Peter’s Place A Center for Grieving Children and Families Comfort. Hope. Healing. 150 N. Radnor-Chester Road, Suite F 130 • Radnor, PA 19087 • Phone: 610-687-5150 Fall 2011 • Fax: 610-687-5120 • Web address: www.petersplaceonline.org Peter’s Place is TEN – Look How We’ve Grown!

Carrie Miluski, MS, CT we can humbly share that Peter’s Place has served more than 2,800 Executive Director grieving children! Last year alone, staff and volunteers conducted 46* peer support groups at our center in Radnor and through our Outreach program Letter from the Director to schools. Dear Friends, Unlike many other organizations, Peter’s Place is not here to cure a disease or fix a social problem. Grief is normal, and we can’t stop death Ten years ago, young families in our community from touching young lives. In fact, the 2010 Census data tells us that had nowhere to turn after the untimely death over 50,000 children in the Philadelphia 5-county area will lose a parent of a parent or child. Today, there is Peter’s Place. before turning 18. Sadly, this number does not include those who will lose Hundreds of children and adults come to our center each year seeking a sibling or other caregiver. We’ve seen that the more we help, the more comfort, safety and companionship for their grief journey. people reach out to us for support. And we want to be there for those who Peter’s Place is 10 and I think you’ll agree... it’s something worth celebrating. need us. In May, we held a birthday bash in honor of this anniversary. Over 300 Peter’s Place has worked hard to remain healthy through these uncertain supporters gathered to eat, dance, and celebrate the work of our families, financial times. Through the devotion of volunteers, Board members, volunteers, and the whole Peter’s Place community. And we’ll be continuing donors, and families, we have not only managed to weather the storm, but the celebration all year! to grow to meet the expanding demand for our services. Each year, greater While we know that to many Peter’s Place is a reminder of their loss, a time numbers of families call on us for support after of deep sadness, we also know that out of this place grows hope. I’ve had a death, and new schools request support the honor of working here for over 5 years now, and I remain in awe of what groups for their grieving students. With Peter’s Place inspires in people. your help, we have done more each year to touch these young vulnerable When Peter’s Place opened its doors on September 12, 2001, it was a lives, and with your continued proud moment for the many friends and supporters of the cause who had commitment, we will do more still. worked to make the vision a reality. That first year, 38 people completed the volunteer facilitator training, and Peter’s Place offered 4 peer support groups for grieving children and teens, together with 4 support groups for their adult caregivers. It was clear from the beginning that there was a *Twelve ongoing groups for children and teens; 12 concurrent groups for their adult profound need for Peter’s Place in the community, and there were plenty caregivers; 1 ongoing group for young of friends who were willing to give of themselves to help. Ten years later, adults, and 21 8-week groups in schools. 10

Our Mission Peter’s Place provides a safe and supportive environment for grieving children and families and acts as a community resource to foster understanding of the effects of death and grief. Chester Community Outreach School Profile: The Chester Charter School Staff Community Charter School

Thanks Peter’s Place Cara Magrogan, LSW, CTS, CT Director of Outreach Programming After a decade of providing bereavement support and advocacy to the community, the most rapidly growing branch of Peter’s Place is our Outreach Program. In addition to providing training and education on children’s bereavement to schools and organizations, this program attempts to extend our support services to children who are not able to get to Peter’s Place. In the last school year, 134 children received bereavement support during the school day through the Outreach Program. The highest number of children participating in the program attend the Chester Community Charter School in Chester, PA. Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Delaware County is the small city of Chester. A once-vibrant center of manufacturing, the city experienced a sharp decline in jobs as industries shut down or moved following WWII. As both jobs and the population decreased, poverty and crime increased. Today Chester has some of the highest rates of poverty and violent crime in the state and consequently a high percentage of children who have experienced the death of someone significant in their lives. What the city also has, however, is a strong sense of community, resilience, and a desire to effect change. When Chester’s local school district experienced a takeover, alternative and charter schools began to open. The Chester Community Charter School was one such school, opening its doors in 1998 in an old Howard Johnson’s building to less than 100 students. Since that time CCCS has grown from its humble beginnings to now provide K-8 education to over 2,700 students on two campuses, making it the largest charter school in the state. Over the last two years, Peter’s Place has established, sustained and cultivated a What Susanne Cianfaro, the school partnership with this special school. Through this partnership we are able to provide social worker, said of the program: support to many of the children and teens in Chester who – because of distance or “Peter’s Place is fabulous…it’s done so much for lack of resources – were not accessing services at our Radnor center. During the last us because so many of our kids have traumatic academic year Peter’s Place spent every Tuesday running groups at CCCS during the experiences. Murder, death of parents–lots of school day. By the end of the year over 80 children had participated in the program. parents die very young. With the number of deaths Even though the deaths the children have experienced are often traumatic and in Chester it was not surprising that many of these frequently only one of many they will have to endure, their incredible resilience and children were having behavior problems in school. capacity to thrive with the love and support of their families and school community is Before Peter’s Place came, our children had no nothing short of inspiring. One 12 year-old said of the group, “I can express my feelings venue to express their grief. When this group came with people that really understand how it feels when somebody dies in your family. My self-confidence is up now, I wanna do this group again!” Another added, “I feel the kids just loved it. They always ask when you’re happy because it’s a relief to let it out.” walking down the hall if they can be in the group. The word’s out now.” This partnership is only made possible by the support and dedication of the CCCS staff, who have worked tirelessly and committed themselves to providing grief support to their students. The program is generously funded by the Connelly Foundation, the Michelle Hill, one of the many school Patricia Kind Family Foundation, A Little Hope, and other supporters. counselors, adds: “The students are walking around with their heads In our often death-avoidant culture the bereaved, particularly children, are often held high, talking, not allowing their grief and loss left to deal with the pain of their loss privately. While most schools don’t offer any formal grief support, the Chester Community Charter School has truly become to overpower them as much. And when they feel a safe haven for grieving kids. We have been inspired by this school and hope that it, when they start to feel it, they can express it now this partnership is only one of many that Peter’s Place will establish as our Outreach instead of keeping it all inside.” Program continues to grow.

