OUR IMPACT
The Bethany Center provides caring support in a safe environment where children, teens, and their families grieving a significant death can share their experiences as they move through the grieving and healing process. Counselors provide ongoing grief support for children, ages 3 to 18, and their parents or caregivers.
Activity rooms allow feelings to be expressed through art, games, dramatic play, writing messages, or releasing physical energy. Children are divided into peer-age support groups, while parents or other adults also receive support. Whether the death occurred through illness, accident, suicide, or homicide, volunteers and staff work closely with families to create a supportive environment for their grief journey.
MEET SARAH, CHARLOTTE AND SAM
Our History
Thanks to the legacy of a dying mother and the dedication of her friends, the Bethany Center for Grieving Children provides hope and healing for our children, the forgotten mourners. Founded in 1991 and originally located in Lakeland, the Bethany Center was established in honor of Bethany Anne Traviesa. Now operated as part of Good Shepherd Hospice, grief centers are located in Auburndale and Sebring, serving Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties.The services provided by this unique center expand far beyond the hospice services provided by Good Shepherd and can be accessed free of charge by anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one.
Want More information?
If you would like additional information about the Bethany Center for Grieving Children or would like a private tour of the future home of the Lakeland campus, please contact Paula Creamer at 863-559-2944. Anyone interested in scheduling an appointment with a grief counselor should call 863-968-1739.