Grief Support Services Available for Children in Whatcom County

The lawyers at Carmichael Clark are committed to giving back to the community and do so by donating our time and other resources to various local non-profit, and other organizations. Carmichael Clark’s lawyers serve on local boards of directors, provide pro bono legal services, mentor young lawyers and area youth, and volunteer as a way to enhance the community in which we live, and the lives of others.

As an example, I am affiliated with Kids’ Council Northwest a local non-profit organization that provides grief support services in Whatcom County for children, teens and their families after they have suffered the loss of a loved one. Kids’ Council Northwest provides resources and support to schools and the community and runs The TreeHouse program, a peer support group program for grieving children, teens, and their families. The mission of The TreeHouse is to offer a safe place for children, teens and their families to find nurturing support when a loved one dies. Children and teens meet in a supportive environment to share their thoughts and feelings in a talking circle and through grief related activities, art and play. Trained volunteers facilitate each support group. Parents and guardians meet in an adult support groups to talk about concerns and emotions related to their own grief and to raising grieving youth. The reason these services are so important is because children and teens who are grieving often feel isolated. They may have difficulty in school or suffer from depression. Providing a safe place for children, teens and their families to come together in mutual support can break isolation and offer hope. The services provided are free to program participants.

To learn more information about Kids’ Council Northwest you can visit its’ website, and can view a very special video that provides information about The TreeHouse program and its impact on two local families.

-Jolyn Hunt, Attorney