son to Kids’ Haven after his father died of a very sudden massive heart attack. Although his father and I were divorced, my son was very close to his father, and he has had a hard year. He has found peace and happinessat Kids’ Haven, and I am so grateful to everyone involved.

I took my three grandkids to Kids’ Haven after their mother was murdered. At first, they didn’t talk about their mother, but now they can say that she was murdered. Kids’ Haven has helped them, and they look forward to coming. I would recommend it to anyone.

When my niece died, it was very hard for my great-nieces and nephew, but, since we have been coming to Kids’ Haven, they have been able to talk about their mother and are feeling more pleasant, instead of sad all the time. Kids’ Haven has been a blessing, and I would recommend it to anyone.