Annie's Hope ~ Providing support for children, teens and families who are grieving

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, sponsorships, fund raising events, and grants. Families served through the programs of Annie's Hope are encouraged to make a donation to the best of their ability.

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:

Family Support Groups (8 week support groups and monthly support groups).
Camp Courage and Camp Erin - St. Louis (week-long, overnight)
Teen Retreats, Moms Retreat, and Dads Getaways (overnight, weekend)
Family Social Events (miniature golf, bowling, theme parties, barbecues, etc.)
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; crisis intervention, school staff training)
Hope & Healing Holiday Gathering (one evening, open to any grieving family)
Horizons (anticipatory grief support)
Community Resource Library
Grief Community Referral Service
Speakers Institute

What kind of things do you do in support groups and Camp Courage/Camp Erin - St. Louis?
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	2011
One program	Ten+ programs
Five volunteers	450 volunteers
75 individuals served	539 kids & adults with almost 7000 contacts
0 employees	Six paid employees, 2 volunteer "employees"
$4,000 budget	$390,000 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 recognize that kids' grief matters. 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.

Providing comprehensive
support services for
children, teens and
their families who are
grieving the death of
someone significant.