Annie’s Hope – The Center For Grieving Kids

We believe:

Grief is a universal, normal, natural response to loss.

Support and education can help families through the grief process.

There is no single path toward healing.

Grief is a life-long process whereby the goal is not to “get over the grief” but to discover a new relationship with the deceased, not based on the physical presence but on the love and memories which live on.

If given a safe, trusting place surrounded by care & support, we believe every child has the ability to heal and live a productive, joyful life.

Annie’s Hope is supported in part by generous grants and contributions from Hallmark Stone Company, Jefferson Foundation, Mid-America Transplant Foundation, Veterans United Foundation, and YouthBridge Foundation.

Programs & Services Calendar

Unattended grief will eventually surface...often in unhealthy ways such as depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug abuse, inability to maintain healthy relationships, and suicidal thoughts.

Family Support Groups

"I feel included when I come to my Annie's Hope group." - Alexia, 8, grieving her brother's death by drug overdose.

8-Week Family Support Groups

8-week Family Support Groups are a set of support groups whereby children, teens and their parents/guardians gather with other grieving families to explore their grief, try new coping strategies, expand communication skills, minimize their sense of isolation, receive validation, and gain support from peers who truly understand each other in a non-judgmental, caring and safe environment.

When do the groups meet?

The groups meet from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (pizza or sandwiches are provided from 6:00 – 6:25 PM) on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings. There are currently five sets of 8-week sessions scheduled throughout the year.

What can you expect at the support group sessions?

At each session, the children and teens are divided into age-level groups, while the adults meet in their own groups. Each session is tailored to the group’s developmental level and the struggles the members are encountering. Common topics include coping skills, feelings, memories, change, communication skills, grief rituals, etc. The more you put into the process, the more you will receive in return. Some areas of discussion will trigger a more emotional, sensitive reaction. This is normal and a part of the journey. The group will support you in the way that seems to work best for you.

What does it cost to join the groups?

There is no fee to attend, yet we need financial support to make the groups happen. The full value of attending eight-week family support groups is $360 per child/teen. We would be grateful if every family who attends would make a donation to the best of their ability – $3 $36, $360. All donations are gratefully accepted, no matter how small or large. Your donation amount is strictly confidential. No family is turned away because they are unable to make a donation.

How can families get involved in groups?

Application forms for each child, teenager or adult who wishes to attend must be completed and returned to Annie’s Hope. The forms can be completed electronically, saved to your computer using the “save as” function, then attached & emailed to Annie’s Hope, or they can be printed and mailed or faxed to Annie’s Hope. Once applications are completed and submitted, our staff will be in contact with you to review forms, discuss any additional information and update you on space availability.

Click here for the CHILD application for groups (ages 3-12)

Click here for the TEEN application for groups (ages 13-18)

Click here for the ADULT application for groups

Click here to see specific dates and information for upcoming sessions of Family Support Groups.

To apply or learn more, please contact Lindsay Rosso at LindsayR@annieshope.org or call Annie’s Hope at (314) 965-5015 (Office).

Email all applications to Applications@annieshope.org.

Programs of Annie’s Hope are supported in part by generous grants from Jefferson Foundation, The Kaufman Fund, Mid-America Transplant Foundation, Missouri Baptist Healthcare Foundation, and The Saigh Foundation. In addition, the Missouri Department of Economic Development awarded NAP tax credits to incentivize donations to fund the Family Support Group program.

Library

School Support & Education

7 in 10 teachers currently have at least one student in their class(es) who are grieving the death of a parent, guardian, sibling, or close friend in the past year.

School Support Groups

School support groups are designed for students grieving the death of someone significant. Identifying students who otherwise would not receive any grief support elsewhere is vital. There are no limitations regarding the length of time since the death, the cause of death, the relationship to the deceased, or the number of death experiences.

What are the goals of the school groups?

The goals of the support groups are to connect the students to others who are experiencing similar losses, to help the students feel more normal about their grief process, to introduce healthy coping skills, and to open communication about sensitive aspects of their pain. All students who are suggested for group involvement must have a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian. The support groups last from 45 minutes to 1 ½ hours each session. There are six sessions in each set, and the number of participants per group ranges from 6 to 10. The sessions occur during or immediately after school, whichever works best with the school schedule. There is a focus each week tailored to best meet the needs revealed by the members. The sessions are activity-centered, not talk-centered.

