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The Tree House

The Tree House is a Safe Haven for Children, Teens and Families Who Have Lost Loved Ones

The Tree House was created to be a place of comfort and healing specifically for families with children that have experienced the death of a parent or sibling. We offer peer support groups designed for children (ages four to eighteen), as well as a separate group for the parent(s) or guardian(s).

The goal of the Tree House program is to bring families together as they go through the process of grieving. This program creates a safe and caring environment where both adult and child receive the special attention needed to move through the pain of grief toward hope and healing.

This program is offered free of charge; however, we do invite families to make a tax-deductible contribution. Because we are a non-profit organization, we rely on donations from families, community members, foundations and corporations. Every donation is gratefully appreciated.

How a seven-year-old learns she can go on without her dad but still keep him alive and well in her heart.

“I am only able to share my real feelings at the Tree House.”

— Jack, 11 years old, The Tree House 2018

Registration

Intake & registration are required before attending a Tree House meeting.

For further information, please request information online or call our office at 914.787.6158 and a staff member will take some basic information about your family and the person who died.

An appointment will then be made for your family to meet with a Tree House coordinator where questions can be asked and we can offer more information about what happens at each Tree House session. Much of what we do revolves around creating a safe, welcoming environment; knowing what to expect and having met someone from the center before attending, can help reduce the anxiety of a new experience.

“When someone dies you love them still and they still love you.”

— Amanda, 5 years old, The Tree House 2015

What to Expect

Each session begins with an initial gathering and a simple meal, during which time someone from BCW will come by to either welcome you or to welcome you back. After dinner, children, adolescents and adults are divided into smaller support groups according to age lead by our specially-trained volunteers.

Children: During group breakouts, children are gently encouraged to share their feelings through creative activities including art, music, puppetry, storytelling and play.

Teens: The teen group uses a peer support model to normalize and validate their grief with age appropriate activities for the teens. Group members share their personal grief through creative and expressive art and writing as well as verbal expression.

Adults: The adult group focuses on their own needs and grieving process, in addition to addressing the challenges of parenting a grieving child.

“The Tree House is something you start but never walk away from. It has perpetual staying power.”

— Abby, 22 years old, The Tree House 2010

Tree House Schedule

Tree House sessions are held every other week from September through May. Using an open-ended model (meaning families can join at any time), we meet every other Tuesday night in Bronxville or every other Thursday night in Mt. Kisco.

“I love meeting other kids like me.”

— Riley, 7 years old, The Tree House 2018

Locations

Bronxville location:

Date: 
Meets every other Tuesday (Starting September 26th, Ending May 21st)

Time: 
6:30-8:30pm

Address:
The Chapel School,
172 White Plains Rd, Bronxville, NY 10708

For further information about the Bronxville Tree House, contact Anne-Marie Conlan at 914.787.6158 or email her at atc9008@nyp.org.

Mt. Kisco location:

Date: 
Meets every other Thursday (Starting September 28th, Ending May 16th)

Time:
6:30-8:30pm

Address: 
The Presbyterian Church of Mt. Kisco
605 Millwood Rd, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549

For further information about the Mount Kisco Tree House, contact: Joanna DeNicola at 914.787.6158 or email her at jod9176@nyp.org.

UNDERSTANDING FOUND HERE

“At the Tree House, I feel accepted, cared for and safe.”