The Lighthouse for Grieving Children

Britta Martini-Miles visited our club and shared the mission and success of The Lighthouse Program for Grieving Children which provides support to children who have experienced the lost of a parent or sibling.  Britta has been the Executive Director of the Lighthouse Program since November 2011. 
Often children in these circumstances feel isolated and alone.  The Lighthouse provides an essential outlet for children to deal with the loss and take some comfort in the knowledge that they are not alone.  Children meet peers who are struggling with similar losses.  Parents, who feel overwhelmed with their own grief and struggle to “continue life as before”, find comfort in knowing their children are given the support they need at the Lighthouse.  The organization is located in Oakville but provides services to kids through out the Halton and Peel region.  I have had the opportunity to speak with a couple of teenagers who went through the program and noted the positive impact Lighthouse had on their lives.  Rotary member Mark Cashin thanked Britta for her presentation and moved many of us to tears when he spoke briefly of his personal journey.  Having experienced loss at a young age he knew the pain that these children deal with and the difference that Lighthouse could make on a child's future.  Thank you Britta for bringing Lighthouse to our attention, and to Mark for sharing your experience.