Peer Support for Children Experiencing Painful Transitions
Recent census data shows that 7 out of 10 youth live in nontraditional families marked by death, divorce, separation or abandonment. Terrorist attacks, the threat of war, and manmade and natural disasters add more fear and uncertainty to the lives of youngsters everywhere. In response to these staggering statistics, the Somerset Hills YMCA will again be offering the Rainbows program for children experiencing any painful transition in their families. Beginning Wednesday, March 5th from 7:00pm-8:00pm, the group will meet on a weekly basis at the YMCA.
Rainbows is a peer support program for children who are experiencing parental divorce, death of a parent or sibling, or any other difficult transition will benefit from the program. Participants are placed into age-appropriate groups led by trained facilitators. Journals, art, and games are utilized to spark discussion among the children. The program is funded through a donation from the Kevin Hannaford Foundation and is offered free of charge to both members and non-members of the Somerset Hills YMCA.
Carolyn Vasquez, Director of Family Services at the Somerset Hills YMCA stated “The power of Rainbows comes from children being able to express their feelings to other children who are going through similar a loss. By expressing and identifying these feelings, children can be healed from the grief of loss in their family.”
Rainbows is the largest international not-for profit organization solely dedicated to helping children navigate the grief of significant event traumas. Since its inception in 1983, Rainbows has helped over 1.9 million children successfully navigate the grief of loss in their families.
The program begins Wednesday, March 5th and meets weekly through Wednesday, April 23rd. The group meets from 7:00pm-8:00pm at the Somerset Hills YMCA located at 140 Mount Airy Rd. Basking Ridge, NJ. The program is free for both members and non-members of the YMCA.
For more information or to register, please contact Carolyn Vasquez, Director of Family Services at 908-766-7898 ext.340 or email
