Ramsey November 30, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 9 Hearts & Crafts Grief Counseling of Ramsey recently received a Local District Grant of $3,500 from Macy’s in support of the Camp Grief Busters program. The gift from Macy’s will allow children and families to attend Camp Grief Busters at a deeply discounted rate. Hearts & Crafts is a non-profit organization that provides grief counseling to children and adults who have lost a loved one or are living with serious illness. The organization has held its camp, a two-day program for bereaved children and their families, in Stony Point, New York every June for the last 14 years. For some campers, the weekend is their first social gathering following a loss, and many have called it a life-changing experience. The camp engages children in games, projects, and activities, all of which are geared toward dealing with an emotion associated with grief. Adults are encouraged to relax with massages, group talks, and a wine and cheese gathering. A candlelight memorial is held in the evening to honor the loved one the family is there to remember. The weekend concludes with an 18-booth carnival and family barbecue. “Macy’s believes in supporting organizations in communities where our customers and associates live and work,” said Steve Wekar, vice president and store manager for Macy’s in Paramus Park. “Hearts & Crafts Grief Counseling’s Camp Grief Busters is a fine example of an organization that serves the commu- Hearts & Crafts program receives support nity, and Macy’s is proud to extend our tradition of ‘giving back’ to this worthwhile cause.” The 15th Anniversary Camp Grief Busters will be held June 2 and 3, 2012. For additional information, call (201) 8189399 or visit www.heartsandcraftscounseling.org. Hearts & Crafts Grief Counseling was founded in 1994 by Board Certified Art Therapist Laura Hudson, and is co-directed by Licensed Clinical Social Worker Terry DeBrule. The organization serves families who are living with serious illness and loss and is dedicated to providing a safe, caring environment as families work through the healing process. Situated in a cozy carriage house to create a home away from home, the counseling center has an art room, family room, and loft to replace the conventional psychotherapy office. Clients of all ages receive both individual counseling and support groups. Clients come from over 80 communities in New York and New Jersey, and most are referred by schools, medical practices, and other Hearts & Crafts families who have benefited from the organization’s services. Over the past 17 years, Hearts & Crafts Grief Counseling has grown from serving 20 families to working with approximately 250 children and adults each year. Services provided include art therapy, individual and family counseling, children’s support groups, teen support groups, parent/adult support groups, and Lisa Fairman, director of development for Hearts & Crafts, Steve Wekar, vice president and store manager of Macy’s Paramus, and Terry DeBrule, LCSW/co-director of Hearts & Crafts. community education. Scholarships are available for qualifying clients. Funding is secured through individual charitable donations and modestly priced coun- seling fees. Hearts & Crafts is located at 60 East Main Street in Ramsey. Call (201) 818-9399 or visit www.heartsandcraftscounseling.org.