VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) is now recognized as a "Grief-Sensitive" school division and has been awarded a $37,500 grant to help struggling students overcome their grief.
The grant was given by the New York Life Foundation after all 75 Virginia Beach Schools had crisis teams undergo training to help support young students during these difficult times.
"Anyone who is struggling or feels as if what they are feeling is different or that no one else is there to help them, that is just simply not the case," said Robert Jamison, the executive director of Student Support Services at VBCPS.
According to the JAG Institute, approximately 1 in 12 children will lose a parent or sibling before the age of 18.
If a child's grief is left unattended, experts with JAG said it could lead to poor academic performances, mental health issues and early mortality.
"We want to make sure our crisis teams are there for any student who is going through something that might seem unimaginable," said Jamison. "It's up to us to uplift them and show them that no one is alone."
Jamison said the grant money will be used to improve the school division's bereavement plans and encourage ongoing staff development.
If a person is struggling with their mental health or is reaching a crisis point, you can always call 988, and someone will pick up.