What does it cost for a student to join school groups?

There is no fee charged to a student for being a participant in school-based grief support groups, yet we need financial support to make the groups happen. The full value for a student to participate is $280 per student. The first time Annie’s Hope partners with a school to host a set of grief groups, there is no charge to the school. For each subsequent set of grief groups, there is an expected donation of $1,680. If a school cannot make the total amount of the donation, the amount can be negotiated.

Can you help our students when a sudden death occurs?

We understand a crisis (death of a student, faculty member, frequent volunteer, tutor, etc.) can be an emotional and chaotic time for students and staff. Annie’s Hope staff are available to respond to a school when a crisis occurs; and they are available to train a Crisis Intervention Response Team to ensure a calm, thorough, accurate, timely, and organized response to a crisis. A plan is designed so a safe environment can be available for the students; emotional support is offered to the students, families, and staff; and communication can be shared with appropriate audiences in a smooth, efficient manner. Since crises often occur unexpectedly, we encourage schools to be proactive in requesting support from Annie’s Hope before the emergency arises.

To learn more about School Support Groups, Staff Education, or Crisis Intervention, contact Cindy Izzo. School Support and Education Coordinator, at (314) 965-5015 or cindyi@annieshope.org.

Programs of Annie’s Hope are supported in part by generous grants from Jefferson Foundation, Kate’s Heart, The Saigh Foundation, and the Trio Foundation of St. Louis. This project is supported by the Missouri Department of Economic
Development’s Youth Opportunities Program.

Summer Camps

"Can we stay here all summer?" - 7 year old camper.

Camp Courage & Camp Courage – Teens

Camp Courage (kids ages 6-10) and Camp Courage – Teens (kids ages 11-18)
June 3 – 7, 2024

Camp Courage & Camp Courage – Teens

Camp Courage and Camp Courage – Teens are overnight camps serving children and teens who are grieving a death. The camps are held in June each year at Sunnyhill Adventures in Dittmer, MO. Camp Courage is a 5-day, 4-night camp for children ages 6-10, while Camp Courage – Teens is a 5-day, 4-night camp for teens ages 11-18. Both camps are a safe, comfortable, fun experience where grieving kids and teens can connect.

This year, both camps will be held the SAME WEEK. Campers will enjoy a NEW CAMPGROUND with FUN, NEW ACTIVITIES!

At Camp Courage/Camp Courage – Teens, there are times for free play, for group fun, and for quiet reflection.

What activities may be available at camp?

Fishing	Hiking	Canoeing	Ziplining
Crafting Trouble Dolls	Paddleboating	Building Worry Rockets	Making Spin Art
Painting	Exploring Nature	Drawing	Bracelet Making
Tie Dying	Beading	Making Pottery	Clay Work
Brick Painting	Singing	Dancing	Storytelling
Wacky Olympics	Campfires	Ropes Courses	Climbing
Gaga Ball	Kickball	Basketball	Volleyball
Croquet	Water Play	No-Talent Show	Candle Lighting
Family Picnic	Archery	Special Guests

How do the campers get to the campgrounds?

The campers will meet at Annie’s Hope, check-in, and load their belongings into the buses that we lease. Campers will return to Annie’s Hope after camp to be picked up by family, or they will ride home with a family member who attends the Friday Closing Ceremony.

Where do the campers stay while at camp?

New location, new memories! In 2024, we are excited to announce camp will be hosted at Lake Williamson Christian Center.

Who are the counselors who will be with my children?

For every three to four campers, there is one Cabin Counselor. All counselors must be at least 18 years of age or older. There are also 4-6 Activities Counselors who help in arts and crafts, sporting events, hiking, fishing, archery, etc. The counselors’ most important role is to ensure the campers are safe, – physically and emotionally. They are also responsible for making sure each camper has the opportunity to try new things, master familiar skills, and share their grief.

What does it cost to attend Camp Courage or Camp Courage – Teens?

