Support for Widows/Widowers
Assistance to widows/widowers even without their child’s participation in a Sunflowers activity
In line with the Sunflowers holistic approach, we believe that for orphans to grow and develop from the crisis that befell them we must help the parents and give them tools. This is why we also offer our services to parents whose children cannot participate in our activities.
These groups are separate from the groups of parents whose children take part in our activities.
My child began living again thanks to Sunflowers. My child refused to leave the house, to meet friends, and of course to go to school. Since Yuval joined Sunflowers he made new friends, went back to school, and his mentor and the group caused him not to feel alone. Yuval began to talk about his father, both with me and in class. I know that without Sunflowers this would not have happened.
Contrary to other groups of widows and widowers, our groups are conducted with an emphasis on the child’s experience, mediating the child’s needs and providing the necessary tools. We see you as parents to orphaned children, and together we offer a response and address the child’s needs. Of course we talk a great deal about the difficulty you face as widows and widowers. We also place an emphasis on the “peer group” – we believe that a peer group of widows and widowers is significant for a sense of belonging, as well as for consolation and a shoulder to lean on.
Branches are opened based on demand. If you and/or your child would like to participate in the Sunflowers core program please register here »
Questions and Answers
Why create a group that focuses on the children and not only on us (the widows/widowers)?
Sunflowers is a non-profit organization that supports orphans. Based on our holistic approach we believe that we must give widows/widowers tools to cope with their child’s orphanhood and its ramifications, with facing loss and grief every day, while together examining and building a life, expressly out of the tragedy.
Who can register to the group?
Every widow and widower with a child under 18 years of age. The groups are intended for widows and widowers who feel they need a group in which they will receive tools to help their child cope with the complex situation which orphanhood creates.
Will I also receive personal support?
If you need such support, you will receive it from the group’s therapist, depending on the conditions and their ability, which may differ between the groups.
Is attendance mandatory?
Every group that we open will meet 12 times. It is obligatory to attend all the meetings (except in exceptional circumstances).
What happens in the group meeting?
All group meetings have a structured framework, however they are tailored to every member of the group according to their individual needs.
What are the days, hours and times of the group meetings?
Formally every group session is up to an hour and a half. The day and time of the sessions is set in advance by the group that forms.
What are the qualifications of the group facilitators?
The group facilitators are social workers who receive training and instruction from the Sunflowers professional team.