Print Article 7/16/15 Maybe you were a grieving child. Maybe you have a grieving child. If not, you probably know a child or teenager who is mourning the loss of someone significant in their lives. Join our effort for Children's Grief Awareness Day to increase awareness of the needs of and prevalence of grieving children in our communities.
Children's Grief Awareness Day take place each year on the third Thursday of November - this year on November 19, 2015.
Home Nursing Agency started the Healing Patch: A Program for Grieving Children and Their Families in 2006 after identifying the lack of local resources for grieving children to get the support they need and the opportunity to connect to one another. The number of children participating in the program increases each year, as the number of children impacted by loss continues to grow.
Home Nursing Agency is working to increase awareness of children's grief, and we invite you to get involved!
Children's grief is symbolized by the color blue, and we are symbolizing the hope for grieving children as a butterfly.
How can I help?
We are looking for volunteers who can help by making butterfly pins to sell at all of our Home Nursing Agency Offices, local schools, etc.
What do the pins look like?
Any way you want them to!! You can crochet the pins or make them from fabric. The only requirement is that they are blue! No two butterflies are exactly alike- just like how no one’s loss or grief journey is exactly the same.
Here are some of the pins that have already been made:
And some of our volunteers:
Here are some web pages butterfly projects to give you some ideas:
http://www.beadandcord.com/clipper/dennis/diy-hair-accessories-27523/265017.htm
http://thelongthread.com/?p=464
http://www.fabartdiy.com/diy-3d-crochet-butterfly/
How many butterflies are needed?
We welcome as many butterflies as you are able to make. Whatever is left over and not sold this year before Children's Grief Awareness Day can be sold at other events (like Patched Together: A Day of Music the Benefit the Healing Patch on Nov. 21, 2015) and used for next year.
When are they needed?
We would like to have the butterflies in late August - early September to give us ample time to distribute and sell before Nov. 19.
I don't sew. Is there any other way I can help?
YES! The simplest thing you can do is WEAR BLUE on NOV 19th. If you have friends or family who sew or enjoy projects, please invite them to get involved. You can also buy a butterfly this fall!
I'm ready to get involved! What should I do next?
Please contact Melody Ray, Healing Patch Volunteer Coordinator/Grief Specialist, to let her know that you want to participate. She will keep you in the loop by sharing pattern suggestions, project updates, and more. Contact Melody by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 1-800-445-6262, ext. 7216.
