" I learned that it's okay if someone dies, it's part of life and you won't ever truely lose someone if you still have memories of that person."
7th grade
" I joined this group because my sister died and liked that we can share anything we feel in this group."
5th grade
"The thing I liked most about the group was Ms. Loretta."
4th grade
My mom told me about the group and I agreed to join. I got to talk about the death of my brother without getting so angry.
8th grade
"I learned that it is okay to cry." 6th grade
"Everyone could understand how everyone else feels."
8th grade
"My friend made me come to the group and I'm glad I did. It was a fun way to express my feelings."
12th grade
" The most helpful part was learning how you could still love the person who died."
3rd grade
" This group was helpful because I know now it was not my fault."
4th grade
"My father passed away and my teacher suggested that I come to this group. Now I know people who had the same emotions as me. I liked that we could come to this group and not be judged on what we say."
8th grade
"I liked meeting new friends."
3rd grade
"This group helped me channel my emotions about my mom who died."
8th grade
"I liked meeting people in the COURAGE group who really do have something in commen with me."
7th grade
"Someone who was in the Courage group last year suggested that I join and I'm glad they did. I was able to talk about my situation and not feel so alone. I found that I had other people to relate to. Not only did I learn to express my feelings in words, but in the activities we did. "
9th grade
If you would like to share your experience with the COURAGE program, contact
Testimonials from News Journal article
"Great article! You do a fantastic job and I am glad you got some well deserved recognition. See you next year. " Jrohlich
"Sue and I read the article from Monday's paper on the Courage program, in fact I had her read it to me as we drove to a meeting together, and she had to stop reading on a couple of occasions as it was just wonderful and moving at the same time. Robin did a terrific job with the article I thought! Congrats to all of you for your wonderful work!!!"
Tom
"Great article...really shows how much you've made a difference in the lives of these kids by helping them grieve & cope w/ their loss...the world needs more people like you! children are so interesting...I'm sure they have touched your heart as much as you have touched theirs :)"
Andrea Johnson
"FRONT PAGE NEWS today. Your program and the work you are doing is very important. Thank you for your patience and perseverance with us; and all the love and support you give to children."
Lilian M.
"It takes a special person to be able to help grieving kids, thank God you can help to ease their suffering."
G. Schulze
"Great article. You are a amazing person. The kids are very lucky to have you. Keep up the great work."
Neal M.
"It was nice to see something positive and inspirational on the front page of the paper."
Lisa B.
"Thank you for all the work you have put into our group- we can't even put our appreciation into enough words."
Abbie
"Thank you, you helped me so much."
Emily
"Thank you, you have helped me get through some hard times."
Jessica
"Ms. Loretta, You Rock. I hope you come back next year, you have helped me alot over the past 2 years."
Ashlee
"Thank you for getting rid of my fear about talking about my loss."
David