2 In Their Own Words: Outreach Special Days Remembered Denise Paul, MA, CT Group Specialist Q: Why did you want to join this group? Birthdays and anniversaries are usually • “To help me understand that I can be happy.” a time of great joy and celebration, but for grieving people they can be • “I joined to get my anger under control and to help me with sadness.” especially difficult since they serve as • “To help me feel better and not feel mad.” painful reminders of what once was, but will never be again. Peter’s Place is • “Because I didn’t understand why all this stuff happened.” celebrating its 10th birthday this year, but as we proudly acknowledge that milestone, we are respectfully aware • “I wanted to join because I needed to learn some ways to cope and I that it is also the 12th anniversary of the death of Peter Morsbach, the wanted to learn how to help others cope.” boy for whom this organization is named. And so, for Peter’s parents, friends, and family members, the passing of those years may hold Q: What did you like about the group? special significance. • “We can talk about everything.” The first year following the death is sometimes the most difficult to get through. Often the anxiety building up to the special dates can • “I felt so happy when I went to the group.” be worse than the day itself. As the birthday of the loved one and the • “That I got to talk about my feelings instead of holding them inside.” anniversary of their death occur during the course of the year, those left grieving may be unsure of how to appropriately acknowledge • “That every fun thing helps me feel better about the death.” these significant dates. • “I liked that I didn’t feel different.” The day of the person’s birthday and the anniversary of their death are two of the most difficult days of the year, along with holidays. The birthday brings back happy memories of years past and the longing to have that person with you to celebrate. It also highlights Peter’s Place By the Numbers the unfulfilled hopes, dreams, and expectations you had for that person. The anniversary of the death marks the day that the person Outreach Program Highlights 2010-2011 died and thoughts of that day may bring back painful memories. The months and years mark milestones in which the person has been • 21 eight-week support groups in local schools gone from our lives. In order to grieve well in the days, months, and years following the death, the bereaved family members and friends • 190 grief support programs at area schools and community are encouraged to do their “griefwork,” which is aptly named because agencies established through our Outreach program it is hard work. The work of grieving requires that we remember the person who died. Birthdays and anniversaries are a natural time for • 495 children received off-site grief support and 328 professionals us to share memories, both happy and sad, and explore our feelings received training in supporting a grieving child related to the death. • Average rating of in-school peer support groups by children: 9.7/10 While birthdays and anniversaries are difficult, families at Peter’s Place have taught us that they have found meaningful ways to acknowledge • Average rating of in-school peer support groups by school and honor the person’s death. Here are some suggestions that counselors: 10/10 children as well as adults find comforting as they remember their • 97% of children felt better at the completion of their in-school deceased loved ones on these special dates: group; 50% reported feeling “much better” • Visit the grave and bring flowers or balloons • Donate a gift to a person in need in memory of the person who died • Bake a cake and share a favorite meal while sharing What’s New at Peter’s Place special memories Peter’s Place now offers support to businesses and • Have a balloon release with messages attached organizations after the death of an employee • Light a candle in memory of the person or employee’s family member. Contact us to • Make a donation to a favorite charity in their memory learn more about Corporate Outreach. • Plant a tree and have a memorial service in your garden • Make a card or write a letter to them and tuck it in a special place 3 Lorrie and Frank DeSimone Lesley and Frank Couson Mary and Andrew Schenkel 2010-2011 DONATIONS Nancy and Glenn Dever Kathleen Coup Jane Schoenborn contributions received since 2010 newsletter Bridget and Jay Devine Karen and James Cruickshank Maria and Stephen Schreder Michael and Nico DiPietro Neil Curtis Sally and John Simkiss Peter’s Place is ever grateful to all of our contributors Susan and Ira Disman Carl Cutler Ann Smith who make our programs possible. Susan and Robert Fahey Whitney and Peter Cutler Jeannette and Gee Smith Halberstadt Curley, LLC Ann Field Renee and Onofrio deGennaro Mary and Sidney Smith Oak Joanie and Robert Hall Carl Fischer Debra and Matthew Delaney Bernie Stevens Allison and Christopher Henderson Deborah Mohr Geffken Amy Dinacci Elizabeth Stewart $10,000 and Over Jackie and Mark Hershey Sophie Ghedin and Robert Beland Roberta Disman Amanda Swope A Little Hope Kevin Higgins Barbara and Richard Gilbert Jill and Thomas Durovsik Mary Tague Anonymous Hillview Capital Advisors Lisa Gillin Katherine and Robert Eaddy The Honickman Foundation Brandywine Realty Graceann and Jack Hoopes Givnish Family Life Celebration Homes Christine Edinger Susan and James Tiede Elinor and James Buck Angela and Fred Hudson Leila Gordon Suzanne and Eric Emerson Amy and Daniel Tiernan The Charter Foundation Celeste and Richard Ill Mary and Jefferson Green Maura Ewing Lindsey and David Turner Debbie and Greg Clower Judy Krishker Anne and Matt Hamilton Ewing Consulting, Inc. Lee and William Warden Connelly Foundation James Macaleer Claire and Clayton Hardon Katharine Eyre Noele and Alan Wein Elizabeth and James Foo Main Line Print Shop Kathleen and Gordon Hart Ruth and Carter Fergusson Chris and Chad Welsh Elizabeth R. Moran Main Line Unitarian Church Ithan Elementary PTO Anne and Adam Fischer Joanne and Raymond Welsh Patricia Kind Family Foundation Christine and David Martinelli Gwena nd David Keiser Lauren and Daniel Forman Cynthia and Daniel Wolcott Scholler Foundation Wendy and Wade McDevitt Annabel and Andrew Kerin Christina and Lance Funston Thomas J. Paul, Inc. Mary Patterson McGrory Judith and Jarrett Kling Lee and Tom Gavula Alicia and Arthur Winn Allison and Jim McGuckin Elizabeth and Robert Legnini Kathryn Giedgowd Maple Zisman Family Foundation Jane and Robert McNeil III Lillly Pulitzer Elizabeth and Vincent Gilpin Up to $249 John Gilroy Milestone Partners Stephanie Westphal Lucas Abbott Law Offices, LLC Stephen Gitter Dawn and Norm Miller Managed Care Consultants Bannard Ackerman Michael Greenblatt Sycamore Karen and Scott Moon Kitty and David McQuaid Jack Aezen Jane and Jeffrey Hall $5,000-$9,999 Fiora and Philip Moyer Helen Mulvany David and Matt Agger Eileen and Scott Myers Andi and Kevin Murphy Vanessa and Sam Halpert Anonymous Nancy Alleman National Football League Neubauer Family Foundation Patricia and Robin Harshaw Mr. and Mrs. J. Mahlon Buck, Jr. Iolanda A. Allen Stephanie and John Palumbo Nevil Memorial Church of St. George Louise and Harry Hill Linda and John Cummiskey Amy and Frank Allen The Pasquarella Family Foundation Margaret and James Nolen Erin and Dan Hinckle Endo Pharmaceuticals Michelle andJames Alvare Pennsylvania Trust Company Anne and Bert O’Malley Alyson and Andrew Hoffman Janet and Dominic Genuardi A.R. and S.C. Andersen Daria and Anderson Pew Evans Pancoast Katrina and Troy Hottenstein Larsen Foundation Jennifer and Hugh Anderson Robin and Glenn Pew Pfizer Foundation Christina and Blake Hug Joanna McNeil Lewis Beth and Carl Apter Krista and Bryan Rogers Kristen and Robert Prachar Millicent and Kenneth Hull The Lily Foundation Jill Hunte Louise Ash Majorie and David Rosenberg David G. Proctor Aston Beverage Outlet Neighborhood League Shops Foundation Marylyn and Larry Jeffers Foundation, Inc. Debbie and Robert Quigley Robert Avants Jennie and Jay Seward Margaret and Craig Johnson Denise and James Paul Mary Ratkovic B & D RV Battery Lock Bryn Smythe and Jack Reuben Michelle and Nicholas Karalis Rosemary Haggar Vaughan Family Karen and Bruce Rodio Valerie and John Babinecz Sorin Royer Cooper, LLC Billie Knapp Foundation Sally Layden Cherie Bach St. David’s Church Micah Knapp Strauss Foundation Susan Schlachta Stephen Bach Stillwater Capital Advisors, LLC Kristen and Luke Krebs Jennifer and David Wessels Linda Selwood John Badalamenti The Andrea Cavitolo Foundation Nancy and David Lafferty Maelody and Samuel Sooper Heather and Michael Bailey The Barra Foundation Sally and Joe Layden Lisa and Steven Sugarman Susan and