Welcome to BitterSweet Place

Grief is a natural reaction to losing someone we love. A child’s grief, if not addressed, can cause serious long-term problems. That’s why we organized and have begun services through BitterSweet Place.

BitterSweet Place is a new not-for-profit organization that is organized for grieving children and their families within a 35 mile radius of Warrensburg. A full 20% of all children will experience the death of a parent, sibling or significant family member by the time they graduate from high school.

Too often, we think kids are resilient and will “bounce back.” The truth is children grieve too. And often the bereft parent is unable to help the child because they too are trying to cope with the loss. That’s where BitterSweet Place comes in.

BitterSweet Place has trained volunteer facilitators (many of whom are skilled professional counselors during the day) who work with children in small, age-defined groups. Using a curriculum that has been proven to work, the counselors share a meal with the children, and then break into small groups. The eight week sessions can be repeated as needed. Support for parents is also provided. We all know being a parent, while very rewarding, is also very challenging. And we all need support during times of intense grief – kids and parents alike.

We ask you to donate because we strongly believe that BitterSweet Place is making a difference in the lives of the children we’re already serving. BitterSweet Place is a fledgling organization. Your gift can make an important difference for the children we serve.

As board members, we have established a modest goal of raising $20,000 by asking our friends, concerned citizens, and willing benefactors, to make a contribution to BitterSweet Place. Personally, each board member is committed to raising $2,000. We all understand that losing someone close to you is extremely difficult. Imagine if you were a child trying to come to grips with that reality.

The funds raised will be used to hire a part time director for the program who will recruit, train and provide on-going support for the trained facilitators, enroll children in the program, reach out to grieving families, and provide community education. In addition, BitterSweet Place attained 501 (3) (c) status in 2004, thus making your donations tax-deductible.

Your gift can and will make an important difference. Using the link below you can make a secure donation to BitterSweet Place – it truly is a gift that keeps giving.