Programs
No Judgement, Just Real Talk.
10-week group sessions approved for all Jefferson County Public Schools in July 2025. Age-appropriate content for elementary, middle and high school students who are grieving the loss of a loved one or a major life change like
FREE TO ATTEND • WORKBOOK INCLUDED
Grief isn’t a solo ride. Young people shouldn’t have to feel so alone. Talking with others who get it can help lighten the weight they are carrying.
At HopeWave, there’s no judgment—just real talk, support, and people who actually understand.
Reach out to Ericka Mingus for more information on HopeWave and how to get your school enrolled. Ericka@FirstHourGrief.org or call (502) 791-9938.
Youth Safety at First Hour Grief Recovery
First Hour Grief Recovery is committed to protecting every child and teen we serve. We follow a clear Youth Protection Policy that includes:
Background Checks & Training
All team members complete child-safety background checks and annual training on abuse recognition, reporting laws, and safe interactions.
Safe Settings for Youth Mentoring
Sessions with minors take place only in our offices.
Rooms have windows for visibility.
Doors may be closed only when visibility is unobstructed.
Parents stay onsite during all minor mentoring sessions.
No staff member meets with a minor offsite or transports a minor.
HopeWave School Program
HopeWave groups are held on school property with school staff onsite at all times. No private one-on-one conversations occur with students.
Mandated Reporting
Kentucky law requires every adult to report suspected child abuse or neglect. We take that responsibility seriously and report concerns immediately.
Our Commitment
Youth safety is a cornerstone of our mission. We maintain strong boundaries, clear policies, and vigilant oversight so every student and family can trust the support we provide.
GRIP - Grief Response Impact Program
The Grief Response Impact Program or G.R.I.P. was developed primarily for first responders to help them better understand what grief feels like, why compassion matters and to also provide self-care techniques. We know that first responders often experience some of the most horrendous situations when dealing with accidents, and intentional acts of violence, often leading to death. And sometimes they say and do things that have a lasting impact on the people most affected by the death of a loved one. Through the use of video, we demonstrate that impact and a better way to deliver the unthinkable news. This program can be adapted to other audiences such as physicians, nurses, HR professionals and others. For more information, contact Lisa Schardein: (502) 791-9938.
Art Therapy Program
This eight-week course is designed to help you process your grief through the expression of art. This class does not require you to have any artistic ability. And it is not an arts and crafts class. It is about diving deeper into the feelings of grief and sharing those feelings in a safe and confidential space with others who also find themselves on this journey. Research has found that traumatic memories are stored in the right hemisphere of the brain. Speech is located in the left. Because art is a right-brain activity, it is often easier for those suffering from PTSD-like symptoms, or intense grief, to draw about their trauma. Led by a licensed art therapist, all materials are provided and the course costs $50. For more information contact Lisa Schardein: (502) 791-9938.
Strands of Hope - Prayer Shawl Ministry
We believe in the power of prayer and many of our clients and volunteers sign up for a monthly class on creating prayer shawls. These beautiful creations help to provide comfort for people who are suffering the loss of a loved one. We also gladly accept donated skeins of blanket yarn (a little thicker style yarn) and need at minimum 3 skeins of each color.
If you would like to participate in this important ministry, please reach out to Karen Buchanan: (502) 791-9938. If you have blanket yarn to donate, please arrange for a time to drop off by calling that same number.
Strides4Healing
Strides for healing is a seven-week interactive program to help guide people who are grieving through their grief journey. Each week there will be questions, exercises, videos and healing tips to help people navigate their loss. During week one we determine where someone is on their journey. Week two, we help determine where they’re going. In the subsequent weeks we help people figure out what they need for their journey, how to prepare for emotional weather conditions, what they need to leave behind, and what they’ll find at the end of their journey.
For more information, please contact Michelle Stotts: (502) 791-9938.