Program Description:

Circle of Hope is a 9-week grief support program catered specifically to youth in grades K-12 who are coping with the loss of a loved one. A subsidiary of Mother of Nations Ministries (endoflifedoulakansas.com), this outreach program is hosted by (and located at) Word of Life Ministries in Park City, KS. The program warmly welcomes any and all students from Wichita, KS and the neighboring communities who need support as they navigate the grieving process.

The group sessions are led by Dr. Paula Rodriguez, a certified End-of-Life Doula with a doctorate in education specializing in bereavement support for youth. While not therapy sessions, Dr. Rodriguez utilizes evidence-based practices to guide participants through understanding the tasks of grieving, fostering healing, promoting openness, nurturing presence, and empowering each child to navigate their emotions in a healthy manner.

Circle of Hope aims to create a safe space where children can express their feelings, share their experiences, and connect with others who are facing similar challenges. Through group support sessions, participants will learn coping strategies, develop resilience, and build and repair relationships to establish healthy support systems that will aid them in moving forward towards brighter futures.

In addition to the youth sessions, Circle of Hope offers an optional family component where caregivers can take part in fellowship sessions. These sessions provide family members with a space to share their fears, joys, and advice while learning more about how best to assist their grieving youth. During the adult sessions, children will attend youth group, allowing family members the time and freedom to connect with other adults in similar situations.

This program is offered at no cost to the families, reflecting the commitment of Mother of Nations Ministries to provide accessible support to those in need. Furthermore, the sessions include Christian principles that help bereaved individuals understand that God loves them and has a magnificent future planned for them.