Training and resources help Clubs support young people experiencing grief and loss.
All Ages
Grief is an all too familiar experience for many of the young people we serve. One in 12 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18, with the vast majority of youth experiencing the loss of a family member or friend by the time they complete high school. According to a recent survey conducted by the New York Life Foundation:
The New York Life Foundation has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to help Clubs provide a supportive environment for grieving children and their families and help build the skills they need to thrive. Clubs have a unique opportunity to create environments where youth who are grieving can build meaningful, supportive relationships and develop the skills they need to cope with grief and loss. The Be There initiative provides trainings, resources and strategies that increase Club’s capacity to support youth who are grieving and helps Clubs develop strong, supportive relationships among four focus areas: youth, staff, families and community.
In-person training:
A three-hour session, Be There: Helping Grieving Youth, trains Club staff on how to help grieving youth. Staff learn about the impact of grief on the lives of youth, recognize common reactions to grief, and identify appropriate resources to support youth experiencing loss.
Online training and community partnerships:
Through our national partnership with The National Alliance for Grieving Children, we are able to connect Clubs to local grief support providers in their area. NAGC has also developed four Be There podcasts and discussion guides to support Clubs in building capacity to serve grieving youth.
The American Counseling Association has developed a podcast to provide additional training and support for staff.
Other national partners that contribute to our work in supporting grieving youth include The Moyer Foundation, Funeral Service Foundation and the Coalition to Support Grieving Students.
Strategies and resources:
Our Be There Toolkit includes useful resources and links to help Clubs support grieving youth and families.
Additionally, the American Counseling Association provides tips for mentoring youth dealing with disasters and traumas.
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