There is no fee to attend Camp Courage or Camp Courage – Teens, yet we need financial support to make the camps happen. The full value of attending Camp Courage or Camp Courage – Teens per camper is $1,300. Every family with an accepted camper will be expected to make a donation to the best of their ability. Any donation to help with the expenses is greatly appreciated. The donation can be raised from family, friends, co-workers, etc. or it can be from personal family funds. All donations will directly pay for Camp Courage/Camp Courage – Teens expenses. The amount of financial support decides how many campers may attend Camp Courage/Camp Courage – Teens. All donations are gratefully accepted no matter how small or large – $13, $130, $1,300. Your donation amount is strictly confidential. No child or teen is turned away because he or she is unable to make a donation.

How can my child/teen get involved in Camp Courage or Camp Courage – Teens?

Applications are required for every camper who wishes to participate in Camp Courage or Camp Courage – Teens. Applications must be fully completed when submitted to be considered for the camp experience. Campers will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with special preference to campers who have not previously attended Camp Courage in-person. All first-time campers must complete an interview with Annie’s Hope before acceptance is offered.

Camp applications include two parts. Each child, 6-10 years of age, will need both parts of the application to be completed by a parent or guardian. Each teenager, 11-18 years of age, will need to complete part 1 of the application while a parent or guardian will need to complete part 2 for the teen.

Forms may be completed by hand or electronically. To complete electronically, save the document to your device using the “save as” function. From there, complete and re-save the document. Finally, you may email the completed document as an attachment to Annie’s Hope. Alternatively, applications can be printed and mailed/faxed to Annie’s Hope. Our staff will contact you when applications are received to review the next steps.

CAMP 2024 APPLICATIONS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE IN JANUARY.

Interested in volunteering at Camp Courage and/or Camp Courage – Teens?

Awesome! Volunteering at Camp is a rewarding, joyful experience you aren’t soon to forget.

To learn more about being a Cabin Counselor, Activities Counselor, or Camp Nurse, email janad@annieshope.org.

To learn more about Camp Courage or Camp Courage – Teens, contact Jana Dutton, Camp & Retreat Coordinator, at janad@annieshope.org or (314) 965-5015.

Programs of Annie’s Hope are supported in part by generous grants from Cardinals Care, Jefferson Foundation, Mid-America Transplant Foundation, Missouri Baptist Healthcare Foundation, Old Newsboys Day Fund, and the Rotary Club of St. Louis.

Teen Retreats

"Annie's Hope has helped me cope, as well as reassure me that I'm not alone in this." - Mark, 17, grieving the death of his dad in a drowning accident.

2024 Teen Retreat

January 26 – 28, 2024
April 19 – 21 , 2024
July 19 – 21, 2024
October 18 – 21, 2024

Teen Retreats

Teen Retreat is a safe, non-threatening, supportive, non-judgmental, weekend gathering of teenagers who are grieving the death of someone significant. It is held at Sunnyhill Adventures in Dittmer, MO, and starts on Friday evening and ends on Sunday afternoon. At each retreat, there are up to 12 teens, and 3-4 facilitators. There are four Teen Retreats scheduled each year.

What will happen at the Teen Retreat?

The retreat offers a time for you to relax and have fun with other teens who share a common experience, to explore issues, concerns, and feelings about the death, and to discover more healthy ways for coping during the grieving process. You will determine your own level of participation in activities and discussion. There is time for you to go hiking, listen to music, climb a tower, play games, or simply hang out.

Will everyone else know each other?

Most of the teens coming to the retreat will not know anyone else. They will be meeting and making new friends just like you. Most of the teens are nervous or scared about spending a weekend with others whom they do not know. 99% of the time they say they are happy they joined us. They report that just being with peers helps them to feel less alone and more normal.

What are the activities that we may do while we are meeting in a group?

Some of the activities include clay work, creative writing, music, storytelling, stained glass, creation of stepping stones, drawing, temporary tattoos, charades, journalling, candle making, and graffiti walls.

What does it cost for a teen to get involved in a Teen Retreat?

There is no fee to attend a teen retreat, yet we need financial support to make the retreats happen. The value for each teen to attend is $1,240. As your teen is accepted, we ask every family to make a donation to the best of their ability – $12, $124, $1,240. All donations are gratefully accepted no matter how small or large. Your donation amount is strictly confidential. No family is turned away because they are unable to make a donation.

How can a teen get involved in a Teen Retreat?

