Hospice Offers Grief Support Toolkit to FCPS

Hospice of the Bluegrass is providing grief training and tools to approximately 65 school personnel from 50 Fayette County Public Schools.

The Grief Support Project helps school personnel learn to support children as they navigate grief and loss following the death of a loved one, teacher, coach or peer.

According to FCPS, one in 20 of the district’s 40,000 students will lose a parent, and countless more will be touched by loss.

“It’s important to learn how to work with kids who are grieving,” said Dann Bates, Crawford Middle School social worker and member of the Crisis Response Team.

“Everyone grieves differently. This toolkit gives us resources to come alongside grieving children and help them get back on track.”

Added Velva Reed-Barker, FCPS coordinator of social work:

“We appreciate our partnership with Hospice because of the expertise and extra layer of support they provide.

“Hospice also eliminates the economic barrier to services because they provide classes and other support free of charge.”