James Bailey Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals Lindsay and Ted Leisenring Walnut Kelly and Vince Tague Stephen Baker United Way of Southeastern John Toates Anna Maria Lenfest $2,500- $4,999 Pennsylvania Leon Levy Foundation Elizabeth and Thomas Balderston Pamela Townsend Stacey Ballard Susan and Walter Buckley Robert K. Urquhart David Loder Lori and Alex Unterkoefler Christine and Michael Bamberger Susan and Robert Burch The Victory Foundation Patricia and Scott Mackay Vancleve Collection Inc. Jocelyn Barone Burke Family Foundation Carolyn Walter Allison Mackie Sherry and Hall Vetterlein Gina Basciani Michelle and Gene Dubay Janine and Jeff Yass Annette Malandra Ellen and Lewis Walker Todd Beal Kristen and John Kucharczuk Linda Gamble and Michael Zisman Lisa and David Mallach Allison and Stephen Walsh Karen Louise Belber Main Line Health Susan Marshall Merritt Weber Ainslee Bennett Eleanor and Gilbert Godin Laura and Samual Marshall Joshua and Danielle Wilson Christine Bennett The Saturday Club Willow Jennifer McKenzie Liz and Jeff Berger Lee and Andrew Walsh $500-$999 Leanne and Robert McMenamin Ilene and Steven Berman Lisa and Lars Williamson Francis and Frances Abbott Birch Ginny and James McWeeny Elizabeth and Daniel Bernick Amy and Andrew Agger $250-$499 Catsy and Henry Michell Donna Altenpohl Jane and Joseph Miluski Tim Bickhart Keith Ablow, MD Gretchen S. Anderson Carlyn Miluski Lynne Biggin Chestnut Melissa and Paul Anderson Anonymous Cynthia and Jon Nemo Michael Bisignani Louise and Charles Baker $1,000-$2,499 Anonymous Elizabeth and John Oliver Elizabetha and Lawrence Block Mary and Marshall Bassett Barbara and Todd Albert Arnold and Bette Hoffman Family Erin and Michael O’Neil Barbara Blynn Julie and James Alexandre Foundation Francis and Richard Baxter Elizabeth Evert and Andy Orr Theresa Booz Altus Partners Tisa and Jeffrey Baena Thomas Bentley Madaline Paiva Leslie and Albert Boris Amy Downs and Marcin Bielecki Jen and Chris Baggini Jessica and Eric Berger Kathleen Papa Amy Jo Bennett Borst Anonymous Barbara and Richard Barnhart Jean Bertrand Annette and Donald Parker Alison Boyd Anonymous Patty and David Bassett Mary Ann Bogie Personnel Data Systems Marianne Boyle Barbara and Clarke Blynn Kathleen and Jay Bellwoar Catherine and Benjamin Breskman Eve and Leo Pierce Mary Jane Brant Joan and James Bromley Anne and Joseph Bondi Wendy and Gary Brooks Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors Rebecca Breslin Bryn Mawr Trust Company Cynthia and Lawrence Borger Lydie Brown and Paul deJanosi Crissy and Andy Pyfer Darlene and Scott Bridesweser Chatham Foundation Rebecca Bradbeer Sue and Tom Burt Radnor School District Maintenance Eileen and Jeffrey Brown April Crocket Nora and Rob Brady Andrew Camerota Department Roann Brown Charles Curley Amanda and Charles Burch Michael Chizmar Karen Rodgers Susan and Stephen Brown Susan T. Deakins Elizabeth and John Castleman Patricia Cleveland Caroline and Joseph Rogers Carol Bruist Drueding Foundation Donna and Anthony Celentano Beth Cohen Joy and Jimmy Rosser Wallace Bubar Mary and Richard Emrich Denise Chaplin Hilary Cooke Elise Rouse Amy and John Buck Jaimie and David Field Laura and Richard Clark Cecilia and John Cooleen Royersford Elementary School Erin and Peter Buckley Fox and Roach Charities Alexandra Daplan and Kamala Corbitt SAKS Incorporated Kathryn Buckley Gladwyne Presbyterian Church Peter Cummiskey Leslie and Steven Coren Kathy and Gerry Schaafsma Patricia Buckley William Haines Susan Deakins Susan and William Costin Heidi and Spencer Scharf Barbara Buckman 4 Beth Buckman Laurie Etherington Harriton High School Megan Lundquist Dr. and Mrs. R. Barrett Noone Lisa and Kevin Buraks Experience Positive Therapy, LLC Cindy Harrity The Lyons Family Bradley Norford Mary and Peter Burgess Richard Faber Julie and Ian Hartman Carol and George MacDonald Sheila and William Norton Macella Burns Family Martial Arts Center Christine and David Hartzell Margaret and James MacKenzie Susan Ober C&H Disposal Service Inc. John Federico Kaye Hay Adam Maclean Betty Ogren Melanie Camp Mary-Hope and Ronald Feher Allison and Michael Hayden Francis J. Magrogan Janet O’Leary Carroll’s Office Supply and Furniture Co. Judy Felix Suzette Hearn Brigid Maguire Jacklyn O’Neil Anna and Todd Cassidy Priscilla and Brian Jeanne Helmers Una Majmudar Open Connections, Inc. Stacey Castel Josephine and John Ferguson Kelly Hennessy Dave Malamed Susan and Timothy O’Reilly Rebecca Catanese Missy Ferguson Sally and Richard Henrigues Trudy Manion Karen Owens Rosalind Cauffman Judith and Albert Feucht Julie and Stephen Herbert Edward Mannello Barbara Paolizzi Sandra Cella Will Findley Brenda and Gregory Hess William Mannion, Jr. Celeste and Vincent Paolizzi Carrie and Steven Chamberlin The Finer Things Michelle Hill Barbara Margolis Celeste Paolizzi Child Guidance Resource Centers Alexis Finkle Heidi and Jamie Hole Nancy and James Margolis Lisa Paolizzi Carol Chou Frederick and Hilary Fisher Christy and Mitchell Hollin John Marren Richard Parker George Christopher Anne Marie Florio Holy Child Academy Brenda Martin Marianne and Bruce Parkinson Kathleen and Steven Chuey Margaret and Dennis Flynn Katherine Hoopes Marcia Martin John Partridge Susanne Cianfaro Consuela Fogarty Elizabeth Hopkin Mary Judith Masiak Leigh Partridge James Cisick Lisa and Michael Fogel Thomas Hopper Barbara Mateer Elizabeth and James Paterno Jennifer Cisick Helen and David Ford Lori Hoppmann Rebecca and Richard Matthew Cindy Robotham and Bert Pearson Wendy Civitella Kathryn Forte Julie and Paul Horenstein Jeanne and John May Pediatric Associates of Paoli Maryann Clark Bonnie Fox Dan Horne Rosemary McBride Cherie and Jon Peeples Carol and William Cleary Kathy and Mark Fox Lisa Horning Deborah and Joseph McCabe Kelly and Geoffrey Penske Colleen Cleland Barbara Foxman Lori and Paul Horning Joanne McCandless Joe Perri Stacy Clemson Regina Foy Domenica and Charles Hottenstein Grace C. McCollum Holly Perry Amanda Clendening Gretchen and Tom Frascella Judith Howard Teresa and Daniel McCormick Jodi Peskin Cynthia and William Cline Heather and Charles French Mary Huff Diane McDonald Joan Pew Jill Cohen Mona Fresta Carol Hughes Jennel McDonald Lili Pew Elisa Colkiitt Leslie and Mark Frisina Lori Hummel Ruth Dever McDonel Eileen Phillips Allison Collings Rosalind Fudell Linda Hurlock Aleksandra McDonnell Patricia Piasecki Commercial Utitlity Consultants, Inc. Nikki Fulginiti Thomas Hutton Emma McDowell Germaine Piombino Eileen Connolly Lawrence Fullerton Elizabeth and Warren Hyams Lisa and Michael McDugall Mary Piombino Mary and John Connolly Diane Gabrielli IBM George C. McFarland, Jr. Lisa and John Pitney Priscilla Connolly Christopher Gallen Karen Ivory John McGinn Pauline Pittinos Cynthia Connors Mary and Thomas Gallen Torrey and Charlie Jenkins Sheila and James McGlone Carryl Platt Patricia Cordaro Danielle Galloway JoAnn and George Jenkins Ady McGowan Barbara and Rick Press Jean and William Cotter Marino Garcina Rosemary Johnston Megan McGowan Joanne and Robert Priem Sean Cotter Jodi Spragins and Brook Gardner Eris and Christian Jordan Stephen McIlwain Jacqueline Quinn Jeffrey Coursen Rhoda Gathoga Karen and Jay Joyce Gail McKinley Shannon Ragazzone Elizabeth and John Coyle Bernadette Gaudio Maria and Andrew Kalilec Fabiola McLaughlin Patricia Rambo Barbara Cranford Janice Gault Susan and David Kaslow Heather and Andrew McMeekin Barbara and Gary Rathsmill Crime Victim’s Center of Chester John Geewax Kathryn Levy Feldman Lynn McReynolds Maureen Rayburn County Laurie Geiger Patti Katin Matt McWeeny Thomas Readinger Joan Crittenden Lisa and Jacob Geiger Linda and David Kaufman Shelley Meenan William Reaume Judith Culbertson Lousann Geiger Howard Kaufold Terry and Karen Merkle Bernard Resnick Michael Cunnigham Mary Ann Geist Christina and Scott Kearney Joanna and Bill Merriam Michael Reyes Darlene and Thomas Daggett George Calin Glenna LaSalle Keene Pam and Rich Merriman Stacey Rhoads Dave and Libby Dalrymple William Gericke Denise Kelly Fritz and Leslie Mezger Sue and Robert Riley Mary Damian Ann and Carl Gersbach Maureen Kelly Michelle Stacy Maridel and David Rippy Joseph Dane Barbara Gertman Caroline Kemmerer Robert C. 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Beverly Smith Linda and Mark Stull Upper Darby School District Sara and Kent Weymouth If your name is listed incorrectly or Charlotte Smith Sarah Sullivan Upper Darby School District Middle Marilyn and Kirk White omitted, please notify us and the Madi Smith Patricia and John Surotchak School Jessica and Keith Whitmore correction will appear in the next Michael Smolenski Petra Svenson Valley Youth House Committee, Inc. Evalyn Wills newsletter.

