Annie's Hope

Programs & Services

COVID-19 Response

Annie’s Hope is OPEN and resuming IN-PERSON programs!!

Do not hesitate to reach us at (314) 965-5015 or kidsgriefmatters@annieshope.org.

For additional online resources visit https://childrengrieve.org/resources

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 towards 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.

See Program & Services Calendar for full schedule.

Annie’s Hope is supported in part by generous grants and contributions from ARCO, Clifford Willard Gaylord Foundation, Hallmark Stone, Jefferson Foundation, William T. Kemper Foundation, Mid-America Transplant Foundation, St. Louis Christmas Carols Association, St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer, and the Scott Harris Oliphant 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.
< July 2021 >
SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday
        1Camp Courage ... Goes Virtual!Camp Courage ... Goes Virtual!Camp Courage ... Goes Virtual! is a five-day virtual camp for kids ages 6 - 18. 2Camp Courage ... Goes Virtual!Camp Courage ... Goes Virtual!Camp Courage ... Goes Virtual! is a five-day virtual camp for kids ages 6 - 18. 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17Volunteer TrainingVolunteer TrainingTime: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
A 7 hour training session to prepare interested persons to be a skilled, confident, creative program volunteer. Contact KatieW@annieshope.org for more info.
18 19 20Family Support GroupsFamily Support GroupsTime: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Weekly Support Groups for parents/guardians, children & teens. Meets 8 Tuesday evenings.
Dinner at 6 PM, support group 6:30 - 8 PM.
July 20 - September 7. See "Family Support Groups" for virtual program updates. 		21 22Comprehensive Grief WorkshopComprehensive Grief Workshop4 day, 30 hour didactic and experiential grief training for social workers, counselors, therapists, nurses, physicians, clergy, school personnel etc. Learn theory, experience tools, design support groups, practice self-care, connect with others, etc. July 22, 23, 26, & 27. This Workshop will be in-person. Should circumstances demand a different format, CGW will transition to a 20-hour virtual program on the same dates. 23Teen RetreatTeen RetreatTwo night, weekend (Friday, 5:15 PM - Sunday, 2:30 PM) experience just for grieving teenagers, 13-18 years of age. A time for fun mixed with reflection and exploration of their personal grief journey. See "Teen Retreats" for virtual program updates. Comprehensive Grief WorkshopComprehensive Grief Workshop4 day, 30 hour didactic and experiential grief training for social workers, counselors, therapists, nurses, physicians, clergy, school personnel etc. Learn theory, experience tools, design support groups, practice self-care, connect with others, etc. July 22, 23, 26, & 27. This Workshop will be in-person. Should circumstances demand a different format, CGW will transition to a 20-hour virtual program on the same dates. 24Teen RetreatTeen RetreatTwo night, weekend (Friday, 5:15 PM - Sunday, 2:30 PM) experience just for grieving teenagers, 13-18 years of age. A time for fun mixed with reflection and exploration of their personal grief journey. See "Teen Retreats" for virtual program updates.
25Teen RetreatTeen RetreatTwo night, weekend (Friday, 5:15 PM - Sunday, 2:30 PM) experience just for grieving teenagers, 13-18 years of age. A time for fun mixed with reflection and exploration of their personal grief journey. See "Teen Retreats" for virtual program updates. 26Comprehensive Grief WorkshopComprehensive Grief Workshop4 day, 30 hour didactic and experiential grief training for social workers, counselors, therapists, nurses, physicians, clergy, school personnel etc. Learn theory, experience tools, design support groups, practice self-care, connect with others, etc. July 22, 23, 26, & 27. This Workshop will be in-person. Should circumstances demand a different format, CGW will transition to a 20-hour virtual program on the same dates. 27Comprehensive Grief WorkshopComprehensive Grief Workshop4 day, 30 hour didactic and experiential grief training for social workers, counselors, therapists, nurses, physicians, clergy, school personnel etc. Learn theory, experience tools, design support groups, practice self-care, connect with others, etc. July 22, 23, 26, & 27. This Workshop will be in-person. Should circumstances demand a different format, CGW will transition to a 20-hour virtual program on the same dates. Family Support GroupsFamily Support GroupsTime: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Weekly Support Groups for parents/guardians, children & teens. Meets 8 Tuesday evenings.
Dinner at 6 PM, support group 6:30 - 8 PM.
July 20 - September 7. See "Family Support Groups" for virtual program updates. 		28 29 30 31
Categories
 Programs

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.

Woop! Woop!

Our next set of Family Support Groups will be

IN-PERSON!

Beginning with the July 2021 session of Family Support Groups, all groups will take place in-person at our Glendale office.

