Tidewell receives nearly $38,000 in grants for family grief and bereavement program

Tidewell Hospice has received multiple unrestricted grants to support its Blue Butterfly Family Grief Center, an evidence-based program that helps grieving children, teens and caregivers through professional counseling, peer-support groups and activities.

Each of the following generous grants will help Tidewell continue to provide free therapeutic grief and support services while expanding the program to meet the needs of more individuals and families:

McCune Family Foundation: $30,000
Lakewood Ranch Rotary Club: $5,800
Service Club of Manatee County: $2,000

Each year, more than 8,000 children in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties experience the loss of a parent — leaving them at an increased risk for depression, anxiety, truancy, eating disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, and even suicide. Blue Butterfly is the only evidence-based program specializing in grief and loss in our region, offering a safe and caring environment for children and caregivers while providing resources, education and group counseling in a developmentally appropriate way. The program has served more than 200 families since its inception in April 2018, and it is continuing to provide grief services virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is 100% supported by donor investments.

Tidewell is actively expanding Blue Butterfly to care for additional children and families in our region, with new locations in Port Charlotte and Ellenton scheduled to open in August 2020 and winter 2021 respectively. To support these Blue Butterfly expansion efforts and Tidewell’s mission to care for those who need it most, visit tidewellhospice.org/home/tidewellfoundation or call 941-552-7500.