July 23, 2024

School Counselor Praises EveryStep's In-School Grief Groups

When a child experiences the death of a loved one, they are more likely to experience future behavioral, academic and relational challenges. Research published by the American Psychological Association concludes childhood bereavement is a significant social and public health issue also associated with outcomes like substance abuse and suicide, but services and resources for bereaved youth are insufficient.

EveryStep’s school-based grief groups are addressing this issue.

EveryStep Grief & Loss Services’ in-school groups include age-appropriate activities to help students share emotions and connect with peers who have also experienced significant losses. Creston middle school counselor Sheri Blair sees first-hand the benefits of offering these EveryStep grief groups to the students she serves.

“Most of our students are dealing with the loss of a grandparent or a parent,” says Blair. “For a lot of these students, it’s the first time that’s happened. Death is difficult for anybody at any life stage, but it’s a challenging concept for pre-teens and teenagers who are just figuring their own selves out. Now, they’re faced with mortality as well.”

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Blair says grief can manifest at various times and in unexpected ways, especially for students. “Recently, one of the students was watching a movie in class in which there was a death. It triggered them because of the death of their loved one and they had to leave class. It was nice to have this school group, so they could talk with their peers and the EveryStep facilitator, as well as myself. It's just one more person on the team for these kids.”

Grief is usually associated with a death, but EveryStep recognizes that loss is also experienced in other ways, including divorce. “Students may experience trauma losing the family dynamic they were used to,” says Blair. “These changes may feel like a connection loss versus a death loss and that can really impact the mental health of some students.”

A school counselor for eight years, including two in the Creston School District, Blair has worked with students in all levels, K-12. She has seen the need for the EveryStep Grief & Loss school-based groups.

“Some of these students are suicidal and some of it stems from the grief sort of piling on, with other things happening in their lives. To be able to have this group to process all those things makes them feel like they're not having to face it all by themselves.”

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Amanda the Panda provides six-week in-school support groups throughout the year on a first-come, first-served limited basis. The in-school groups are unique to other Amanda the Panda programs because they are open to students who have experienced losses beyond death of a loved one, such as loss from divorce, custody removal, absence of a caregiver, terminal diagnosis of a loved one and more. If you have questions, please email griefandloss@everystep.org. For more information and resources, click here.

EveryStep's Grief & Loss programs, including in-school support groups, are provided free of charge. These programs are part of EveryStep's commitment to ensuring no one falls through the gaps. Our support system helps children and adults access resources and services to walk beside them as they build resilience and become empowered to face life's challenges. Your gift shows your commitment to EveryStep's mission to empower individuals, support families and strengthen communities.

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