The Lighthouse Program For Grieving Children
2522 Rebecca Street L6L 6N8 Oakville, ON, Canada

Make sure you're the first to hear our news! The Beacon newsletter will keep you closely connected as we share how we are working together to support grieving children, youth and their families in our communities. . #griefsupport #atLHyouarenotalone

On Family Day, many people are missing loved ones who have died. It can feel like a piece of their puzzle is missing. It's also important to remember that if your feelings on a special day aren’t what you or others expect, it's ok. Grief has its own timing and often appears or disappears when we least expect it. The ebb and flow of feelings is natural and a sign of healthy coping. . #familyday #griefsupport #atlhyouareneveralone

How do you help to heal the hurt in your heart? Let us know in the comments. . #LHactivity #valentinesday2021 #childrensgrief #atlhyouarenotalone #stickersandglitter

Wishing those celebrating Chinese New Year a happy and prosperous 2021. Kung Hei Fat Choi! Our thoughts are with all those who are missing family members and friends, and who may be celebrating in isolation this year. #atlhyouarenotalone #griefsupport #kungheifatchoi

If you or somebody you know is unsafe at home or if you're looking for non-emergency community support, help is at your fingertips. Dial 9-1-1 if you need emergency response Dial 2-1-1 to find community resources in your area . #maketherightcall #griefsupport #alhyouarenotalone

She is still herself, as she always was. Excited and kind, sweet and caring. People tell me she’s resilient, they assure me that she is thriving. And I know that it is true. But I also see her grief, the grief that no one wants to see. It rushes out of her, without warning. It starts just as quickly as it ends. And I know that this great loss is sewn into the fabric of her life, just as the love between her and Dada is. Her grief is angry, uncontrollable, and strong. It spea...ks without apology and often inconveniently. It demands to be heard. A beautiful message from a grieving wife and mother about her daughter and their love and grief for their husband and Dada

Jean Augustine has dedicated her life to addressing the systemic barriers and racial inequalities in the Canadian education system. It is just as crucial that we ensure the same accessibility of bereavement support and information to grieving children and youth. The Canadian Alliance for Grieving Children and Youth (CAGCY) seeks to address the barriers experienced by organizations that provide these services, and to strengthen the support offered to local communities. . #blackhistorymonth #equity #communities #griefsupport #peersupport #grief #teengrief #grievingchildren @CAGCY

As COVID-19 infections continue to rise across the GTA, we will continue offering our peer support groups for grieving children, teens and their adult caregivers online until such time as it becomes safe to welcome the families and our volunteers back into our home. Our staff are working remotely and remain available to receive calls, respond to emails and answer your questions related to services or grief consultations. NEW ENQUIRIES- If you or someone you know are intere...sted in enrolling in a grief support group you can contact us via phone 905 337 2333 or email [email protected]. Families will be invited to meet with a member of our Services team for a virtual tour and orientation to the Lighthouse. PEER SUPPORT GROUPS- We continue to enroll new and returning participants in our online groups. For more information about joining a virtual group please contact us at the number and email address noted above We so look forward to seeing everyone again both online and once we are able to gather safely together at Lighthouse Stay well, Deirdre Thomas, Executive Director of Lighthouse Candace Ray, Director of Services & Operations

Happy Kwanzaa! This seven day festival celebrates African, African Canadian & American culture and history, taking place from 26th December to 1st January. We wish all who celebrate a safe and happy time with your family and those in your bubble as you enjoy the next 7 days together. If you are grieving, honour your feelings. "It’s ok to feel sad, mad, angry, confused, or whatever else you feel. All the feelings you have are ok." https://bit.ly/2LHfmuM... If you know someone who is grieving reach out to them with a phone call or text to check in. During Kwanzaa a kinara is used. Each night during Kwanzaa a candle is lit. The black, center, candle is lit first and then it alternates between the red and green candles stating with the ones on the outside and moving inwards. 1. Umoja: Unity 2. Kujichagulia: Self-determination 3. Ujima: Collective work and responsibility 4. Ujamaa: Cooperative economics 5. Nia: Purpose 6. Kuumba: Creativity 7. Imani: Faith

