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Suncoast Kid's Place Teaches Children How To Grieve

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 23, 2008

LUTZ - Grieving is a natural part of life, but there aren't many places to help children cope with the death of a loved one.

Helping children ages 3 to 18 work through their grief is what the new Suncoast Kid's Place aims to do, program director Cheryl Jackson said.

The free program is a community service of Van Dyke United Methodist Church. It doesn't matter whether the loss was recent or happened some time ago.

While children settle in at the house, 17030 Lakeshore Road, their parents or caregivers go across a parking lot to a room in the church. There, they get help with their loss and learn ways to help their children.

The house is a cheerful place, with colorful walls and murals. It is well-stocked with toys and furniture geared specifically for children. The bright colors and promise of fun are intentional, Jackson said.

"They're coming from such dark times. We wanted them, when they come in here, to quickly realize there is hope and healing and joy ahead of them," Jackson said.

For information about Suncoast Kid's Place, call (813) 990-0216.

B.C. Manion

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