The Den for Grieving Kids Wins Statewide Award

The Connecticut Coalition to Improve End-of-Life Care CTEOL) recently honored The Den for Grieving Kids, Family Centers’ bereavement support program for children and their families, for clinical excellence.

At its annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, January 22, CTEOL President Eileen O’Shea presented The Den with its Safe Passage Award for Outstanding Clinical Care. Chelsea McGee, Family Centers’ Manager of Clinical Services, and Julianne Green, Coordinator of The Den for Grieving Kids, accepted the honor.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the Connecticut Coalition to Improve End-of-Life Care,” said McGee. “This award is validation that what we are doing at The Den is important, needed work. We are continuously striving to provide support and create a safe place for the families who come to us during very difficult times in their lives. This award honors and recognizes this special grief community.”

The Connecticut Coalition to Improve End-of-Life Care was founded in 1999. CTEOL is a statewide coalition that seeks to improve care for the dying and their families and to ensure that everyone has information about and access to compassionate, quality end-of-life care. The organization advocates for professional and institutional standards, continuity of care, patient and family satisfaction, and an appreciation of spirituality, religious and cultural diversity. CTEOL also fosters an atmosphere of inclusion, open discussion, and creative thinking.

The Den for Grieving Kids provides a safe, caring place for children, teens and families to explore their feelings about the loss and begin the journey toward healing. Free bi-weekly evening support groups meet at Family Centers’ Greenwich offices, and student support groups are offered in several schools across Fairfield County. For more information, visit www.familycenters.org/The-Den-for-Grieving-Kids.

Family Centers is a private, nonprofit organization offering heath, education and human services to children, adults and families in Fairfield County. More than 200 professionals and 1,200 trained volunteers work together to provide a wide range of responsive, innovative programs. A United Way, Community Fund of Darien and New Canaan Community Foundation partner agency, Family Centers is a member of the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies and is accredited by The Joint Commission and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The agency is licensed by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health. Visit www.familycenters.org for additional information.