Merry Christmas! We think of all families who embrace this holy time and observe the next 12 days that run through to the first week of January. On this occasion we want to take a moment to honour those who may still be grieving, especially children who see and hear others celebrating this holiday.... - Take a moment to honour your own grief, and/or if you know someone who is grieving reach out to them with a phone call or text to check in, ask how they're doing or share a story of the person who is no longer physically with us. We wish you all moments of joy as we all embrace new ways to celebrate Christmas feasts and family holiday celebrations this year via zoom, online or within your bubble.

Introducing: Lighthouse It’s early morning after Children’s Grief Awareness Day. We are still here, a Beacon of Hope. Here everyday, for every grieving child, always. ... Please visit supportLH.com or see link in Bio if you need help, or know a child who is grieving . Our virtual groups are open and we are taking calls M-F as usual. #atLHyouarenotalone #oneconversation #childrensgriefawarenessday #CGADHope @sarahsimsphotographer

Huge thanks to Wilcox Door Service Inc. who raised $1,000 for the Toy Mountain Drive and Lighthouse, thanks to the generosity of their employees, vendors and trade partners. Throughout the last couple of months, their Toy Drive Team: Jennifer Herman, Ashley Naraine, Roop Mann, Valentina Jackson and Lance Ross, put significant effort into raising funds

Today, on Children’s Grief Awareness Day, we raise a voice for the 1 in 14 children in Canada that will experience the death of a Mum, a Dad, a brother or sister. We ask you to have #oneconversation about Children’s Grief today to help raise awareness for those who are sometimes referred to as the "forgotten mourners". This November we have taken a new step in our efforts to help raise awareness for children’s grief with new initiatives to engage a wider range of communitie...s and inspire them to have #oneconversation about children’s grief. Thank you to everyone who has been part of our projects this month. Our local, regional and National projects alongside CAGCY (Canadian Alliance for Grieving Children and Youth) are illuminating landmarks. Our #kitchenmemories project initiated a campaign asking people to share a recipe or story about someone special in their life who has died. Together, this work will reach new people and will, ultimately, help grieving children across Canada. Our virtual breakfast this morning acknowledges the scale of loss during 2020 as we live through the pandemic. The impact on families who are grieving a death-loss is immense with countless stories of families not being able to say goodbye to loved ones and mourning rituals limited at a time when we are desperate for a hug and the comforting words of family and friends. Thank you for your support, and for having #oneconversation today so that together we can create a caring community where no child or teen need grieve alone. We encourage you to start the conversation by sharing this post, or one of your own. #CGADHope #childrensgriefawarenessday #childgriefday #oneconversation GVA Lighting, Inc. Children's Grief Awareness Day Anita Anand CHCH TV Yourtv Halton Irene Matys Kitchen Confession Daily Tiramisu with Julie Miguel Mildred's Temple Kitchen Lantern Cozies Visit Oakville Downtown Oakville Kerr Village

#Throwback to December 2019 which was probably the last time our whole staff team was together in person. This year has brought us much to reflect upon as we have strived to serve our families whilst balancing the need to take care of ourselves and support one another too. We would like to use this opportunity to thank all the front line workers in Canada who are sacrificing so much to keep us safe and keep food on our tables. Warm wishes to Heather, from our Events te...am, as she will be stepping away for a maternity leave as her family welcomes a new addition. This is also a farewell to Rachel, who helps create our content and social media posts. We wish her well as she takes some time out with her family. You may notice a dip in the frequency of our posts and interactions and perhaps some subtle changes as we transition to a new member of staff. We ask for your support as we take the time to make this change in our work-family. We are taking a break to rest, restore and recharge, until the first week of 2021, we hope you can find some time to do the same. We wish you all health, happiness and moments of joy for the remainder of the year. See you in January!