Gifts in Memory of Sue Andrew’s father Peter Bunting Giordano Peter Lane Peter Morsbach Emily Schuster John Ash Jennifer Green David Laub Bridget O’Brien Ronald L. Sheets Brian E. Breskman Joe and Mary Ann Green Kimberly A. Lee Joseph M. Paiva Wendy Skammer Matthew Chaplin Nick Guyer Peter B. Lundquist Monica Palacio Michael Stacy Dutch Culbertson Amy Blum Haines Margaret Mary Lyons Gary Papa Millie Stickeler Michelle Deasey Ethan Halberstadt Joan Magrogan Robert K. Riggs John Swope Joseph D’Ignazio Matthew Hancock Harit Majmudar William Rodgers Robert Wayne Van Deventer Michael DiPietro Jr. Ezra Kaiser John McCollum Joan Ratkovic Traci Wagner Andrew Fox Pop Kirk Peg McKenna Bob Ruff Neal Welsh Linda C. Frank and Scott A. Frank Emily Grace Koenig Jason Gino McNeill Grace Russoniello Alec Williamson Joseph Fresta Kim Freitag Mike Miller Rick Samaha Susan Zeits James W. Gilson Bob Krischker Ryan Monaghan Rachel Savett Gifts made in Honor of

Beth Adams Natascha Doeller The Kane Family PA Chapter, American Academy Bryn Smythe Tim and Jeannie Bickhart Sue Fintzley Micah Knapp of Pediatrics Smythe and Reuben Family Mary Boreman Carolyn Garverich Letizia and Gabriel Lane Denise and Jim Paul members Sally Fergusson Brown Bernadette Gaudio Ruth Leach Robin and Glenn Pew Christ Stoddard Susan Buckley Mr. and Mrs. James Gdowik Cara Magrogan Bob and Kristen Prachar The Swope Family Susan Burch William E. Gericke Helen Mulvany Jane Preston Barb Teti Susie Coacher Allie Hoffman Jen Munch Mike Reynolds Christine Teti Nancy Dever Leslie Jay Georgiana and Eric Noll Schultz Children Timothy Wagner Joel Di Bartolemeo Peggy Jester Sally Schwabe Sue Willard Gifts made in Kind