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 either Tuesday or Wednesday 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 $725 per child/teen.  We would be grateful if every family who attends would make a donation to the best of their ability – $7, $72, $725.  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 VIRTUAL groups (ages 3-12)

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

Click here for the ADULT application for VIRTUAL groups

Click here to see specific dates for the next set of Family Support Groups.

To apply or learn more, please contact Emily Freeman, Family Support Group Coordinator, at EmilyF@annieshope.org, or Linda Grana, Program Assistant, at LindaG@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.

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 each set with a seventh session held about four weeks later as an opportunity to assess further student progress.  The number of participants is limited to eight per group.  The sessions occur during or immediately after school, whichever works best with the school schedule.  There is a focus each week that is 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 $200 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 $1,200.  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 Kaitlyn Paton, School Support & Education Coordinator, at (314) 965-5015 or  KaitlynP@annieshope.org.

Programs of Annie’s Hope are supported in part by generous grants
from Blues for Kids, Dana Brown Charitable Trust, Employees Community Fund of
Boeing St. Louis, Jefferson Foundation, Kate’s Heart, and The Saigh Foundation.

Summer Camps

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

Annie’s Hope is thrilled to announce our 2021 summer camp programming!

To accommodate all families in light of COVID-19, Annie’s Hope is amending our traditional programming to host Camp Courage in person and virtually!

Camp Courage will be hosted in-person Monday, June 14th – Friday, June 18th at Sunnyhill Adventures in Dittmer, MO.  Campers ages 6 – 18 will be accepted.  Campers, staff, and volunteers must abide by pre-arrival expectations as outlined in the Camp Courage COVID-19 Protocols document.  We encourage parents & guardians to review the protocols before deciding which camp format is best for their family.

Camp Courage will also be held virtually Monday, June 28 – Friday, July 2 via Zoom for campers ages 6 – 18.  A supply kit will be delivered to each camper for use throughout the week; we also have a limited number of Zoom-enabled devices for campers to lease if needed.

Annie’s Hope must limit the number of campers for our in-person Camp Courage experience to support proper distancing.  We recognize that we may not be able to accept every camper interested in participating in-person due to these limits.  Please indicate on your child(ren)’s application if you would like to be considered for both offerings of Camp Courage, should we reach capacity for the in-person experience.

How will you ensure the safety of the campers, staff, and volunteers?

Hosting Camp Courage in-person was not a decision that was made lightly.  Annie’s Hope staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to amend our traditional camp model to allow for a COVID-era camp experience that is as safe and fun as possible.  However, attending any in-person gathering is not without risk.  Please review the Camp Courage COVID-19 Protocols document to learn more about safety while at Camp.

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.  To ensure the safety of all campers, staff, and volunteers, campers are required to check-in at Annie’s Hope.  Dropping off a camper directly to Sunnyhill is not allowed.  Campers will return to Annie’s Hope after Camp Courage to be picked up by family or they will ride home with a pre-approved family member who attends the Closing Ceremony on Friday.

Where do the campers stay while at Camp Courage?

Campers will stay in air-conditioned cabins with bunk beds and bathrooms.  The dining hall is located in a separate building.

Who are the counselors who will be with my children?

Each cabin will consist of 5 campers and 2 volunteer cabin counselors.  There are also 2 volunteers who will help in Arts & Crafts.  All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age or older, participate in an interview with Annie’s Hope, and complete a background screening.  The volunteers’ 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?

There is no fee to attend Camp Courage, yet we need financial support to make the camps happen.  The full value of attending Camp Courage in-person per camper is $925, while the financial value of participating virtually is $359.  Every family with an accepted camper is 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, or it can be from personal family funds.  All donations will directly pay for Camp Courage expenses.  All donations are gratefully accepted no matter how small or large – $9, $92, $925.  Your donation is strictly confidential.  No child or teen is turned away because he or she is unable to make a donation.

How can my child get involved in Camp Courage?

Applications are required for every camper who wishes to participate in Camp Courage.  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.

Forms may be completed by hand or electronically.  To complete electronically, save the document to your PC/laptop 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, or they 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 Courage (in person)
Application Part 1
Application Part 2
Parent/Guardian Packet
COVID-19 Protocols

Camp Courage (virtual)
Application Part 1
Application Part 2
Parent/Guardian Packet

Interested in volunteering at Camp Courage?

Awesome!  Volunteering at Camp Courage is a rewarding, joyful experience you aren’t soon to forget.  Access a volunteer application here.

Want to help yet circumstances prevent you from volunteering? 

No trouble.  Support Camp Courage by spreading the word about our need for volunteers, collecting donations to sponsor a camper, or donating a few items from our camp wish list.  Any effort to support the kids of Annie’s Hope is amazing!

Need a smile today?  Click here to view our “No-Talent Show” from Camp Courage 2020 … Goes Virtual!

