Hearts of Hope
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Hearts of Hope is a support program for children, teens, young adults and their caregivers who have a family member with a serious illness. When someone has a serious illness, it affects everyone who has a relationship with that person. A serious illness can take a huge toll on the emotional and physical resources of the entire family, including children, as they cope with the many losses and stresses related to the illness. At Hearts of Hope, we help children, teens, young adults and families cope with the changes that a serious illness brings. Hope is essential in life and acknowledgement of the illness is not giving up hope.
No two families are the same!
To recognized the unique needs of each family as they experience a serious illness, Hearts of Hope offers the opportunity for families to meet individually with trained facilitators to:
- Find ways to deal with changes in family routines and relationships.
- Cope with day-to-day stressors.
- Learn how to handle the difficult questions children ask.
- Understand the meaning behind the behaviors of your children.
- Develop a support network and feel comfortable asking for and accepting help.
- Learn how to adjust to the 'new normal'.
Support Groups
These groups provide a safe, accepting environment for families to express their feelings, connect with others who are going through a similar experience, and learn health coping strategies. Hearts of Hope groups are:
- Divided into peer-aged groups for age-appropriate activities and interactions
- Available for children, teens, young adults of college age and caregivers of the participants
- Facilitated by caring, trained volunteers
- Free of charge to families
Themes such as coping with changes, dealing with feelings, and identifying strengths and supports are explored in each group. There are opportunities to share common experiences, ask questions and have fun!
There is no charge for Hearts of Hope support groups, but pre-registration is required.
Call (402) 488-8989 or email hope@morninghope.org for information or to request registration materials.