Children's Grief Services
The Academy offers two short-term grief programs especially for children. Healing Hearts is for children grades one through six and Little Hands is for children ages three to six.
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| Healing Hearts | More |
Little Hands | More |
These programs give children a chance to interact with others their own age who have experienced the death of someone loved. Both programs are offered free of charge to all children in our community.
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Children's Tribute
 For families Hamilton’s has served who have had a child under age 18 die, we place an individual garden ornament in our specially planted Butterfly Garden surrounding the patios at our funeral home on Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Periodically throughout the year, we hold a special dedication called our Children’s Tribute, for the families whose children are honored in the Butterfly Garden. More
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Living Tribute Program
 In memory of those who have died and used our services, Hamilton's gives semiannual donations for plantings to the Des Moines Botanical Canter's Oak Hickory Forest. A dedication ceremony for family and friends of those memorialized is held each year at the Botanical Center. More
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Coping With Grief Symposium
 The Academy offers to our community Hamilton's Family Services Symposiums. During each Symposium, speakers address the topic: "Coping With Grief," offering practical suggestions to adults who have experienced a death. More
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Fetal Memorial Services Program
 Hamilton's, cooperating with hospital Pastoral Care departments, is the location for memorial services held for families who have experienced an early gestation loss of a baby. Hamilton's oversees fetal disposition at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. More
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First Viewing Support
 Available to families who wish to have a grief support person present for their child or children at the time of the family’s first viewing at the funeral home. |
One-on-One Counseling
 Available for children and teens ages three and up. An initial grief assessment meeting takes place at no charge. Follow-up sessions are based on a simple sliding fee scale.
Click here for information about Children's Grief books by Sasha Mudlaff, Academy Consultant.
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