LEARNING & NETWORKING WITH OTHER GRIEF SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS

It’s been quite the summer. We’ve been gearing up to begin groups this month with more families than ever before. Plus, the start of the school year means more Grief Informed School training and community outreach. It’s been a busy summer preparing, so we’re ready for it! 

But first, we want to share something really cool:

Did you know Billy’s Place is part of a nationwide cohort of child and family grief resource centers? We’re completely independent, but we have friends in every state to lean on for fresh ideas – and to share how awesome the Billy’s Place community is! 

In June, most of our staff participated with dozens of other organizations in the National Alliance for Children’s Grief Symposium. We heard from speakers on everything from program improvements to organizational development, and everything in between. The networking is always amazing, being in the company of those who “get” us and sharing our passion for helping grieving kiddos!

Here’s what jumps out to us that we’ll be rolling into Billy’s Place plans this year. And, did you know we’re always – always – open to feedback? It is important to hear from our families about how we can improve.

Highlights from the 25th Annual National Alliance for Children’s Grief symposium:

Sustainability. Sustainability. Sustainability. 

This was a biggie. After all, we can’t serve kids and families if we don’t have a secure foundation. Thanks to generous supporters of Billy’s Place, we’re able to focus on sustainability throughout the year. Coming soon, we’ll be introducing a new “No Child Grieves Alone” Arizona license plate that will help with awareness and fundraising. 

We’re also making more connections all the time in the community – with schools, homecare agencies, health care organizations and more. In fact, we’re so busy that Juli, our founder, recently took on an additional role as Community Outreach Specialist. And when we invite you to support Billy’s Place with a donation, it’s because sustainability is so important for our community.   

The impact of grief on education and growth.

There’s a common misconception that grief means feeling sad. It’s so much more than that. There is a clinical element – an effect on the prefrontal cortex of the brain – that makes every aspect of life more difficult. 

For kids who are grieving, this means it’s harder to learn and to control impulses. Grief affects memory and contributes to chronic stress that affects behaviors, moods, academics… you name it. 

We heard from other organizations and funders working together, recognizing that grief support is about a kid’s well-being and success in school. We know you get it. Together we can work to make sure others get it, too. 

Data! 

Micki Burns with the JAG Institute made data fun! No, really – she did! She dressed up as Alex Trebec to create Jagpardy using information from the Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model. I don’t have to tell you that this is heavy stuff, but at Billy’s Place, and among our fellow organizations, we find a light-hearted approach goes a long way. 

When we approach funders or as we internally evaluate our programs, we’re always doing it based on data. It’s not a gut-feeling, it’s proven best practices. For example, did you know that 1 in 13 kids nationwide will lose a parent before they turn 18, but here in Arizona it’s 1 in 12? 

Partnership with New York Life Foundation.

New York Life Foundation isn’t just an incredible partner to Billy’s Place. Their Grief Sensitive Schools Initiative and support for organizations like ours leaves an impactful footprint from coast to coast. 

We, as a current grantee, were honored to come together with colleagues and friends from New York Life Foundation to reaffirm our commitment to kids and families experiencing grief. Kaylene and Ruquiayah spearhead all of our school initiatives and joined me at the special reception and full-day training. To say we left feeling grateful and motivated is an understatement! Here’s to 2022-2023 being our most engaging school year yet! 

Inspiration for the new Billy’s Place home. 

Last winter I toured Mourning Hope in Lincoln, Nebraska. Then at the symposium we visited New Hope for Kids’ new digs. Soon, it’ll be our turn! 

Billy’s Place needs a home. Our space is as homey as we can make it, and I’m so proud of the atmosphere we’re able to create in a small space in an office park. But, our kids and families deserve more. And with numbers of deaths and families turning to us increasing every year – we need to expand. Soon. 

Later this year, we’ll be sharing details about our vision for a ranch with space for families, kids, teens, hanging out, sanctuaries, communal dinners, laughing together… a space for all of the emotions and personalities! 

Until then, check out this gorgeous example from New Hope for Kids: