WILBRAHAM – Rick’s Place is in search of volunteers who can dedicate 10 to 11 hours a month to becoming a co-facilitator of groups of grieving children and teens.

Rick’s Place was established in 2007 in honor of Rick Thorpe.  According to the Rick’s Place website, Thorpe was a dedicated husband, father, brother and son who died in Tower Two of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.  Rick’s place was opened to provide a safe, supportive place for grieving children and their families.

Groups at Rick’s Place meet for one hour every other Tuesday throughout the school year.  Kids involved are grouped together by age and partake in activities that promote healing, Rick’s Place Director Diane Murray noted.

“The kids tell us that they appreciate being around others who get it, and they don’t feel isolated as they do in other social situations,” Murray said.

While the kids and teens are in their group sessions, parents and caregivers take part in their own support groups facilitated by Murray and a colleague of hers.  In these groups, the guardians learn how to parent while grieving.

According to Murray, last year Rick’s Place served 82 children, teens, parents and caregivers in their on-site program, which was a 30 percent increase from the year prior.

Rick’s Place is going to open for grieving families in September of 2017 through May of 2018.  Volunteers will need to take part in a 15 hour training session over three days: September 8, 9 and 10.  Volunteers must be at least 20 years old, however Murray says exceptions to this rule have been made in the past.

“There are no other prerequisites, but individuals who have experienced a death during childhood and those with experience working with children or teens are often most suited to the role,” Murray said.

For more information about Rick’s Place or to apply to become a volunteer go to www.ricksplacema.org.  Volunteer forms can be downloaded from the site and can be mailed or emailed to 35 Post Office Park, Suite 3514 Wilbraham, MA 01095 or to diane.ricksplace@gmail.com.  For additional information, call 348-3120.