An application is required for each teen who wishes to participate in Teen Retreat.

More Details

Application Part 1

Application Part 2

Please submit the completed application to applications@annieshope.org.

To learn more about Teen Retreats, contact Jana Dutton, Camp and Retreat Coordinator, at JanaD@annieshope.org or (314) 965-5015.

Programs of Annie’s Hope are supported in part by generous grants from Jefferson Foundation, Mid-America Transplant Foundation, Missouri Baptist Healthcare Foundation, and The Saigh Foundation.

Horizons - Anticipatory Grief Support

“I don’t know what we would have done without Horizons. For the girls to know they aren’t alone is huge,” - Courtney, husband to Charlie, mom to Maren & Zoe.

Horizons

Horizons is a child-centered anticipatory grief support program for families with kids between the ages of 3 and 18. It is the only program of its kind in the St. Louis region. Horizons home visits offer families understanding, support, and care as they anticipate the death of a family member. Children and teens participating in Horizons have a safe place to learn about death and explore their grief. The goal of Horizons is to help families discover peace, hope, and healing in a manner that is unique and personal to each member.

How does Horizons support a family?

Horizons exists to support individuals and families by providing an outlet for emotional, psychological, intellectual, social, and spiritual pain. We assist our families while they build and preserve memories; search for inner peace; explore and identify new, effective, healthy ways of coping; and discover hope for the future.

How does Horizons expect to meet the goal?

Specifically, Horizons aims to reach the goals established by:

Providing a caring, compassionate person who is trained in the grieving process to build a trusting, lasting relationship with the members of the family.
Providing a supportive environment where the family can let down their protective shields & release the pain of grief.
Offering and encouraging the preservation of memories e.g., picture albums, video & audiotapes, preservation of special clothes, identifying and gathering of meaningful momentos, identifying memory triggers, etc.)
Exploring wishes, interests, and hobbies of the dying individual in order to plan & implement meaningful experiences that will create lasting memories for the family eg., visit Clydesdale Horse Farm; meet and attend a performance of an entertainer of interest (Celine Dion, David Copperfield, etc.); & explore a new place or event never before experienced (city museum, St. Louis Symphony, Muny Theatre, etc.).
Helping each family to recognize unhealthy coping methods, through supporting the family’s unique coping styles & through exploring new ways of coping. Examples include claywork, journaling, music, poetry, physical release, storytelling, puppetry, imaginative play, adaptive games, gardening, woodworking, etc.
Fostering each family member’s spiritual journey towards hope, healing and inner peace.
Maintaining or establishing open communication between family members that will assist them in their grief journey.

Where does Horizons meet?

Horizons takes place in a location most safe, comfortable and convenient for the family. It may be in the family home, hospital, nursing home or hospice setting.

What does it cost to participate in the Horizons Program?

There is no fee for families to participate in the Horizons Program, yet we need financial support to make Horizons happen. The value of participation per family is $1,800. If a family is able to make a financial contribution, we strongly encourage them to do so. All donations are greatly appreciated no matter how small or large – $18, $180, $1,800. Your donation amount is strictly confidential. No family is turned away because they are unable to make a donation.

How can my family get involved in Horizons?

Contact Tracy Gomillion, Horizons Coordinator, at TracyG@annieshope.org or by calling (314) 965-5015.

Programs of Annie’s Hope are supported in part by generous grants from Blues for Kids, Jefferson Foundation, Mid-America Transplant Foundation, Missouri Baptist Healthcare Foundation, and The Saigh Foundation.

Social Events

"Dad! Look, my friend who is like me is here." - 5 year old boy grieving the death of his mom in a car accident.

Social Events

Social events are family or children & teen gatherings that offer Annie’s Hope families an opportunity to come together for fun while connecting to others who have shared similar losses.

Where are the social events?

The social events are held at a variety of locations. Some gatherings will be held at Annie’s Hope while others will be held at off-site locations.

What will we do at social events?

Choices for gatherings include Muny and Fox productions, bowling, ice skating, picnics, Bingo Night, visits to Six Flags, Magic House, St. Louis Science Center, Butterfly House, St. Louis Cardinals, Blues or Rams games, movie theatres, restaurants, etc.

What does it cost to attend a social event?