Nicole Aldridge Jack and Lindy Cummiskey InterContinental - New York Times Paul Lester Photography Stitch Haus Ame Salon and Spa Decorating Den Interiors Square Robin and Glenn Pew Susan Beard Design Americana Tickets New York Devon Horse Show Jay Michael Salon Philadelphia Curling Club Sweetwater Farm Anne Fontaine Donna and Eric Dirks Jaydelp Productions Philadelphia Home Design Table 31 Restaurant and Plaza Café Bark Avenue Boutique Ira and Sue Disman Jeffrey A. Miller Catering Philadelphia Museum of Art Tarte Bedazzled Boutique Do It Best Hardware John B. Ward Tree Care The Phillies Theresa’s Café Berwyn Squash and Fitness Club Dog Days Academy John Kelly Pizza Hutt, Paoli Thomas J. Paul, Inc. Deborah Bettcher Durango Farm Knit Wit Platoon Fitness Training, LLC Tory Burch, LLC Bravo Pizza, Paoli Ann Fisher Luigi and Giovanni Playdrome Devon Tracy Clark Photography Burlap and Bean Five Guys Burger & Fries Lumen Laser Center Kristen and Bob Prachar Trader Joe’s Joe Capozzoli The Franklin Institute Lyons Detailing QED, Inc. Tredici CBR Productions Fresco William Mann The Quake Valley Forge Flowers VanCleve Collection Chanticleer Christina and Lance Funston Chris and Gina McHugh Laura Ann Riedel Vera Bradley Christopher’s Gretz Beer Company Robert and Leanne McMenamin Ristorante San Pietro Voila! Customs by Nicole Evelyn Cintron Jane and Jeff Hall Rory and Jane McNeil Mel Ruth Andrew and Lee Walsh David and Kitty McQuaid Cirillo Cosmetic Dermatology Spa Anne Hamilton Samuel T. Freeman & Co. Walter J. Cook Jeweler City Line Chiropractic Haverford Dermatology Jim and Ginny McWeeny Jennie and Jay Seward Ward Catering Clair Pruett Photography The Healing Connection Eileen and Scott Myers Shiffrin Selections, Ltd. Joe Watkins Classic Cakes Allison and Chris Henderson Naturescapes Shirley & Co. White Dog Café Club La Maison Angela Hudson Alasdair Nichol SKIRT White Rock Distilleries Comcast SportsNet Iceline The Organizing Consultant Souvenir Shop Linda Gamble and Mike Zisman Cooke & Berlinger, LLC Inspired Pet Portraits Kathleen Papa Sovereign Insurance Group 6 With Gratitude… In Their Own Words Peter’s Place is about the power of community. The passionate efforts of the following people and groups have helped the Board and staff to fulfill the mission of Peter’s Place this year: Q: What is the best thing about • The Family Martial Arts Center in Downingtown raised $700 to support our programs Peter’s Place? with a Kick-A-Thon in memory of Maddie Degville. “I can realize I am not the only one who has • Lilly Pulitzer in Ardmore hosted Sip, Shop & Share for Peter’s Place and raised over $700. lost someone.”— child, 7–10 group • Courtney Brinkerhoff Rau donated her time and production expertise to create a video honoring the work of Peter’s Place. You can watch the video on our website! “It helps you out with the death.”— child, 11–13 group • The Main Line Unitarian Church raised over $2,000 through generous gifts from their congregation through their December collection. “The people are really nice.”— child, • VanCleve Collection designated Peter’s Place as the beneficiary of their 25th Anniversary 11–13 group celebration and presented us with a check for $1,000. “I like how laid back and comfortable it is. • Altus Partners employees participated in the Chubb Charity Challenge golf tournament, Everyone is so welcoming and nice and and Peter’s Place received $1,000 as their designated charity for the second year in a row. funny. It’s safe here.”— teen • JAYDELP Productions and Tracy Clark Photography donated tremendous time and “Wow! We love Peter’s Place. Our adult talent to help make our 10th Birthday event spectacular. group has been such a safe place to talk • The 5K for Aidan J., organized by a Peter’s Place family in memory of their son Aidan, and share life’s ups and downs. My kids so chose Peter’s Place as one of the beneficiaries of the event. look forward to their groups as well.” • Thomas J. Paul, Inc. continues to amaze us with their dedication to our efforts. They — caregiver donate design and consultation services in the preparation of this newsletter, and in support of marketing efforts throughout the year.

