Message from the Director of A Caring Hand, The Billy Esposito Bereavement Center, Robin F. Goodman, Ph.D., A.T.R.-BC

It is an incredibly exciting time for A Caring Hand, The Billy Esposito Foundation. I am honored to be writing to you as the first Director of the bereavement center and part of the team that is making Susan Esposito-Lombardo and her family’s dream a reality. Her selfless and tireless dedication to the mission of the organization she founded, and presides over, is amazing. She is an inspiration to me and a true role model for those who are bereaved. From her own personal tragedy she has found meaning and gone on to change the lives of others. The biggest changes for the Foundation are yet to come with the opening of the new center.

WHY WE ARE HERE: The need is tremendous
• There are close to 2 million New York City children under age 18.
• Up to 5% of children will experience the death of a parent before the end of high school.
• 50% of the youth under age 21 in an urban inner city were found to experience the sudden unexpected death of a close relative or friend.

WHY WE ARE HERE: The risks are great
• After someone dies, children as well as adults can feel sad, confused, isolated, guilty or even ashamed.
• Children with unresolved childhood grief following the death of a father are five times more likely to commit suicide, nine times more likely to drop out of high school and 20 times more likely to have behavioral disorders.
• Following the violent death of a parent or loved one, children are three times more likely to have anxiety disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder.
• Even two years after the death of a parent, 20% of school-aged bereaved children can have psychological difficulties needing supportive interventions.
• For some young people, grief cast aside and ignored can lead to life long problems with school, work and relationships.

WHY WE ARE HERE: Bereaved children can be helped
We can help children, teens, caregivers, teachers and professionals discover and learn healthy ways of dealing with grief. The mission of ACH is to meet bereaved children and families wherever they are in their grief and fulfill their needs in a caring and knowledgeable environment. Our bereavement services focus on expression, coping, remembering, and community building – the essential components of grief work. We help children accomplish these tasks through child friendly activities using art, games and writing. At the same time, we help caregivers understand their own feelings, the grief journey of their child and how to feel confident parenting in the aftermath of a death. This type of healing empowers children and their caregivers to believe they are capable of having a life that is enriched by comforting reminders of someone special. We help them manage the pain of their past and find joy to take them into the future.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
We want to serve as many children, teens, and caregivers as possible. We invite you to join us in building a special place of caring.
• Refer any bereaved families to us
• Contact us for a consultation or information about grief and bereavement
• Consider volunteering your time or services to help the children
• Make a donation to the center and help us continue to grow

We encourage all bereaved families, professionals and others in the community to call us at 212-229-CARE (2273) or email robingoodman@acaringhand.org.

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