Grief affects people in different ways, and children are no exception. To better support students coping with loss, Albuquerque Public Schools recently introduced additional resources focused on grief and emotional wellness.
The Rotary Club of Albuquerque partnered with the Grief Center to assist students coping with loss. The organizations provided a free “Grief Kit” to every APS school.
They distributed the kits to principals during a May 12 open house at the Center for Hope and Healing. Thanks to funding from the Rotary Club of Albuquerque, elementary, middle, and high school counselors are receiving grief kits for their campuses. Each kit includes age-appropriate grief books, activities, and resources to help counselors support grieving students.
“School counselors in APS support many grieving students,” says Vicki Price, Senior Director of Counseling for APS. “The amazing grief kits provided to APS by the Grief Center give counselors additional tools and information they need to talk with students who are expressing and processing grief. Our ongoing partnership with the Grief Center allows both entities to work together to support students and families grieving the loss of a loved one.”
Helping Students Process Grief
The partnership between Rotary, APS, and the Grief Center equips schools with tools and information needed to support grieving students. The resources help students understand complex emotions, develop coping skills, and find support within their school community.
“Grief is something no one should have to navigate alone,” says Tom Antram, Rotary Albuquerque member and President and CEO of French Funerals and Cremations. “The grief kits that the Rotary Club of Albuquerque has supported are a reminder that even in life’s hardest moments, there is a community that cares, listens and shows up with compassion. It reflects our shared commitment to be there for the youth in our community.”
New Mexico has the highest percentage of children who experience the death of a sibling or parent before turning 18. The state ranks first in the nation for childhood bereavement.
One in seven New Mexico children, or 14.2%, will struggle with the emotional impact of grief. For many young people, grief becomes one of the most disruptive experiences of their lives.
Without support, grief can increase the risk of suicide, substance abuse, and behavioral health concerns. It can also lead to lower academic performance and a higher likelihood of students dropping out of school.