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Making A Difference in Our Community!
KIDS HELPING KIDS ...
for families who have truly experienced a life-altering event in their lives!
There are many stories behind the tragedy of pregnancy and infant loss.
Through personal stories of low income families an urgent need was realized. Family grief, after a precious baby dies suddenly and unexpectedly, is intensified when unable to pay for funeral and burial expenses. It is a time of overwhelming grief for a family. In the midst of chaos parents search for financial resources. Few resources are available in our community. Common rituals that validate feelings and offer comfort may be by- passed when resources are limited. Families may be unaware of the bereavement support programs that exist in our community to help surviving children in the family cope with such a loss.
To envision a sustainable option for families after a baby dies, KJ's Carts for Kids has partnered with the Douglas County Health Department, the Centering Corporation, NE SIDS Foundation, John A. Gentleman, Heafey Heafey Hoffman, and Westlawn Funeral Home. KJ's Carts for Kids is emerging as a leader dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and their families who have experienced a life-altering event or illness in their lives.
The invaluable goal for KJ’s Carts for Kids will be the reciprocal learning that will take place when kids get involved helping other kids. To involve and educate youth, a creative partnership was formed with Ted E. Bear Hollow, a center for grieving children and teens. The Hollow is dedicated to creating a safe environment for children, their loved ones and the communities in which they live to honor and embrace the experiences that accompany death and grief.
Together, this unique partnering has resulted in a new option for families called “Blessings for Baby” which consists of:
- A bereavement support/ sensitivity training to be piloted by Ted E. Bear Hollow for youth/ teens to teach empathy and skills in interacting with the bereaved.
- K.J’s Kids helping Kids Challenge for trained teens/ youth groups and interested community members to raise money for families in need.
- A list of participating funeral homes willing to offer funeral and burial services at reduced costs for identified families.
By the spring of 2010, families demonstrating financial need will be able to work with K.J’s Carts for Kids in partnership with participating funeral homes and Ted E. Bear Hollow to have a funeral and burial for their precious baby in accordance with beliefs and values as well as receive information/ bereavement support for surviving children.
You can make a difference in our community. Your personal donations will help make this option a reality for families in need. If you wish to donate to “Blessings for Baby”, your tax deductible checks may be mailed to:
KJ's Carts for Kids
2916 S. 132nd Street
Omaha, NE 68144
Or pay online at using paypal under the donation section; please memo “Blessings for Baby”.
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