To learn more about Camp Courage, contact Katie Waters, Camp & Retreat Coordinator, at KatieW@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 Fund for Children,
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.

YEA!!! Teen Retreats are resuming IN-PERSON.

Please contact us at KatieW@annieshope.org

or (314) 965-5015.

Teen Retreats

The 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 at 5:15 P.M. and ends on Sunday around 2:30 P.M. 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 claywork, 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 $880. As your teen is accepted, we ask every family to make a donation to the best of their ability – $8, $88, $880.  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

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

To learn more about Teen Retreats, contact Katie Waters, Camp & Retreat Coordinator, at KatieW@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,
and Missouri Baptist Healthcare 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.

Good News! Good News!  Horizons visits are now offered IN-PERSON!

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 $1,300.  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 – $13, $130, $1,300.  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 Kaitlyn Paton, Program Director, at KaitlynP@annieshope.org or by calling (314) 965-5015.

Programs of Annie’s Hope are supported in part by generous grants
from Jefferson Foundation, Edward & Thea Lawton 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 $230. Any family who can make a donation is strongly encouraged to do so.  All donations are gratefully accepted no matter how small or large – $2, $23, $230.  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 or RSVP@annieshope.org.

Organizational sponsors provide significant annual support for programs of Annie’s Hope.
Our 2020-2021 sponsors include: ARCO, Accent Group Solutions, Plaza Advisory Group,
UPS Foundation, MSG Jewelers, Precision Daylighting, Tarlton, Villa Lighting Supply,
We Are Smiling for Andrea, Baue Funerals*Crematory*Cemetery, Blattel & Associates,
Bopp Chapel, WM Electric LLC, Gildehaus Construction, Great Southern Bank,
Hackett Security, Hutchens Mortuary & Cremation Center, Metropolitan Build,
On the Run by Wallis Companies, Schrader Funeral Home & Crematory,
Smoked by Grace – Mark McLean, and State Farm Insurance – Ron Schmidt.

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 usually the second Friday of 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 $200. 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, $20, $200.  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 KaitlynP@annieshope.org or RSVP@annieshope.org.

Programs of Annie’s Hope are supported in part by generous grants
from Grief Reach – a project of New York Life Foundation
& the National Alliance for Grieving Children,
Mid-America Transplant Foundation, St. Louis Christmas Carols Association,
and St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer.

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 lecture, 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 2021 Comprehensive Grief Workshop
July 22 – 23 & 26 – 27.  Learn more and apply here. We are committed to hosting this Workshop in-person.  If circumstances demand a different format, we will transition to a 20-hour virtual program with committed attendees refunded the difference in registration fees.  Attendees will receive the same training materials as provided for the in-person Workshop.

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 Nicole Rhodes at (314) 965-5015 or NicoleR@annieshope.org.

Organizational sponsors provide significant annual support for programs of Annie’s Hope.
Our 2020-2021 sponsors include: ARCO, Accent Group Solutions, Plaza Advisory Group,
UPS Foundation, MSG Jewelers, Precision Daylighting, Tarlton, Villa Lighting Supply,
We Are Smiling for Andrea, Baue Funerals*Crematory*Cemetery, Blattel & Associates,
Bopp Chapel, WM Electric LLC, Gildehaus Construction, Great Southern Bank,
Hackett Security, Hutchens Mortuary & Cremation Center, Metropolitan Build,
On the Run by Wallis Companies, Schrader Funeral Home & Crematory,
Smoked by Grace – Mark McLean, and State Farm Insurance – Ron Schmidt.

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 $24 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 – $2, $12, $24.   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 Grief Reach – a project of New York Life Foundation
& the National Alliance for Grieving Children,
Mid-America Transplant Foundation, St. Louis Christmas Carols Association,
and St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer.

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 parental support 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. 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.

To donate a book to our Library, check out our book wish list.

Organizational sponsors provide significant annual support for programs of Annie’s Hope.
Our 2020-2021 sponsors include: ARCO, Accent Group Solutions, Plaza Advisory Group,
UPS Foundation, MSG Jewelers, Precision Daylighting, Tarlton, Villa Lighting Supply,
We Are Smiling for Andrea, Baue Funerals*Crematory*Cemetery, Blattel & Associates,
Bopp Chapel, WM Electric LLC, Gildehaus Construction, Great Southern Bank,
Hackett Security, Hutchens Mortuary & Cremation Center, Metropolitan Build,
On the Run by Wallis Companies, Schrader Funeral Home & Crematory,
Smoked by Grace – Mark McLean, and State Farm Insurance – Ron Schmidt.

 

Programs & Services Photo Gallery

The Faces of Hope

Abbie’s Story…from tragedy to triumph