A free community birthday event on Saturday will celebrate the work of Rays of Hope, a community outreach of Hospice of Midland.
The center was created 20 years ago and the birthday celebration is scheduled 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rays of Hope Children’s Grief Center, 900 West Wall Street in Midland. It is a free event and is open to the community. The event is for the whole family and will feature food, games and treats.
Vicki Jay, who was the founding executive director of Rays of Hope Children’s Grief Center and who is now the CEO for the National Alliance for Children’s Grief, wrote about the journey of the center.
“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Rays of Hope Children’s Grief Center, we reflect upon the transformative journey we embarked upon, guided by the light of compassion and resilience in the Midland community,” Jay said in a news release. “We have witnessed the incredible power of community, fostering healing and hope in the hearts of children. As Rays of Hope enters the next chapter of its story, may we continue to join together, ensuring that no child grieves alone. Here’s to 20 years of compassionate service, and to the countless rays of hope yet to come.”
The story begins in 1992 when Hospice of Midland saw the need to expand its bereavement services to the children and grandchildren of its patients. Originally known as Rainbows, the program began at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.
It expanded in 1995 to include junior and high school students and now serves children ages 4 through 18. In 2002 Mr. Harold Shull donated the building where the Rays of Hope Children’s Grief Center is currently located. After renovations, it opened in 2003 and continues to grow and expand its services to the children of West Texas.
Today, Rays of Hope offers eight programs to those who have experienced a loss due to death, divorce, separation, deployment or other painful transition. Focusing on peer support, the center assists families throughout the year, including three summer camps. All of the programs are offered free of charge.
“We are passionate about meeting the unique needs of grieving children” states Adriana Aguilar, the Rays of Hope Director. “While serving thousands of children and families over the past two decades, Rays of Hope continues to provide support that is responsive and relevant through the use of creative and expressive arts. We are proud of this award winning program, and all that has been accomplished. We would like to thank our volunteers and the foundations and individuals who support Rays of Hope. Without your help, this important work would not be possible.”
A participant in the teen program wrote, “Rays of Hope taught me to find hope in otherwise hopeless situations. I suddenly lost my father and was forced face to face with grief. I felt alone, overwhelmed, and scared. My father’s death opened my eyes to the pain of others. Rays of Hope taught me that it is necessary to find special people to lean on and trust.”
For additional information about Rays of Hope, please visit hospiceofmidland.org/rays-of-hope/ and for Hospice of Midland programs including Pathways Community Palliative Care, please visit hospiceofmidland.org or call 432-682-2855 to speak to a care team member.
