Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is your mission?

To provide comprehensive support services to children, teens and their families who are grieving the death of someone significant.

 

Who do you serve? 

Kids ages 3-18 along with their families in the greater St. Louis area and surrounding counties. 

 

Is there a cost for your services?

Our services are offered at no cost to grieving families.  We are supported solely through donations and grants.

 

Where are you located? 

1333 W. Lockwood, Suite 104 in Glendale, MO 63122 in the Christian Life Center building.

 

What programs do you offer? 

We currently offer 10 programs:

1. Support Groups for Families (8 sessions, one evening a week)
2. Camp Courage (week-long, overnight)
3. Teen Retreats (weekend)
4. Family Social Events (miniature golf, bowling, theme parties, barbecues, etc.)
5. School Support and Education (6 sessions, once a week with small group of students in school                          setting, or a class or entire school session with common grief issue)
6. Hope & Healing Holiday Gathering (one night open to any grieving family)
7. Horizons (impending death support)
8. Community Resource Library
9. Grief Community Referral Service
10. Speaker’s Institute

What kind of things do you do in support groups and Camp Courage?

Each age group has different needs, but in general communication is opened up through artwork, games and music.  Here are some examples of the issues addressed and the activities that are utilized to create a safe, comfortable place to communicate.  Each individual determines his/her own level of participation. 

Getting aquainted: making creative name tags, talking stick, name game, self portrait.

Change:  storytelling, collage, Butterflies and Caterpillars

Grief Rituals:  clay work, puppet show, personal tribute

Feelings:  feelings masks, feeling bag, emotion stations, worry doll, role playing, music

Caring or Support Circle:  card to parents or caregiver, caring tree, pillow of love

Preservation of memories:  show & tell, quilt blocks, scrapbook, stepping stones, collage

Legacy:  planting, poem, candle making, graffiti wall

Good-bye:  self-portrait, party, display of artwork 

Growth Stats:

1998                                        2006

One program                           Ten programs

Five volunteers                       400 volunteers

75 individuals served              Over 600 served

0 employees                            Four employees

$4,000 budget                         $175,000 budget 

How can I help Annie’s Hope serve grieving kids?  

Financially:  Because our services are free, we exist solely through the generosity of people who care about grieving kids.  Ways you can help include, personal donations, connecting us to individuals or businesses who might have an interest in seeing us succeed and helping with our annual fundraisers.  Also, in-kind gifts and services are greatly appreciated. 

Volunteer:  Get involved and give some of your time in fundraising, office support, program facilitation, and other (See the volunteer application for more details).  You’ll never regret it!  No matter what your time and talents, we have a place for you.

Ambassador:  Let others know about us and send families our way.