Peter’s Place Thank you to our Volunteer Facilitators. Peter’s Place on-site peer support groups could not exist without the commitment of over 45 trained volunteer facilitators. Each year, these By the Numbers devoted individuals contribute over 2,500 hours. On-Site Peer Support Groups Thank you to the Peter’s Place is 10 — Event Chairs and Committee Members. 2010-2011 Program Year The amazing event would not have been possible without the dedication and passion of our co-chairs: Jane McNeil, Gina McHugh and Jennie Seward. In addition to these women, 60 enthusiastic committee members supported their efforts through design and • 12 peer support groups for children coordination of the successful fundraiser. and teens Remembering J. Mahlon Buck, Jr. This year marked the passing of Jim Buck, Jr., who • 12 peer support groups for adult together with his wife Elia was among the founding contributors to Peter’s Place. We caregivers remember him fondly and remain ever grateful for his decade of faithful support of our work • 1 peer support group for young adults and mission. His son, Jim Buck, III serves as the Treasurer of Peter’s Place. • 93% of adults and 80% of kids say they feel better since coming to For more information on how you can host an event to support Peter’s Place Peter’s Place, please contact Nancy Dever at 610-687-5150 or • 280 individuals and 104 families [email protected]. served 7 Extraordinary Gifts: Peter’s Place Volunteers!

