Valley, Gilda Club Partnering on Art Therapy Program for Grieving Children

The following is a press release sent by :

Children ages 6 to 12 who are or have recently been affected by the death of a loved one are invited to join “Hero Quest for Kids,” a free program designed to help children and their caregivers find ways to transform the journey of loss.

“Hero Quest” is offered by Valley Home Care’s Journeys Program, a nationally recognized family-centered program that has been providing art therapy to children and teens affected by the death or serious illness of a loved one for 20 years.

For the first time, Valley will bring its Hero Quest program to Gilda’s Club of Northern New Jersey. The event will take place on Sunday, March 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey, located at 575 Main Street in Hackensack.

“Loss and trauma can change a person’s life, but it does not have to be for the worse," says Laura Loumeau-May, the art therapist who developed this resiliency based program. “Many popular literary heroes and heroines such as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Harry Potter, and Dorothy from Oz, overcame early parental loss to become the heroes that enthralled our imaginations. Many real life heroes have also learned to overcome this kind of loss and lead successful, admirable lives.”

The program will introduce children to the path of the hero through shield making, yoga, pet therapy, and a drumming circle. Pizza lunch will be served. A special program will be offered to parents and caregivers who are asked to stay on the premises for the duration of the program. The program is strictly limited to children from 6 to 12, and cannot accommodate younger children.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Valley Home Care to offer this program at Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey. It is so important for children to have the tools to express their emotions associated with loss,” said Dyane McMahon, CEO of Gilda’s Club Northern New Jersey.

Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Please call Brooke at 201-457-1670, ext 111, to register for Hero Quest.