Letter From The Cove's Executive Director
With the year coming to a close, there is so much to reflect on and immense gratitude for the support that allows us to do the important work of offering hope and healing to grieving children. Unresolved grief can have permanent detrimental effects on the wellbeing of children, and it is essential that kids and families receive support while grieving. You have made it possible to provide Connecticut families with a safe space to process their grief, surrounded by peers who understand along with trained bereavement professionals guiding them through the healing process. Our Family Program, Camp Compassion, and annual events all include therapeutic healing modalities, from butterfly release ceremonies to Memory Lane signs and expressive arts. After our Run for The Cove Events this Fall, we received this incredible feedback from a Cove family:
“Yesterday, my heart was full on Walker’s 10th birthday. We were supported by great friends and family on our first Cove 5k at Hammonasset. I wanted the day to be special so I called in a favor to our MPD SWAT friends to see if any could show up and surprise Walker. Show up they did. They kept the pace with him and helped motivate him to complete the whole 5k… in a little over 30 minutes which is actually a bit crazy considering he was not prepared at all. They did it for Walker. They did it to honor Matt. It was a beautiful thing. I know his Dad was smiling big on us all yesterday. Walker was psyched and felt accomplished. We had a great day. Thank you to everyone who came out for us - we love you!❤”
The Cove needs your help to keep our programs FREE across CT so children like Walker feel safe and supported while they grieve. In the past year we have offered:
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FREE – Family Program in Guilford, Meriden, New Haven, West Hartford, and Stonington to 106 children from 91 families.
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FREE – Camp Compassion - Provided a 3-day overnight grief camp for 72 grieving children and teens. This gave them the opportunity to meet other children and participate in numerous fun and healing activities with their peers.
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FREE - Virtual Programs including Male Caregivers of Grieving Children, Caregivers Support, Young Adult Group Support, and Teen Virtual Group Support.
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FREE - Summer & Fall Programs - Provided by Kim Starr, our Expressive Arts Group was joined by children using arts and crafts as a means of identifying and expressing their emotions.
These programs provide a myriad of experiences which come together to inspire hope and provide a compassionate place for children to talk about their grief. Many Cove children go on to become Cove volunteers as they reach adulthood to offer the same support that they received.
Our life changing programs can only continue through YOUR generosity! Our 2023 Annual Appeal is underway and we are hoping to raise $15,000 to support our free programs. Each Family Program site costs $30,000 to run each year. I hope you will consider donating to make an impact on a grieving child’s life!
With Gratitude,
Allison Gamber
Executive Director
The Cove Center for Grieving Children