This week we wanted to connect our Wednesday Words for #ChildrensGriefAwarenessMonth with #bullyingawareness. It may surprise and sadden you to know that many children and teens at Lighthouse often talk about the cruel and insensitive things that people of all ages say to them. As well as the taunting and exclusion they experience at school. If you have any interactions with grieving children/teens please be aware that bullying may be occurring. Observe how other students/teammates are treating and talking to the bereaved child or youth. If you think there is bullying possibly taking place, check in with the child, offer your support and help them find ways to cope with the bully. No child need grieve alone and no child should every have to face bullying alone either.

Online Bid & Buy Highlights - STAY HOME SHOPPING Opens Wednesday 25th, let's embrace change and support Lighthouse in a new way! We offer you a twist on tradition. Watch video until end:) Full Listings here https://bit.ly/35ZiKYt... Some incredible deals and items to bid on. Features coming soon Including (not limited to): 5 Star Hotel Stays valid for 1 year CHCH TV Live Broadcast opportunity Golf Experiences Wine Tasting Experiences Whiskey & Whisky & Vodka Beauty Experiences Sonoma, CA Wine Original Art Gift Certs and Gifts from #shoplocal businesses. Sorry we cannot tag everyone on this channel - Please follow our stories

Thank you Yourtv Halton for including Lighthouse in tonight’s broadcast. We so appreciate the opportunity to share our story and bring attention to grieving children, teens and their families in our communities. Thank you for helping spread the word about our services and helping us create a caring community where no one need grieve alone.

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and many of our memories are related to meal times or special occasions eating and sharing food together. Feeling separated from family and friends is tough for some of us right now, and this project is helping to raise awareness for grieving children and their families as they carry their grief during the pandemic. Children’s Grief Awareness Day is this Thursday 19th November - today we are sharing our last video from chefs and f...ood influencers who are part of our #kitchenmemories project which has been helping to ignite conversations about children’s grief. #kitchenmemories is all about sharing a recipe or food related story about someone special in your life who has died. Each of our chefs has been open hearted and generous in sharing a kitchen memory, today we welcome Mildred's Temple Kitchen Co-owner Donna Dooher who shares her Mom’s apple pie recipe and talks about the loss of her father. After her Father died, favourite family recipes helped Donna feel connected to him. Talking about her late Grandmother’s recipes she says her pies stayed on, in our hearts and in our bellies! To learn more, download Donna’s recipe or make a donation visit https://bit.ly/38aQPrd or text LIGHT to 45678. (Did you know - all donations in November are matched by the Cheesewright Family, up to a total of $50,000!) We’d love to hear your #kitchenmemories, share and tag Lighthouse.

Mary Mammoliti Kitchen Confession, Food Blogger & Media Personality shares #mykitchenmemory of her mothers Bolognese Sauce, which has very special memories for her as a young girl. Mary was 13 when her Mom died and she shares smelling the aromas of that tomato sauce, the Bolognese, it takes me back to when I was a little girl..every single time I make it, all those memories come flooding back. Knowing how Lighthouse supports children, like her 13yr old self, was a motiva...tion for Mary to take part in #kitchenmemories. I didn’t feel like I fit in anywhere, especially at school. I became the girl that lost her mum at 13 and everything around that just became different. My life changed. I just needed that sense of belonging, that sense of ‘someone gets me’. And that’s what Lighthouse does, they get you. Did you know, in Canada, every year 203,000 children under 18 yrs will experience the death of someone in their family? Grieving children need your support - can you join Mary and help Lighthouse? To learn more, download Mary’s recipe or make a donation. Visit https://bit.ly/38aQPrd or text LIGHT to 45678. (Did you know - all donations in November are matched by the Cheesewright Family, up to a total of $50,000!) We’d love to hear your #kitchenmemories, share and tag Lighthouse.

