Pella, IA — Pella Regional Health Center is proud to announce its innovative grief support program, “Painting Outside the Lines,” designed for children and teens coping with the loss of a loved one. The group sessions take place at the Comfort House (505 Union St, Pella) on the following schedule:
Experiential Kids’ Grief Group: Second Tuesday of each month, 5:45-6:45 pm
This group is open to children of any age but specifically programmed for those between 2-10 years. Activities are designed to help kids express and process their emotions through play, movement, and creativity. Each session includes engaging activities such as balloons, crafts, painting, and music, encouraging children to remember their loved ones in a supportive environment.
Intermediate/Teen Grief Group: Fourth Tuesday of each month, 5:45-6:45 pm
This group is open to 9-to 19-year-olds, with younger participants engaged in activities suited to their maturity level. Through discussion, art, and movement, participants explore their feelings surrounding grief, fostering connection and healing. Vision and feelings boards, as well as grief-focused activities, provide tools for navigating their emotional journeys.
Both groups encourage participation from children who meet the age requirements for the intermediate/teen group. Sessions are held in the lower level of the Comfort House; attendees are advised to park in the larger lot off Independence St. and enter through the lower-level doors.
The name “Painting Outside the Lines” reflects the program’s core philosophy: while grief can create chaos in our lives, it also offers an opportunity to find beauty amidst the mess. Leah Garland, Bereavement Coordinator at Pella Regional, emphasizes the importance of this initiative, stating, “Children are often overlooked in the midst of grief, but at Hospice of Pella, we’re providing a space where children can grieve together, finding comfort alongside their peers. Our Painting Outside the Lines Grief Group isn’t just a space—it’s a place where kids and teens can heal, and cherished memories can be shared, fostering resilience and connection through shared experiences.”
For more information about “Painting Outside the Lines,” or to register for the groups, please contact Leah Garland, Bereavement Coordinator, at 641-620-5050 or visit PellaHealth.org.
Pella Regional Health Center is a not-for-profit provider of healthcare that is accredited by The Joint Commission. It is recognized by Wellmark Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® as a Blue Distinction® Center+ for Maternity Care designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program, It is also recognized by Wellmark Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® for Knee and Hip designations. The health center was also awarded the Clean Facility Certificate from the Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE) for its commitment to infection prevention strategies and preparedness for biological events. Pella Regional Health Center’s mission is to provide healthcare and healing services with Christian compassion. Information on Pella Regional Health Center and its clinics is available by calling Public Relations at 641-621-2362 or visiting the website, PellaHealth.org.
