Bi-lingual Grief Counseling Programs for Children Who Lost a Loved One provided by A Caring Hand

NEW YORK - Feb. 24, 2016 - PRLog -- A Caring Hand, The Billy Esposito Foundation, will hold a press event and community launch, Tuesday, March 1, 2016, 9am-10am, at City College of New York, Shephard Hall, Room 250, 160 Convent Avenue, New York 10031, to officially announce NYC's first bilingual grief counseling services for underserved communities. The foundation is the only New York City nonprofit solely dedicated to helping grieving children and their caregivers. The Harlem-based 11-week children's counseling programs will begin sessions on March 23, 2016. The sessions will utilize art therapy and storytelling and are free or fee-based on income. These grief counseling services will be offered at donated space at the Harlem Children's Zone on East 125th street. The program in the Harlem location are made possible by grants from the New York Life Foundation and A Little Hope, Inc.

Each year, more than 4,000 New York City school children experience the death of a parent or sibling, and sadly, only a fraction of them receive counseling. At A Caring Hand, children learn skills to manage their grief, meet others who know how they feel, and have fun. Their parents and caregivers get support to guide their children. Places are still available for families who would like to register for the March groups. Volunteers are also welcome for special community projects. Interested families should contact A Caring Hand at 212-229-CARE (2273) or email robingoodman@acaringhand.org, and read more at www.acaringhand.org.

“When a child loses a loved one, their world is turned upside down. We know grief that goes underground can lead to lifelong problems at school, work, and in relationships. Following group, we find drops in depression for both children and caregivers and improvement in grief related symptoms,” said Dr. Robin Goodman, PhD, A Caring Hand Executive Director. “We are grateful for the New York Life Foundation and A Little Hope’s investment in this targeted community. Their support will help grieving children and their families feel less alone after a life changing event.”

"The New York Life Foundation is committed to ensuring that all grieving children have access to appropriate bereavement services," said Maria Collins, Vice President, the New York Life Foundation.  "We are pleased to support the expansion of A Caring Hand's services to grieving Spanish speaking families who have limited and/or no access to grief support services."

“We are thrilled to continue our support of A Caring Hand’s expansion into the Harlem community. Their work with multicultural residents is exceptional and needs to grow in many more Harlem’s of the world,” said Richard Schimel, President, A Little Hope, Inc.

A Caring Hand, The Billy Esposito Foundation is the only nonprofit in New York City solely dedicated to helping grieving children, teens and caregivers as well as professionals who care about them, access information and find a community of support. This is accomplished with a comprehensive program of counseling, support, research, consultation and crisis response. A Caring Hand has expanded its services to Harlem and serves families throughout New York City through grants to address grief-specific issues facing families and cultural barriers to mental health services. www.acaringhand.org