Established in 1996 by a group of professionals whose jobs included work with youth, Oak Tree Corner is based on the United States’ first children’s grief group in Portland, Ore. Similar programs exist in 280 cities nationwide.
“When someone important dies in a family, surviving children often feel quite isolated and alone,” says Vicki Braun, Executive Director since 1998. “Their classmates typically have no clue of the disruption in a family after a death. Here, other children understand. In groups based on age, little ones can share their story as often as they need to tell it. Teens can talk about the added responsibilities they may face when Mom or Dad dies, their fear of the future. We use art, music, games and play to make young people feel comfortable dealing with the new reality in their home life. If an infant sibling or older one has died following an accident, there will be others to share that loss.”
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Oak Tree Corner groups are directed by trained volunteers, many of whom dealt themselves with early family death. If extensive counseling seems necessary, referrals are made to psychologists or other professionals. “Actually, we have more referrals to us from clinical folks,” says Braun. “A child may receive individual counseling but their therapist believes they could benefit from being around other children in similar situations.”
A separate group for parents, grandparents and caregivers meets while the children are in group. Meals are provided twice each month and special family events take place throughout the year. Funding comes from local donations, corporations and foundations. “We have some wonderful groups who provide cookies and vegetables to feed families,” says Braun. “Most people send food when they know someone who has a death in the family. This is an extension of that to the community.”
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Oak Tree Corner is not affiliated with any religious denomination and is funded solely from private donations from the community. The organization is in need of individuals or groups to help with family dinners during the school year.
Items on the wish list include:
- Paper towels, plates and napkins
- Plastic cups
- Toilet paper
- Juice boxes and beverage such as Sunny D
- Magazines such as Family Circle and Good Housekeeping
- Doctor and veterinary play sets
- Clean dress up clothes and hats
- Gift cards to grocery stores and pizza chains
- 2-liter bottles of caffeine-free Orange Soda and Root beer
Note that no stuffed animals or crayons are needed at this time.
Drop off your donations from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at 136 Far Hills Ave., corner of Schantz in Oakwood. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other hours welcome by appointment. For information: (937) 520 2881 or www.oaktreecorner.org
OTHER WAYS TO HELP:
During the month of May, Old Scratch Pizza’s Cones for a Cause will give all monies donated for ice cream cones to the organization. From 6 p.m. til close on Tuesday, May 23, 10 percent of all sales at the pizza restaurant will go to the organization. Old Scratch Pizza is at 812 S. Patterson Bvd., Dayton.
Monies raised from LadyFest in the Yellow Cab Building on Labor Day weekend will benefit Oak Tree Corner as well.
Columnist Meredith Moss writes about non-profit organizations in our area and their specific needs. If your group has a wish list it would like to publish, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com
Please include a daytime phone number and a photo that reflects your organization’s mission.
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