by Tony Morelli, Jr., MSS Director of On-Site Programming The long-standing traditions of celebration and gift-giving that accompany birthdays are deeply rooted in mystery and spiritual beliefs from around the globe. Among ancient peoples the birth process itself was considered a significant – and often vulnerable – transition or rite of passage not only for the newborn him/herself, but for his/her mother, father, extended family, and community as well. Consequently, merrymaking and gift-giving often marked the yearly anniversary of an individual’s birth. Ritualized celebrations with family and friends – including the lighting of candles, sharing of food, and offering of presents – also served as protective measures designed to provide hope, encouragement, emotional security, and spiritual support for the individual and his/her community over the coming year. As Peter’s Place honors its own birthday and acknowledges how much it has grown and accomplished over the past decade, it seems an appropriate time to reflect upon one of the most significant “gifts” that has been bestowed upon our organization: our volunteers. Volunteers have been an integral and invaluable facet of Peter’s Place from its very inception, and they give to Peter’s Place in a variety of ways: by serving on our Board of Directors; by helping to plan, coordinate and execute special fundraising events; by donating particular professional and personal expertise; by assisting to facilitate both child and adult grief support groups, and by helping with administrative and practical tasks in our office. Each of our volunteers, of course, offers a unique array of his/her own personal “gifts” in helping to make Peter’s Place a comfortable, hopeful and healing environment for the children and families who receive our services. All of these individuals, however, possess a core set of gifts that they bring to Peter’s Place: their time, their talents, their goodwill, and their authentic desire to help Peter’s Place create and sustain that safe and supportive environment that is so critical to our work. Let’s “unwrap” each one of these particular gifts! Time: Amidst an extremely busy and hectic world replete with family obligations, employment responsibilities, and other pressures, our volunteers unfailingly share this particularly vital resource with us and with the children and families who come here. The time volunteers invest in us is considered a true treasure. Talents: Whether it is thoughtfully planning an event, carefully reviewing a strategic plan, lovingly sorting through and organizing craft supplies or toys, or compassionately bearing witness to the direct grief process of a bereaved child or adult, the talents our volunteers bring to us are of inestimable value. Goodwill: It is not only what our volunteers bring to Peter’s Place, but it is how they bring it! In whatever capacity our volunteers serve us, they do so with incredible selflessness, dedication and loving energy. Authenticity: The transparency and genuineness of our volunteers is what makes them singular and indispensable to the achievement of our mission. As we continue to celebrate and honor the 10th anniversary of Peter’s Place, may our entire community be comforted, strengthened, and sustained by the fact that our volunteers are continually gracing us with their gifts – not only on our “birthday,” but all year ’round.

