Print Article 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