Imagine grief support for children and young adults
Volunteers recently completed three full days of training in order to join Imagine’s amazing team of volunteer facilitators. During their training, space was provided where they could share their stories of loss with one another and give and receive support as Imagine staff modeled the skills utilized in Imagine’s peer support groups. Imagine practices Alan Wolfelt’s Companioning Model which encourages us to walk beside someone on their grief journey, so they feel felt and know that their story matters.Those who participated in this training can utilize the same skills and tools modeled by Imagine staff as they create safe spaces for Imagine participants in our peer support groups.
When asked about their experience at the training, one participant shared: “This training gave me skills that I didn’t even know I needed. What I gained from taking part in this facilitator training will assist me in every relationship I have. I’ve already learned how to be a better listener to my children, to my husband, and to my friends. It may be cliche to say, but it’s true that this training was life-changing!” Another shared: “I loved the whole thing” and a third shared a belief that the training should be offered in every school. We are so pleased that they found the training valuable and are excited to welcome this wonderful new group of facilitators to Imagine’s community of volunteers!
Imagine is a 501c3 nonprofit that offers free year-round grief support groups for children ages 3-18 and young adults 19-30 who are coping with a loss due to death. Concurrently, support groups are available for the parents and guardians of the children in the groups and offered in English and Spanish. Groups are also available for parents who have lost a child aged 30 or younger. Imagine’s Training and Education staff provide grief and loss education and training to the community. For more information, please visit imaginenj.org or contact Imagine at 908-264-3100 or info@imaginenj.org.