8 Partying with Peter’s Place DONATE: Comfort. Hope. Healing. The death of a parent or child can leave a family not only with emotional needs, but with financial needs as well. Peter’s Place helps families during this time by not charging for our services, but instead requesting they donate what they are able. With only a small paid staff working with over 45 volunteer grief facilitators, Peter’s Place serves hundreds of children and families every year. We also provide support to children and staff in area schools. A donation to Peter’s Place helps us increase the number of children and families we can serve and helps to educate the community about how to offer comfort and compassion to grieving families.

How You Can Help • $4,000 helps keep Peter’s Place in a low income school for a whole school year • $1,098 allows one family to attend Peter’s Place for a program year* • $800 allows up to 10 grieving students to attend an 8 week support group in their own school • $350 purchases a year’s supply of children’s story books about grief for our lending library • $122 provides a month of services for a grieving family at Peter’s Place *Program year is 9 months

How to Donate May 14th • Donate today using the attached donation envelope Thanks to the amazing effort of an enthusiastic event committee • Visit our website www.petersplaceonline.org, click on “Donate” co-chaired by Jane McNeil, Gina McHugh and Jennie Seward, • Designate Peter’s Place for your United Way contribution; our Peter’s Place is 10 was wildly successful, raising over $140,000. donor number is 14576 for United Way of Southeaster PA. For Three hundred partygoers dressed in green came to The Baldwin other United Way agencies, write in “Peter’s Place, 150 N. Radnor- School on May 14th to celebrate our 10th birthday. Guests enjoyed Chester Road, Suite F 130, Radnor, PA 19087.” dinner and birthday cake, dancing with the Quake, a live auction and raffle – and watched the premier of a new video featuring children and • Donate in Memory of Someone: Remember someone special families served by Peter’s Place. You can see the video on the home or give comfort to a family by making a contribution page of our website! • Donating in Honor of Someone: Pay tribute to someone by making a donation to Peter’s Place in their honor

Go to our website www.petersplaceonline.org for a link to our Facebook page.

We have a Wish List on Amazon.com! February 5th Twenty four teams made up of 132 bowlers gathered at the Playdrome Devon Lanes for our first annualPeter’s Place Bowl-A-Thon! Raising Our wish list was just updated and we need many new books over $18,000, the event was not only a successful fundraiser for Peter’s for our library. To locate our Wish List, go to Amazon.com and Place, but it was a chance for people who care deeply about our click on Gift and Wish Lists. Under Wish Lists and Registries mission to spend a fun afternoon together and make a difference to type in “Peter’s Place.” local grieving families. 9 In This Issue... Peter’s Place Board Staff of Directors Carrie Miluski, MS, CT, Executive Director [email protected] Eleanor M. Morsbach Godin, Letter from the Director Co-Chair Cara Magrogan, LSW, CTS, CT Director of Off-Site Cover Programming Andrew Walsh, Esq, Co-Chair [email protected] Page 2 Outreach School Profile: The Chester James M. Buck III, Treasurer Tony Morelli Jr., MSS, Director of On-Site Programming Community Charter School William H. Haines, IV [email protected] Page 8 Extraordinary Gifts: Peter’s Place Karen K. Moon, LCSW Denise Paul, MA, CT, Group Specialist Volunteers! [email protected] James K. Paul Leila Gordon, MBA, Gordon Business Solutions, Robin Marzelli Pew Finance Manager Many thanks to The Davenport Family [email protected] Robert Prachar Foundation for generously funding the Nancy Dever, Development Coordinator/Office Manager Bryn Smythe [email protected] printing of our publications. Save the Dates

Peter’s Place Wednesday, November 2, 2011 150 N. Radnor-Chester Road Eat*Laugh*Love – join us at The Viking Cooking Suite F130 School in Bryn Mawr for an evening of comfort, Radnor, PA 19087 food and friendship Ph: 610-687-5150 Fax: 610-687-5120 Saturday, May 12, 2012

www.petersplaceonline.org Peter’s Place spring event. Stay tuned for details.

. . . Healing Hope Comfort

A Center for Grieving Children and Families and Children Grieving for Center A

Peter’s Place Peter’s

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