The pandemic has highlighted our need for support and community, and companionship. We understand that need now: that it’s one of our basic human needs. - ChristinaWalton.ca , MTS, RMFT, FD, Guest Speaker at The Lighthouse Grief Symposium 2020. Hear Christina’s insights into her presentation that will help attendees understand more about the involvement of children and youth in funerals and celebration of life rituals. It will provide insights and practical tools to take... away so you may better support children in our communities. https://bit.ly/35JCPBS LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER IS FRIDAY 30th OCTOBER. Join the 150+ other professionals already signed up! Register and book your slots or register with colleagues to attend every session to share and collaborate in a team learning day. Broaden and enrich your understanding and perspectives about children's grief, and gather practical ideas to help you better support grieving children and youth. https://bit.ly/3nuK1dh https://www.bensound.com Speakers this year will help us to understand and reflect on a variety of important topics such as, , -, 2+ and the unique factors involved in loss for . We will be invited to learn about , ways for including children in ; we will hear case studies and children's experiences related to and

Introducing: Cara, our Office Manager. Today marks Cara's 10th Anniversary at Lighthouse, and she's been by our side, keeping us organised quietly in the background every day. Cara joined Lighthouse when we were renting a tiny bungalow on Wilson Street, we had one phone between 4 of us and we shared one small communal attic space upstairs as our office while downstairs was devoted to the children. Cara's voice is the first voice that families and members of the community he...ar when they call us looking for support. She is the welcome at the door when new families visit. Cara answers 100's of emails every week, posts 1000's of letters for us, she produces reports, keeps our database up to date, she makes sure our house and garden are tip-top; she even perseveres through the extra-long monthly meetings when we all catch up Cara, thank you for all your dedication and hard work and making our home feel like a home. With love from your Lighthouse Family p.s. sorry for embarrassing you, we know you don't like being fussed over!

On #DressPurpleDay2020, we remind families that help is available and no one is alone. This post from Halton Children’s Aid Society has a link to a number of resources. If you are a family that needs help, or if you know of a family in need please click to access the information. . Native Child & Family Services of Toronto " Every October, Children's Aid Societies across Ontario raise awareness about the important role that individual and communities play in supporting vulnerable children, youth and families with their Dress Purple Day campaign. The campaign is more important than ever, since the COVID-19 pandemic has created additional stressors, and in some cases has increased risk for the well-being and safety of children and youth"

This is childhood grief Lighthouse provides a safe, judgement free space. Children & teens can share thoughts & feelings with others who get it. Together we can create a caring community so no child or teen need grieve alone. #CGADHope #atLHyouarenotalone #OneConversation

The Community Foundation of Mississauga supports our Multi-cultural outreach with their Smart and Caring Children and Youth Fund Grant. They are hosting their "No Gala" on November 7th - a perfect NIGHT AT HOME - Featured guests include performer Kenny V.; Michael's Back Door, with a 'do it yourself' appetizer to inspire your at home Watch Party; Harry Hanson of Virtual Cocktail Class preparing our Signature Cocktail; and dance champion Dmytro Gurkov of Arthur Murray Dance ...Studios. This event has raised more than $640,000 in the last 7 years in support of our community's vitality and well being. https://trellis.org/dancing-with-mississauga-stars-presents

We are thankful for the incredible speakers at our symposium who will bring a new and enlightening depth and breadth of experience to the day. Alongside our guest speakers we are offering 12 different workshops, open to all. Register and book your slots or register with colleagues to attend every session to share and collaborate in team learning day. Maureen Pollard has almost 30 years of experience as a social worker supporting children and families in her community. ...Since 2012 she has developed her private practice to include a focus on supporting individuals, families and groups managing grief and trauma. She shares insights into her 2020 symposium presentation: Unique Factors in Loss for Children and Youth in Care. https://bit.ly/3jnnDzc Join us on November 13th to hear Maureen, and gain access to all our symposium presenters and workshops. Full Details and to register see link in BIO. : https://bit.ly/3nuK1dh Video Audio Credit: https://www.bensound.com Events in 2020 have illuminated the need for us to better understand and support grief as a society. Speakers this year will help us to understand and reflect on a variety of important topics such as, , -, 2+ and the unique factors involved in loss for . We will be invited to learn about , ways for including children in ; we will hear case studies and children's experiences related to and

