SCHOOL SERVICES

Patch Club: In-School Peer Support Groups

Healing Patch staff and/or volunteers co-facilitate 6-week peer support groups with school personnel (i.e. school counselor, social worker, etc.). Through group discussions and various activities, the following are addressed among peers: 

• issues surrounding the death
• feelings
• fears & worries
• memories
• changes and rebuilding

Grief Education in the Classroom

Upon request, Healing Patch staff and/or volunteers provide an interactive, 45-minute presentation for 7th or 8th grade students to help them gain an understanding of the following:

• the normal feelings and responses often associated with the grief process
• how to support a peer who is grieving
• positive ways of coping
• where to find supportive services through their school and community

Educational In-Services

Healing Patch staff and/or volunteers present educational workshops/in-services to school personnel, Parent-Teacher Organization members, or groups of parents/caregivers on various grief-related topics. The goal is to provide the following:

• an awareness of the needs of grieving children
• knowledge of the needs of grieving children at different developmental stages
• how to support a grieving child
• information regarding available community resources for grieving children
• an understanding of Children’s Grief Awareness Day

To Arrange Services:

Contact Healing Patch Staff:
Cambria County Schools: Melody Ray, Healing Patch Coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 814-947-7200
Bedford/Blair County Schools: Shalen Steinbugl, Healing Patch Volunteer Coordinator/Grief Specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 814-947-7140