Ted E. Bear Hollow Holds Informative Events

Nebraska is fortunate to be home to several organizations that extend a helping hand to children experiencing loss and grief. These organizations are of immense value to our communities, as they help youngsters of all ages understand loss and grief in age appropriate words, and to experience comfort in their loss. Sadly, many children and teens never experience these steps to healing, and carry a never healing scar from their loss for years to come.

The Kim Foundation was invited to an open house at Ted E. Bear Hollow this past week called Hope at the Hollow Hour where we got to share in the activities and experiences utilized by more than 650 Omaha area children and families this past year. Youngsters are given permission to talk about their loved one and to grieve in their own way. Teens had decorated masks with words of bravado on the outside presented for the world to see; on the inside of the mask we read the profound words of pain and uncertainty these teens kept hidden in their hearts. Pre-schoolers looked at objects that were living and that were not, and learn that all living things, flowers, birds, and people, stop living at some time. This is all done in words at the young child’s level of communication.

We learned that children are deeply affected by death and adults often feel helpless in comforting them.  Some children are at high risk for maladaptive behavior and other problems, but having a safe place to find support and understanding, and to realize that other people are grieving too, enables the healing process. Ted E. Bear Hollow helps children, as well as adults, learn healthy coping mechanisms.  And best of all, the services are a gift from others; there is no cost to grieving families.

As we remind our friends, you are not alone, there are others who understand and will walk with you as you seek help, hope, and healing! If you know of a youngster who has experienced a recent loss, we urge you to attend one of Ted E Bear Hollow’s Hope at the Hollow Hour sessions soon for helpful information.

Hope at the Hollow Sessions

Wednesday, June 6 — 6 p.m.
Thursday, June 7 — 7:30 a.m
Wednesday, July 25 — 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 26 — 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, August 15 — 8 a.m.
Thursday, August 16 — 5 p.m.

Hope at the Hollow is held at 7811 Farnam St. Omaha, NE 68114. Call 402.502.2773 to reserve your spot.