WHY? The death of a caring, loving family member can be devastating to students. Their world seems upside down and their sense of trust can be shaken, normal fears and anxieties exaggerated.

WHAT? GAPS is a place for grieving students to come together to share their stories and feelings. Since children grieve best in a knowledgeable, caring environment, it is important that their parents and siblings learn how to help students cope. That's why GAPS encourages family involvement.

WHERE? GAPS is held in the Belknap Room at Frisbee Memorial
Hospital, Whitehall Rd. Rochester.

HOW? After a brief welcome and introduction,students go into an age appropriate session led by trained volunteer facilitators. These sessions may include drawing, painting, puppets, and play activities designed to stimulate discussion about their loss. Parents will gather in a seperate room to learn about children and grief. They have the opportunity to discuss issues facing a bereaved family. At the conclussion of the sessions, parents and students rejoin.

WHEN? GAPS meets on "as needed" basis.

Grieving Assistance Program for Adults

• Gap, the grieving Assistance Program of Victim's Inc. is designed to help provide the emotional needs and support of members of families and whose loved one has died.
• It is Gap's belief that through group or individualized, immediate and long term support, the potentially devasting effects of traumas and sudden death can be minimized; the healing and growth may begin. We sincerely hope that our program (GAP) will help your transition from a time of sorrow and pain to one of peace and healing.
• "Bridging this "GAP" may be quite tedious and exhausting at times but we would like to help you through it. Please remember, however, there is no right or wrong way to grieve, only your way.

GAP offers support group meetings every 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month. They are held at the Community Conference Center of Frisbie Hospital in Rochester, NH at 6:30PM.

To register for GAP or GAPS call VICTIMS, INC. at (603) 335-7777. A staff member will discuss the program with you and answer any questions. There is no fee. Come bridge the GAPS in a safe, friendly environment.