There is no fee for families to attend social events, yet we need financial support to make the social events happen. The average full value of each family to attend is $330. Any family who can make a donation is strongly encouraged to do so. All donations are gratefully accepted no matter how small or large – $3, $33, $330. Your donation amount is strictly confidential. No family is turned away because they are unable to make a donation.

How can a family reserve a space to attend?

A family can reserve a space by contacting Kaitlyn Paton, Program Director, at (314) 965-5015.

Organizational sponsors provide significant annual support for the programs of Annie’s Hope. Our 2022 – 2023 sponsors include ARCO, Accent Group Solutions, Villa Lighting Supply, Plaza Advisory Group, MSG Jewelers, Safety National, On The Run by Wallis Companies, Baue FuneralsCrematoryCemetery, Great Southern Bank, Hutchens Mortuary & Cremation Center, In Loving Memory of My Friend Patti Unland, Rottler Pest Solutions, and Schrader Funeral Home & Crematory.

Hope & Healing Gathering

Children with unresolved grief are 9x more likely to drop out of high school.

Hope & Healing Gathering

The Hope & Healing Gathering is an event where grieving families can reflect, renew and remember. Guests will meet other families who are struggling with a death just like they are. They will see for themselves that the holiday season can be tough for anyone who grieving a death. It is a time to pay tribute to those who have died and to remember just how she/he has and does impact our lives. It is a time to find hope in the friendship and support of those who care.

Who is invited to attend the Hope & Healing Gathering?

Any child or teen between the ages of 3 to 18 and their families may attend.

What can I expect at the Hope & Healing Gathering?

The program usually consists of music, poetry, family activity, and a candle lighting ceremony, whereby each attendee is invited to share something special about the person who died, and tribute performances provided by the families. Each family is encouraged to bring remembrance items for the tribute table. There is a reception at the end of the Hope & Healing Gathering.

When is the Hope & Healing Gathering?

The Gathering is held one evening in early December at 7 P.M.

Where is the Gathering held?

The Hope & Healing Gathering is held at the Webster Hills United Methodist Christian Life Center at the corner of Berry and Lockwood in Glendale.

What does it cost to attend the Hope & Healing Gathering?

There is no fee for families to attend the Hope & Healing Gathering, yet we need financial support to make it happen. The value for each family to attend is $280. Any family that can make a financial contribution is strongly encouraged to do so. All donations are gratefully accepted no matter how small or large – $2, $28, $280. Your donation amount is strictly confidential. No family is turned away because they are unable to make a donation.

How can a family reserve a space to attend?

A family can reserve a space by contacting Kaitlyn Paton, Program Director, by phone at (314) 965-5015 or by email at TracyG@annieshope.org or RSVP@annieshope.org.

Programs of Annie’s Hope are supported in part by generous grants from St. Louis Christmas Carols Association, the St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer, Veterans United Foundation, and YouthBridge Foundation.

Speakers Institute

"You (Annie's Hope) showed me it's okay to cry." -McKenzie, 7 year old who didn't shed a single tear when her sister died of heart disease.

Speakers Institute

Speakers Institute is a network of trained individuals who educate professionals, school personnel and the community-at-large about a variety of death, dying and grief topics.

What topics will be discussed?

Areas of expertise include how to support dying children, teens and their families; children and teens who are grieving a life-threatening illness of a significant person; bereaved children, teens, and their families; caregivers of terminally ill children and teens; how to plan, implement & evaluate support work for grieving kids; & available resources to provide support work for grieving kids. Education may come in the form of lectures, exercises and/or “hands-on” experiences relating to the grieving process: what is normal grief; how to explain death, dying and bereavement to kids; what tools can be utilized for grieving kids; what tools work best for specific age groups; what are “red flags” to watch for; should children attend funerals and if so, what should be their involvement; what services are available in the community; & how can family, friends, teachers, & the faith community help bereaved families.

Where are the seminars or workshops held?

If Annie’s Hope is sponsoring the seminar or workshop, it will be held at a location of Annie’s Hope choosing, most often at the office location. Otherwise, it will be scheduled at a site chosen by the requesting group.

What is the cost of attending a seminar or workshop?

