Local businesses partner to help grieving children
Children who are grieving and learning to cope with the loss of a loved one will have an additional resource available to them because of a partnership between National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) and Thysse Printing Service.
Madison, Wis. – Children who are grieving and learning to cope with the loss of a loved one will have an additional resource available to them because of a partnership between National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) and Thysse Printing Service. Through their collaboration, Agrace Hospice and Palliative Care received 500 copies of "When Someone Dies: A Child-Caregiver Activity Book" created by the National Alliance for Grieving Children.
The activity book is filled with pages for bereaved children to draw pictures, play games and map their feelings. It is designed to guide them as they remember their loved one, learn about the concept of loss and grief, and realize that it's okay to be happy again. With each activity, there are tips and suggestions for caregivers on how to address questions and promote healing.
Displaying copies of the "When Someone Dies: A Child-Caregiver Activity Book" are from left to right: Jill Muenich (NGL), Cheri Milton (Agrace), Jason Thysse (Thysse Printing), Tracy Buglass (Agrace) and JJ Giese (Thysse Printing).
"My father passed away when I was 12 years old. I still vividly remember a lot of downtime while my mother sorted out important details and my brother and I wondered what would happen next. While this activity book will initially help by passing awkward minutes, coping with a myriad of emotions and working bravely toward a new normal, I expect a high percentage will be maintained as keepsakes," said JJ Giese, Sales & Marketing at Thysse Printing. "Jason Thysse and the rest of us at Thysse Printing & Design are proud to partner with NGL on such a powerful resource."
This is the first time the activity book has been printed and made available to help children navigate their feelings.
"Losing a loved one is difficult at any age. I can't imagine how challenging it is for someone who doesn't fully understand the concept of death. When I learned that more than 300 kids each year have had someone they love at Agrace, I knew this book could greatly benefit them," said Jill Muenich, Vice President of Marketing Services at NGL. "Our company believes in giving back to help people in our community. I'm pleased that NGL could partner with Thysse Printing and that our efforts will make a difference during a difficult time in a child's life."
Agrace Hospice and Palliative Care has already started utilizing the children's activity books to encourage discussion after the loss of their loved one. The activity books will be used in all of Agrace's service areas – now 11 counties in southern Wisconsin.
"In addition to providing hospice and palliative care to patients, Agrace also provides free grief support to anyone who is grieving the death of a loved one. This support is free and available to any community member whether or not the deceased was an Agrace patient. This child/parent grief workbook is an excellent resource and will be helpful to many. We are so thankful to NGL and Thysse Printing for their generous donation that enables us to offer this resource to those in need," said Cheri Milton, Community Grief Support Specialist at Agrace Hospice and Palliative Care.
In conjunction to offsetting half of the cost for printing the books, NGL donated $2,500 to National Alliance for Grieving Children to produce copies of the book. Resources and educational opportunities are available through the National Alliance for Grieving Children for anyone who is supporting grieving children and teens.
About Agrace Hospice and Palliative Care
Founded in 1978, Agrace is a nonprofit, community-supported hospice and palliative care agency dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to patients and families facing the challenges of serious illness. With offices in Madison, Janesville and Baraboo, Agrace serves more than 650 patients every day in southern Wisconsin. For more information, go to: Agrace.org.
About Thysse Printing Service
Thysse Printing Service is a three generation family-owned business located in Oregon, Wis. In business for 75 years, Thysse Printing continues to meet the challenging design and printing needs of clients. Learn more at: ThyssePrinting.com.
About NGL
Since 1910, National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) has been a mutual insurance company located in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group market products through independent agents. Additional information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company/
National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.
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