Canton Family Helped by SandCastles Grief Support Program for Children
March 21, 2006
Zoila Brown
(313) 876-2882
zbrown1@hfhs.org
Canton Family Helped by SandCastles Grief Support Program for Children
DETROIT - SandCastles, a grief support program for children and their families, has been an invaluable support system for 8-year-old Brianna Mallia of Canton.
Three years ago Brianna’s little brother Michael died at 7 months at a day-care facility and the family needed help to cope with the tragic loss.
“Brianna attended another grief support program after Michael’s death but the program was only for six weeks,” says her mother Paula Mallia. “We were so fortunate to learn about SandCastles through a volunteer who works with the program. Brianna has truly benefited from the continuing support the program provides.
“Activities such as the Volcano Room that allows children to express their anger and frustration in a controlled way has been especially helpful as well as the opportunity to express feelings of loss among other children who are dealing with the loss of a loved one,” she adds.
SandCastles, a division of Hospices of Henry Ford, provides an invaluable service for children (ages 3 to 18) who have experienced the death of someone close to them. By allowing children to express their grief in an understanding and accepting environment, SandCastles helps many people deal with what is often the most difficult time in their young lives.
Children are offered a wide variety of activities that allow them to cope with their grief. They may talk, write, draw or use expressive play materials such as puppets or art supplies in a relaxed atmosphere, all the while dealing with their grief.
“In addition, children who need to express the physical side of their grief can go in the Volcano Room, a room filled with building blocks, packing bubbles and old phone books waiting to be torn apart. In short, SandCastles allows children to grieve in a manner that is uniquely their own,” says Peggy Nielsen, manager of SandCastles.
SandCastles’ services are offered at no charge to families and no family is ever turned away based on their inability to make a donation. However, the program costs approximately $50 per child per month and charitable contributions make it possible for SandCastles to offer their services.
SandCastles also relies heavily on the generosity of volunteers. Families who would like to learn more about SandCastles as well as those who would like to inquire about volunteering at any of the seven sites (Southfield, Rochester, St. Clair Shores, Clinton Township, Downriver, Livonia and Detroit) can call the SandCastles office at (313) 874-6881.
