Mcclean Fletcher Center

TO PROVIDE CHILDREN AND TEENS WITH A GRIEF SUPPORT PROGRAM THAT OFFERS A SUPPORTIVE AND NURTURING ENVIRONMENT AFTER LOSING A LOVED ONE.

THE MCCLEAN CENTER PROVIDES SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING IN A SAFE AND HOPEFUL ENVIRONMENT WHERE CHILDREN, TEENS AND THEIR FAMILIES GRIEVING THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE, CAN EMBRACE THEIR GRIEF AND MOVE THROUGH THE HEALING PROCESS TOWARD PEACE.THE MCCLEAN CENTER EXTENDS SUPPORT SERVICES TO FAMILIES, CAREGIVERS, SCHOOLS, AND OTHER AGENCIES IN THE JACKSON METRO AREA WHILE FUNCTIONING AS A RESOURCE TO THE ENTIRE STATE.THE CENTER IS A PLACE WHERE CHILDREN CAN EMBRACE GRIEF AND BEGIN THEIR JOURNEY THROUGH THE HEALING PROCESS TOWARD PEACE. THE PLACE IS WITHIN A CHILD'S HEART. THE LOCATION IS THE MCCLEAN FLETCHER CENTER, MISSISSIPPI'S FIRST GRIEF CENTER FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES.THE CENTER'S BI-WEEKLY PROGRAM SESSIONS BEGIN WITH FAMILIES, STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS SHARING A MEAL, PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR FELLOWSHIP AND BONDING. AFTERWARDS, CHILDREN AND TEENS ARE PLACED IN AGE APPROPRIATE GROUPS WHERE THEY MEET FOR ACTIVITIES SUCH AS OPEN DISCUSSIONS, ART, MUSIC, PLAY GAMES, READING, EXPRESSIVE WRITING AND JOURNALING. ADULT CAREGIVERS MEET SEPARATELY IN THE CENTER.THE CENTER ALSO OFFERS AN ANTICIPATORY GRIEF PROGRAM TO ASSIST THOSE EXPERIENCING THE ANTICIPATED DEATH OF A LOVED ONE DUE TO ILLNESS OR DISEASE. EMOTIONAL NEEDS ARE OFTEN OVERLOOKED OR MISUNDERSTOOD BECAUSE OF THE PRESSURES AND CHALLENGES WE FACE WHEN SOMEONE IN A FAMILY HAS A SERIOUS ILLNESS.