HopeWest has been selected to participate in a childhood bereavement program.

HopeWest was among 11 grief-centered organization selected by Judi’s House and the JAG Institute as what’s billed as Changemakers. Over the course of a year, participating organizations will receive guidance and recommendations to address data and evaluation needs that will inform planning and funding to meet the needs of the estimated 96,000 children in Colorado who experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18.

“HopeWest Kids plans to harness the Changemaker program’s educational gifts to maximize our data and reporting capabilities. This will help us review and formulate our program initiatives, ensure we are meeting our community’s needs and help provide robust information on our grant applications,” said Jessica Boff, HopeWest director of bereavement services. “HopeWest Kids is completely supported by philanthropy and relies on funding from grants and donations. It’s important to our team that no child is ever turned away, regardless of financial circumstances.”

By refining data collection processes, Boff expects HopeWest to not only secure greater funding for programs, but also better meet the specific needs of children experiencing grief. This step allows for more tailored bereavement services and a deeper understanding of how to engage effectively with children and teens ages 3 through 18.

Boff said the Changemaker program aligns with the HopeWest mission of changing the experiences of families dealing with aging, illness and grief.

Micki Burns, chief clinical officer of Judi’s House and the JAG Institute, said the institute team works with bereavement professionals to strengthen their programs through evaluation methods. “Together, we learn about innovative interventions that are changing the trajectory for grieving children and their families across the nation and build competency in using data to tell impactful stories.”

Judi’s House and the JAG Institute is a research-based organization in Denver devoted to supporting grieving children and their families.

HopeWest operates an in-patient hospice center in Grand Junction and provides hospice, palliative care and grief support services in a large area of Western Colorado.HopeWest Kids provides guidance and support to children and teen-agers dealing with challenges related to the serious illness or death of a loved one