4 weeks away! Children’s Grief Awareness Day is November 19th. . Check in with us throughout November as we unveil the Lighthouse Children’s Grief Awareness projects for 2020. At our home, 2522 Rebecca St, locally in #Oakville, in #Toronto and online as we connect virtually! .... There has been amazing support from all around - a collective and reassuring hug during these preparations - to reassure us that we are #strongertogether, and so that children at Lighthouse, and all grieving children, know they are not alone. GVA Lighting, Inc. Town of Oakville Visit OakvilleSarah Sims Photography Downtown Oakville CN Tower / La Tour CN Nathan Phillips Square Children's Grief Awareness Day Canadian Alliance for Grieving Children and Youth Destination Toronto

Wednesday Words. Thank you #staysafe #wednesdaywords #atLHyouarenotalone #presence #grief #teengrief #community #charity #peersupport #grievingchildren

We miss the Power of 10 community. For the past few years, October has been a date in the calendar for our cycling fundraiser. At Lighthouse we talk a lot about memories and how, when we remember our person who died, we keep them with us, even though they are no longer physically here. We know that for some of our teams, they have memories of team members who are no longer with us. So much can change year to year, 2020 has shown us that. Memories can make us feel goo...d - Today we’re sharing memories of our Power of 10 event, which was sadly cancelled this year. We miss the hugs, the laughter, the cycling, the silliness, the music, the dancing. Enjoy these memories - and watch until the end! ALL DONATIONS https://bit.ly/35kJNwS https://youtu.be/I_GmwpiyTtU

Justin Trudeau - thank you for acknowledging the difficulties children have been facing during the pandemic. Thank you for sharing about your Dad’s birthday too and keeping his memory alive with your love Huge thanks to Tyler Walsh @walsht in Winnipeg for your talents and creativity. Just wonderful. #atlhyouarenotalone... https://youtu.be/l_intzltgFM

The Continuum from Cultural Humility to Anti-Racism Within Children’s Grief Support. Hear from Rami Shami Rami Shami Consulting , who has been at Lighthouse as our Multicultural Outreach Coordinator since 2018, as he gives insights into his 2020 symposium presentation. https://bit.ly/2T4Udek Join us on November 13th to hear Rami and gain access to all our symposium presenters and workshops.... Full Details and to register see link in BIO. : https://bit.ly/3nuK1dh Video Audio Credit: https://www.bensound.com One of our Lighthouse Visions is "to enable and encourage a supportive community for grieving children and their families within Lighthouse, and beyond." Through the Grief Symposium we can educate, learn, share and enrich each others' understanding of some of the components of childhood and youth bereavement. is a key to success. As our symposium has evolved, the reach of our collective work has extended across Canada. This year we welcome all Guest Speakers, co-members from within the Canadian Alliance for Grieving Children and our attendees, as we work together to educate and support children's grief and bereavement. Events in 2020 have illuminated the need for us to better understand and support grief as a society. Speakers this year will help us to understand and reflect on a variety of important topics such as, , -, 2+ and the unique factors involved in loss for . We will be invited to learn about , ways for including children in ; we will hear case studies and children's experiences related to and

Helpful suggestions for grieving children, teens, and adults, for the all too often occasions when others ask probing questions. When kids talk about this during group we remind them that it’s okay to ignore the question and simply walk away.

On this Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day our hearts are with all the moms, dad, brothers, sisters, and other family members, who are missing and remembering the little ones who left this world too soon. At 7:00 please light a candle and join the #waveoflight so that those families know they are not alone.