The cost to providing a seminar or workshop depends on the topics chosen, length of the seminar/workshop, location of the seminar/workshop, style of the seminar/workshop, & size of the audience. Some seminars have a fee assigned to each attendee. If not, each attendee is asked to make a donation to the best of her/his ability.

Do you offer any extensive trainings?

Annie’s Hope also hosts a Comprehensive Grief Workshop. It is an in-house, 30 hour, comprehensive, didactic and experiential, grief training. Social workers, counselors, school staff, teachers, hospice staff, nurses, physicians, clergy, private practice therapists, volunteers and community advocates for grieving kids etc. are welcome to attend. It is offered once a year.

Annie’s Hope will host the 2023 Comprehensive Grief Workshop

July 20 – 21 & 24 – 25. Learn more and apply HERE.

How can I request a speaker or get a schedule?

For a schedule of seminars/workshops sponsored by Annie’s Hope or to request a speaker at your seminar/workshop/conference, please contact Kaitlyn Paton at (314) 965-5015 or KaitlynP@annieshope.org.

Grief Referral Service

"Thank you for this therapist. Evan doesn't fight me to go anymore and he actually thanked me for taking him!" - mom of a teenage boy grieving the death of his dad from suicide.

Grief Referral Service

The Grief Community Referral Service is a service provided for individuals and families who would be best served through programs other than those offered by Annie’s Hope.

How does the Grief Referral Service work?

An individual contacts the office of Annie’s Hope. A brief needs assessment will be completed to evaluate if Annie’s Hope offers the programs or services most appropriate. If necessary, the individual or family will be referred to another agency that can best meet their needs.

What does it cost to use the Grief Referral Service?

There is no fee to utilize our Grief Referral Service, yet we need financial support to make it available. The full value for a child, teen or adult to utilize our Grief Referral Service is $35 per person. We would be grateful if every family who utilizes our Grief Referral Service would make a donation to the best of their ability – $3, $18, $35. Your donation amount is strictly confidential. The donation can be raised from family, friends, co-workers, etc. or it can be from personal family funds. Do not hesitate to utilize the Grief Referral Service even if you cannot donate. No family is turned away simply because they are unable to make a donation.

How can I get a grief referral?

To get a customized list of referrals for your family, please contact Kaitlyn Paton, Program Director, at KaitlynP@annieshope.org or (314) 965-5015.

Programs of Annie’s Hope are supported in part by generous grants from St. Louis Christmas Carols Association, the St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer, Veterans United Foundation, and YouthBridge Foundation.

Community Resource Library

"I love this book. It is simple, to the point, and just what I needed." - a grandma trying to understand what her grandkids are going through since their mom died by murder.

Community Resource Library

The Community Resource Library is a lending library at Annie’s Hope, which is located within the Webster Hills United Methodist Christian Life Center. It is a peaceful, quiet, inviting place that offers grieving families, professionals, and the community-at-large materials and resources on the topics of dying, death and bereavement.

There are over 500 books that touch upon a variety of aspects of grief. Audio tapes and videotapes are also available. All materials can be borrowed at no cost. There are resources for grieving children, teens and parents, resources for family and friends, as well as materials for professionals in need of information.

Some of the topics include:

grief of children	grief of teens	support for parents and caregivers of grieving children and teens
children’s picture books	death of a parent	death of a sibling
death of a classmate	death of a grandparent	death of a newborn
death of a pet	masculine styles of grieving	feminine styles of grieving
widows and grief	death by suicide	death by murder
death by HIV/AIDS	feelings	self-esteem
angels	near-death experiences	nearing-death awareness
spiritual support	funerals	hospice care
coping with life threatening illness	work books	journals
coloring pages	academic publications	death, dying & grief research

What does it cost to use the Community Resource Library?

There is no fee to utilize the Community Resource Library, yet financial support is needed to maintain, expand and update it. The purchase and use of one book is valued at $20. Any donation to help with the upkeep is greatly appreciated. Your donation amount is strictly confidential. No family is turned away because they are unable to make a donation.

If I want I copy of a book, can I get one from Annie’s Hope?

If you would like to own a particular resource, the staff will order one for you at your expense or provide you with a website for direct ordering. Resources may be borrowed for one month with the option for renewal. Please contact Kaitlyn Paton, Program Director, at KaitlynP@annieshope.org or (314) 965-5015.