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Zion's Kate's Club experience: Teen member talks grieving a father

Date
December 13, 2024
Author
Kate's Club
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Zion's Kate's Club experience: Teen member talks grieving a father
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I joined Kate’s Club in 2022 at the age of 12 after my father died from a massive heart attack. I am now 14 years old, and Kate’s Club is one of my favorite grief groups to attend. Kate’s Club has given me more confidence within myself. I remember when my middle school counselor told my mom about Kate’s Club. I was so nervous and anxious to go because I did not know exactly what Kate’s Club was.

After arriving at Kate's Club on my first day I was introduced to the volunteers. We also did the grief circle where we all introduced ourselves and told our stories. By the time Kate’s Club was over I felt like I had found new family members. One of my favorite things to do in Kate’s Club is attend Camp Good Mourning, a weekend-long grief camp where Kate’s Club members can go to get help processing their grief. Kate’s Club has given me more hope and confidence within myself. At Kate’s Club, I am able to tell my story with people who understand grief. We make a lot of arts and crafts, and I am able to express myself with people who understand what it is like to grieve.

Zion at the Kate's Club Atlanta, GA Clubhouse

Winter Holiday H.U.G.S (Healing, Understanding, Giving, Support) is something me and my mom look forward to participating in every year. With the holidays being the toughest times for grieving families, the Winter holiday H.U.G.S. is a great way to connect with other grieving families, while receiving holiday love and cheer from so many organizations that love to give back. My three favorite parts about the holidays H.U.G.S.  event is the picture taking, gift receiving, and the cookie decorating. Last year my mom was able to receive some gifts, just to see how happy she was about receiving something since she is always the giver really warmed my heart. Kate’s Club really gives back to grieving families and I am so honored to be a member. Grief is an everyday struggle but with my family and Kate’s Club by my side it has gotten a lot easier.

Since I have regained my confidence I have met more friends and I believe I am more outspoken. Kate's Club has really given me a voice and resources to help me with my grief. I am very happy to be part of Kate’s Club. Each month I look forward to the Clubhouse meetings. Once I have maxed out in age with Kate’s Club I plan on becoming a grief counselor so that I can help other kids just like me cope with grief.

Contact Kate’s Club for grief support in Georgia

Kate’s Club empowers children and teens, their families, and young adults facing life after the death of a parent, sibling, caregiver or someone important to them. The organization builds healing communities through recreational and therapeutic group programs, education and advocacy. Since its founding in metro Atlanta in 2003, Kate’s Club has served thousands of individuals who are grieving, through both in-house and outreach services. Kate's Club offers services in Atlanta, Albany, Athens, Brunswick, Cobb County, and Newnan, GA. For more information, visit katesclub.org.

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