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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
The death of a loved one can be a devastating and life altering experience, particularly for children. Chris Chytraus of Salt Lake City knows first hand. Several years ago, her husband passed away. Although she found plenty of places to go to for support, Chris encountered no such option for her two young children. She then learned of a place in Portland, Ore. where children could receive grief support in ways specific to their age. After visiting the center, Chris and local therapist Nancy Reiser created The Sharing Place in Salt Lake City.
Bryan Taylor, the administrative director for The Sharing Place, tells me that most adults suffering the loss of a loved one benefit greatly by discussing their emotions with other adults. For children, however, this technique doesn't have quite the same effect. Bryan tells me that young children often find it hard to verbally express their feelings. Instead, they tend to release their feelings through playing. The Sharing Place facilitates that grieving process for children by allowing them to appropriately deal with their emotions.
Since the death of a loved one induces a wide range of emotions in an individual, The Sharing Place fittingly provides the necessary environments for children to express their changing moods. For example, The Volcano Room with its padded walls and floor permits children to release their feelings of frustration or anger; whereas the Soft Room with dress-ups and other toys lets children express their sadness.
The Sharing Place is a non-profit organization located at 1695 E. 3300 South. The organization aids individuals of all ages. Adults, young children and teenagers meet in separate groups made up of fellow peers. A clinical social worker and dozens of trained volunteers monitor each group's activities. Through the center, Chris, Nancy and the others at The Sharing Place hope to help those grieving in Utah.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
