Newsletter Winter 2013

From the Director

On Thursday November 15 Mary’s Place, along with others throughout the nation, showed our support for the many grieving children in our communities by observing Children’s Grief Awareness Day. Every year, on the third Thursday in November, a day is set aside to encourage us to remember the needs of grieving children and the benefits they receive through the support of others. It is an opportunity to let grieving children know they are not alone or forgotten in their grief.

I believe those of you who support us or read our newsletter understand the importance of supporting grieving children. If you have any doubt about the significance of your support and our mission, let me share a few facts with you from the New York Life Foundation:

• One in seven children will lose a parent or sibling by the time they are twenty.
• Children who experience a death without adequate support or expression are more likely to experience depression, struggle at school, use drugs and alcohol, or commit suicide.

In essence, every day is Grief Awareness Day at Mary’s Place. We are grateful to those who sustain us in providing this place of hope and healing. This process began with our founding director, Mary Keane. It was Mary’s insight that led her to establish this very special place for children and families. Recently, Mary’s friends, Kathy Mueller, Jane Walker, Deborah Roncari and Louise Colletti donated a beautiful portrait of Mary and her beloved dog Ginger to Mary’s Place. It is a lovely tribute to Mary and her love of the work being done here.

We are grateful to our board of directors, our facilitators and our volunteers who devote countless hours in support of grieving children. We also say thank you and goodbye to Marsha Mason. Marsha has served on our board of directors in a variety of roles over the past several years. Her dedication and commitment to Mary’s Place is commendable. Although she will be missed as a valuable member of our board, she has already volunteered for other responsibilities at our Center.

We thank our children and families, who sustain us with their strength and wisdom. This time of year can be especially difficult for them. Please remember them in your thoughts.

Finally, our thanks to all of you who continue to support us in so many ways. Your support is a blessing to us and our families. It is your support that allows us to continue to pursue our mission. As we approach the holiday season, all of us at Mary’s Place wish that each of you may find peace in your heart, joy in your families, and hope in your future.

Warmly,
Lisa Peluso

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