Guiding Principles

We believe that a circle represents many aspects of our mission at Full Circle. We have worked to create a circle of support where children and families experiencing grave illness and loss can find hope and start healing in a safe, trusting environment. Families and young adults seek support from our professional staff throughout all the stages of the grief journey - some seeking assistance before the death occurs and others looking for support after the loss of a loved one. Individuals are able to come full circle by supporting others who are experiencing similar feelings or circumstances. In other words, anyone is welcome inside the circle, regardless of where they are on their grief journey

We believe in:

• the power of the group process
• the benefits of creative expression
• the importance of groups being facilitated by experienced, licensed professionals
• the need to assist the entire family, not just the child
• the importance of providing grief support to all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay

"We need a grieving room for all of us who are mourning, a quiet, safe place of solace where emotion is sacred and the continual falling of tears generates the energy for our healing. We need a grieving room with thick walls to keep despair outside and hope secure within, and, on the floor, comfortable pillows to remind us to rest." - Molly Fumia , Safe Passage

Our Approach

Working with one’s hands is one of the oldest forms of healing. Creative arts help a person express how they are feeling and bring emotions to the surface in a safe way. In addition, creative expression can help individuals better understand their unconscious thoughts, increasing feelings of well-being, work out conflict, solve problems with others, and create new perceptions of self. This self- understanding can bring about growth and healing. Making a piece of artwork, listening to music, playing sports or games, writing poetry or a story can bring joy and solace to individuals of any age.

Often, children do not have the language or communication skills to explain how they are feelings when experiencing grief. Creative arts help children convey their feelings of loss and explore their thoughts and beliefs. Also, because violent or traumatic experiences regularly get recorded in the mind as images or pictures, art can help children recount details of a traumatic loss more effectively than just talking.

Full Circle was established as a center for children and their families to find creative ways to express their grief. We present a variety of ways to use creative expression in healing, such as art, writing, play, crafting, photography, and music.

At Full Circle, families will find:

• Trained, nurturing grief counselors
• Supportive peer groups
• Creative outlets
• Acceptance of experiences and feelings
• Opportunity to play
• A chance to remember and commemorate their loved one