Causes: Counseling, Mental Health

Mission: . . . Helping children and families in their grief journey caused by death, divorce or other significant loss.

Results: Currently Calm Waters is celebrating 21 years of serving the greater Oklahoma City community.

Target demographics: Grieving children between the ages of 3-18 and their families.

Geographic areas served: Greater Oklahoma City metro area.

Programs: SERVICES OFFEREDCalm Waters was founded in 1992, by a nine-year old boy whose father had just died, and his mother, in partnership with the Baptist Medical Center Outpatient Counseling Department. In 1999, CW achieved 501(c)(3) status. In FY10, CW served approximately 3,000 children, youth and adults whose lives have been affected by death, divorce, and other major grief issues, including incarceration, deployment, deportation and foster care. Calm Waters provides a variety of services, including:Free Center-Based Grief and Divorce Support Groups are offered to children ages 3 – 18 and their parents/guardians, and to young adults 19 – 25 years old. Because children’s abilities to understand and express feelings vary with age, children meet in developmentally-appropriate groups. Led by trained facilitators, participants are guided through a curriculum filled with art and play activities, and discussions aimed at developing healthy coping skills. Adults find support as they meet with other adults, share their concerns and learn from each other how to help themselves and their children through turbulent times. Young adults find peer support in their own group. Groups are curriculum-based, and promote healing in a safe, supportive environment. Divorce groups are held weekly for eight weeks, while grief groups are ongoing, with participants attending twice per month. All children who attend CW support groups must be accompanied by at least one adult. School-based Support Groups contain the same components as Center-based support groups, but serve students in public schools (pre-k through 12th Grade). Parents do not attend. A wider variety of grief issues are addressed, including incarceration, deportation or the deployment of a loved one, and foster care concerns. Parenting Through Divorce Seminars focus on keeping children out of the middle of divorce. Offered every two to three weeks, this four-hour, court-approved seminar educates parents on the effects of divorce on children, encourages responsible parenting and facilitates the development of important skills such as communication and conflict management. “Hurting Children Need Hope” Counselor/Educator Grief Training day-long workshops teach counselors and educators about grief in children. CEU’s provided. Volunteer Facilitators lead grief and divorce support groups. Facilitators attend a hands-on training covering the nature of grief, small group interaction and CW’ support group curriculum. Additional Services
•In-service Training Programs
•Crisis Interventions – After the death of a student, teacher or other community member
•Grief Training Workshops geared toward tribal and rural communities throughout Oklahoma
•Speakers Bureau - Presentations on children and divorce, children and grief, single parenting, co-parenting, communication and more
•“Creating New Traditions” – Annual one-night grief support groups for families trying to cope during the holidays
•College student intern and practicum opportunities and mentoring