Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Oak Tree Corner a counseling center or a place for therapy groups?

No, it is not a counseling clinic, and we are not offering professional therapy sessions. While many of our staff and volunteer facilitators work in one of the helping professions, we are seeking to provide safe groups led by caring volunteers who have been equipped to lead peer support groups. Families or individuals who require more than we can provide will be referred to local professionals.

What kind of training have the group facilitators had?

Many of our facilitators are professionals from one of the people helping fields. Others are concerned citizens who want to help hurting children and their parents. Their thirty-six hours of training has included information about children and grief, developmental needs of children, art therapy, play therapy, group dynamics, listening skills, including sessions with several area professionals. Background checks are conducted on all of our volunteers.

Who can come to The Oak Tree Corner?

The services of The Oak Tree Corner are available to children and their families who have experienced the death of someone close to them --- a parent, sibling, grandparent or close friend. Children from ages 3 through 18 years old will find a support group designed just for them. This grief support center is available to everyone, without charge, regardless of race, religion, or economic status.

How can this service be offered free of charge?

The services of The Oak Tree Corner are paid for by the generous donations of churches, community groups, business leaders and individuals -- locally and elsewhere in the country.

How do children and families get into a group?

Families who are interested in The Oak Tree Corner need to request an information packet and arrange for an appointment with our Executive Director. They will be given an overview of our support group program, have the opportunity to view a video about our approach, and ask specific questions about our program.

Are visitors or prospective families allowed to sit in on groups to observe the process?

To respect the privacy of the children and adults in our program, visitors can not be allowed to attend the support group meetings. Prospective families will have an opportunity to learn about the services of The Oak Tree Corner through the literature, videos and meetings with the staff.

Are services limited to people within a certain geographic area?

People are welcome at The Oak Tree Corner from anywhere. Our target area is the greater Datyon area, but no one will be turned away from the application process because of their location.

What will happen on a typical evening?

Twice each month parents or guardians will bring the entire family to their group at The Oak Tree Corner. Families gather twice a month beginning with a pizza dinner from 6:00 - 6:30. From 6:30 - 7:30 children meet in groups with trained adult volunteers. Parents and guardians meet in their own group. At 7:30, all participants gather for a brief closing cermomy. Activities may include working with clay, drama, music, games, memory projects, puppets, and recreation. Sharing times in groups emphasize discussion and peer interaction where freedom to recount memories or express feelings and concerns is experienced.

For how long should a family stay in The Program?

Each family makes their own decision about the beginning or ending. They may start a month after the death of a loved on, or even several years after the loss. It all depends on each family. They may attend as long as they feel the program is helping them. Generally, families attend group meetings for 6 months to 2 years.