Children and Teens
Children and Teens programs are for children and teens who have a loved one diagnosed with cancer, or who have lost a loved one to cancer.
Children’s Bereavement Packages
Description: To comfort grieving children, we have bereavement packages available. These packages include a stuffed grief bear and resources. These kits are available upon request.
To receive a Children’s Bereavement package please call 905-579-4833 or email Janette@hearthplace.org
Healing Kids Hearts
Description: A six week support group for children who have recently lost a loved one to cancer. Activity based grief exploration, coping strategies and memory keepsakes are the focus of this group. Two separate age groups run simultaneously ages 4-6 and ages 7-12.
Register: Please call 905-579-4833 or email Janette@hearthplace.org to register for this program.
Facilitators: Betty VanKoughnett and Kristyn Zaffino
Individual Support
Description: Individual support can be arranged for children who need some extra short term support coping with the diagnosis of or the loss of a family member to cancer. Play based learning is a therapeutic process that provides opportunities for children to explore, identify and express emotions in a psychologically safe, secure and trusting environment. Play based learning is suitable for children ages 4 to 12.
Individual sessions are arranged with our Child Life Specialist based on individual need. Please contact Janette for more information about this service.
Register: Please call 905-579-4833 or email janette@hearthplace.org
Child Life Specialist: Kristyn Zaffino
Kids Care Packages
Description: Hearth Place has developed a tool called the Kid’s Care Package for children whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer. Each package is a gift bag that includes an activity book for parents to work with their children and a parent’s guide filled with information about the age appropriate needs of the children, answers to common questions and a list of resources available in print, in video and on the internet.
To receive a Kids Care package for a child please call 905-579-4833 or email Janette@hearthplace.org.
Kids Connection
Description: A six week support group for children who are coping with the diagnosis of a loved one with cancer. Activities focusing on coping strategies, breathing exercises and exploration of feelings are some of the topics covered during this six week group. Two separate age groups run simultaneously ages 4-6 and ages 7-12.
Register: Please call 905-579-4833 or email janette@hearthplace.org to register for this program.
Schedule: Please contact us to be registered for the next group
Facilitators: Betty VanKoughnett and Kristyn Zaffino
Puppet Program
Description: Hearth Place Puppeteers offer free performances in Durham Region schools and community organizations. Our four charming life size puppets deliver an important message incorporating the virtues of Courage, Compassion, Respect, Kindness and Helpfulness by discussing the challenges faced by puppets Sophie and Matthew who are both coping with a cancer diagnosis and the side-effects of their treatment. Two different plays are available:
“Good Friends” for Grades JK-3
“The CCR Club” for grades 4-6
Resource material and follow-up worksheets are provided.
Register: To inquire about having the Puppeteer Team visit your school or organization please call or email Sonja at 905-579-4833, sonja@hearthplace.org.
Teen Support
Description: Individual support can be arranged for teens dealing with the diagnosis or the loss of a loved one with cancer.
Individual sessions are arranged with our Social worker or Child Life Specialist based on individual need. Please contact Janette for more information about this service.
Register: Please call 905-579-4833 or email janette@hearthplace.org
Facilitator: Susan Viminitz (Social Worker)
Kristyn Zaffino (Child Life Specialist)