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 What is Group S.T.A.R?

Our group allows participants to learn about grief

and loss, healthy coping, and positive outlets for

emotion through activities that are fun and thought-

provoking. Group STAR is facilitated by

professionals specializing in grief and loss issues

and trained volunteers. 

There are many positive effects from the healthy

facilitation of questions and feelings. These include

the creation of hope, memories and friendships. 

 Why is Group S.T.A.R. Important?

Parents and other caregivers want to “protect”

children from death and the grief that follows. In

reality, the best “protection” is to allow children toexperience their grief in a safe and trusting

environment. Group STAR uses a diversity of

activities designed for children ages 6-12 to meet

their specific needs. 

Is my Child eligible?

Group S.T.A.R. is free and open to children,

between the ages 6-12, whose family lives, works or

attends school in Hancock, Wood, Hardin, Henry,

Putnam, Seneca, Allen, Sandusky and Wyandot

counties.

The family does not need to have been associated

with Bridge Hospice in order to attend group.

However, the workshops are designed for children

that have suffered the death of a loved one.

*Parents/guardians must register children within a

week of scheduled group. Call 800-

982-

3306 toregister or for more details. 

Creative Expressions WorkshopCreative Expressions Workshop

Findlay Blanchard Valley Hospital 

1900 S. Main St., Beckett and Davis Rooms 

Monday, February 17 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

There are many ways to grieve a loss. This workshopprovides various creative opportunities for children toexpress themselves while experiencing the healing

process. Sprouting Hope Sprouting Hope

Findlay Blanchard Valley Hospital 

1900 S. Main St., Aller and Davis Rooms Monday April 28  5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Bowling Green Rotary Nature Center  

615 S. Wintergarden Road 

Tuesday, April 29 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 

This program encourages participants to understandthe importance of moving forward after a death and

shaping their futures with memories and lessonslearned. 

 Nature of Grief Nature of Grief

Van Buren State Park  South Side Shelter House #3 

12259 Township Road 218, Van Buren  Tuesday, June 3 10:00 a.m. - 2 p.m.  

Children learn through various outdoor activities how thelife cycle of nature, like our own, experiences birth,

growth and death.

Directions to Southside Shelter: Take Township Road 218 toTownship Road 229, turn south on Township Road 229. Aftercrossing the first bridge, turn right into shelter house parking

lot.

Treasured MemoriesTreasured Memories

Findlay Blanchard Valley Hospital 

1900 S. Main St., Beckett and Davis Rooms 

Monday, July 7  9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

Bowling Green Heritage Corners, Georgian Room 

1069 Klotz Road 

Thursday, July 10 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

Through this program, children learn that the relationship withtheir loved one is kept alive through memories.

Children will be able to express their thoughts, feelings andmemories through various activities and making a treasured

keepsake.

Grief TrailsGrief Trails

Ottawa Challenged Champions

 

11913 County Road 6 Tuesday, August 5 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

Participants learn through horses about the importance ofcommunicating emotions and needs to others. Children come

together with their peers to participate in activities that will teacheffective communication tools while working with gentle horses. 

 Holiday Memories Holiday Memories

Findlay Blanchard Valley Hospital 

1900 S. Main St., Beckett and Davis Rooms 

Monday, November 10 5:30 p.m.-

 7:30 p.m. 

Bowling Green Heritage Corners, Georgian Room 

1069 Klotz Road 

Thursday, November 20 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 

Holidays and special events can often intensify feelings of lossand grief. This workshop allows participants to come togetherwith their peers to express feelings, create memories of loved

one and reminisce. 

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GROUPROUP S T A RT A R

Special Times Always Rememberedpecial Times Always Remembered 

2014014 

 A series of workshops designed to

allow youth (ages 6-12) to express

their feelings, receive support from

 peers and create lasting memories

of their deceased loved ones.

BRIDGE HOSPICEBereavement Services

15100 Birchaven LaneFindlay, Ohio 45840

(419) 423-5351Toll Free 1-800-982-3306 

1037 Conneaut Avenue, Ste. 204Bowling Green, Ohio 43402

(419) 352-9808Toll Free 1-888-352-1166

182 St. Francis AvenueTiffin, Ohio 44883(419) 443-1363

Toll Free 1-800-982-3306 

Grief Responses by Children:  Reverting back to toddler behaviors

(bedwetting, baby talk, clinging, etc.) 

Playing “dead” or “funeral” 

Increase in shyness or being alone 

Grades may suffer  

School may become a safe haven 

Increase in anger or acting out 

Feelings of unfairness 

To successfully support a grieving child it isimportant to let the child know that there issomeone they can trust with their feelings,

fears and questions concerning the death oftheir loved one.

It is helpful to keep in mind that children will

often talk about their experience of grief for ashort period of time; and then return to play.

It is important to let them talk when they needto and not to force them. Let them know thatyou are listening when they are ready to talk.

 Also note that grief can change. There maybe good days and not so good days. Somedifficult days can be anticipated, such asanniversaries, traditional holidays, and

locations that bring back memories.

Helping Grieving Children:  Be present

Provide space and time to listen

Communicate often that the child isloved, wanted and needed 

Let them know the death was not theirfault 

Be honest 

Talk about the deceased loved one 

 Answer questions to the best of yourknowledge 

Keep routines 

Provide outlets—drawing, painting, andplaying with toys 

Provide security 

Provide lots of LOVE! 

resents

Consultations:

Children and teens grieve differently thanadults. They may not have the words to

express their feelings or they act out their grief.For this reason their grief is often

misinterpreted or overlooked. BridgeBereavement Services offers support and

educational materials to parents struggling with

how to explain death and dying to a youngchild or teen.