Special to IFN
Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County’s Rainbow Kidz program will host a free community workshop titled “Here for You: Building a Compassionate Community for Grieving Children & Families” on Wednesday, March 25, at the Statesville Event Center.
The workshop will take place from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m., with lunch provided for all registered participants.
Designed for professionals who regularly interact with children and families, the workshop is open to educators, social workers, first responders, funeral and bereavement professionals, youth workers, and other caring community members. The goal is to equip participants with practical tools and greater confidence in supporting children who are navigating grief and loss.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers from the Rainbow Kidz grief support program will facilitate the session, offering insight into how grief affects children at different developmental stages and how adults can respond in meaningful and supportive ways.
During the workshop, participants will learn:
• How grief shows up in children at different ages
• What to say—and what not to say—to grieving children
• How to provide immediate, supportive responses after a loss
• Ways to strengthen collaboration and referral pathways in the community
• How to normalize conversations about childhood grief
“Children often grieve differently than adults, and many professionals want to help but aren’t always sure how,” said Leigh Ann Darty, director of the Rainbow Kidz program. “This workshop is designed to give our community the knowledge and confidence to support children and families when they need it most.”
Rainbow Kidz provides free grief support services to children, teens, and families who are coping with the death of a loved one. Through school-based groups, individual support, and community programs, Rainbow Kidz helps young people process grief in healthy ways while connecting families to compassionate resources.
REGISTRATION
The workshop is free, but space is limited. Please RSVP no later than March 20. Register by calling 704-873-4719 or visit https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/a68263227abc4981ac75cdef8454119f
LEARN MORE
For more information, contact Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County at 704-873-4719 or visit www.HOIC.org.