Solace House – 20 Years, 20,000 Lives
Solace House Center for Grief and Healing was founded in 1998 by two grieving moms who could find support for themselves, but not for their kids. In 2009, Solace House was brought under the auspices of Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care as part of the mission of compassion care, where it continues to provide grief counseling and support free of charge to families, funded by support from donors throughout the community. The staff of two full-time grief specialists is augmented by many trained community volunteers who help facilitate peer support groups for various ages and needs. Solace House is also called upon by local schools, businesses, and community groups to provide guidance and support to those left behind after sudden and often tragic loss.
“They’re second to none. It takes a special person to work with grief day in and day out. Solace House is blessed with volunteers who have worked with the organization for many years and they are a big piece to what makes it work,” stated Kimberly Brown, LCSW, of Rockhurst High School. When working at St. Thomas Moore Elementary several years ago, Kimberly called upon Solace House after the tragic death of a fifth grader. The staff was overwhelmed with the loss and Solace House came immediately to help both staff and students deal with this unexpected death.
“The main mission of Solace House is to provide hope for grievers,” stated Lisa Templeton-Farmer, Program Manager. “That they see how they’re feeling is not how they’re always going to feel. That it may take longer than they wanted, it may be harder than they want it to be, but there is hope for the future. They can find joy again.”
Solace Sensation, the celebration and inaugural fundraising event for Solace House was held Saturday, April 28, 2018, at Boulevard Brewing Company. Celebrating 20 years of caring for an estimated 20,000 grieving children, teens, and adults in the Kansas City area, approximately 200 people joined together to raise funds to provide grief support for area families who experience loss each year in the Kansas City community. The event will also honored two long-time volunteers, Sherry Ainsworth and Eddy Scanlon, who have dedicated thousands of hours over the past two decades to children and families served by Solace House.
You can help make a difference in the lives our Kansas City families by volunteering or donating to Solace House.
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February 21st, 2022 at 8:36 am
Looking for kids group grief counseling. My sons father passed away the day before thanksgiving. He passed away by suicide with him in the house. Please let me know if this is a program you can assist with. Alexa V
February 21st, 2022 at 10:24 am
Hi Alexa, so sorry about the death you and your family have experienced but we’re glad you’ve learned about us. Solace House is a program of Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care and is our community grief center. They offer individual counseling, as well as peer support groups and camps. To participate in their services you can contact them directly by emailing shmail@kchospice.org or calling 913-341-0318. They’ll be able to offer you resources, as well as help you learn more about the programs.
March 20th, 2022 at 2:57 pm
Please send a brochure listing all the services you provide
March 20th, 2022 at 3:14 pm
Do you have groups for adults grieving?
If not do you know a good resource?
March 21st, 2022 at 8:11 am
Hello Pearl, thank you for reaching out. Solace House is a program of Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care and is our community grief center and they offer support services for grieving adults. To participate in their services you can contact them directly by emailing shmail@kchospice.org or calling 913-341-0318. You can also find a peer group schedule by viewing our calendar at KCHospice.org/events. For a full view of our services visit KCHospic.org/programs. Solace House will be able to offer you resources, as well as help you learn more about the programs.
May 1st, 2022 at 8:53 am
My dear friend recently lost her partner of 27 years suddenly and with no warning. Would your center have either group or individual grief counseling?
May 2nd, 2022 at 11:14 am
Mary Kay, sorry about the death you and your friend have experienced and we are glad you reached out to our team. KCH Solace House offers individual counseling, as well as peer support groups. To participate in their services you can contact them directly by emailing shmail@KCHospice.org or calling 913-341-0318. They’ll be able to offer you resources, as well as help you learn more about the programs.
May 10th, 2022 at 8:54 am
I’m seeking information on your support groups for kids who have lost a parent. My husband died of coming cancer in March. We have a 9 year old daughter who I think j would benefit from being with other kids who have also lost a parent. She currently is seeing a counselor, but thought this would be something positive for her too.
May 11th, 2022 at 8:24 am
Lori, we are sorry about the death you and your family have experienced. KCH Solace House offers several counseling options for children. To participate in their services you can contact them directly by emailing shmail@kchospice.org or calling 913-341-0318. They’ll be able to offer you resources and help you learn more about the grief support programs.
August 1st, 2022 at 8:09 pm
Married at 15 to my 20 yr old sweetheart.. almost made it to 65 years. Have been married my whole life and I am at a loss. Would like to find some group support!
August 2nd, 2022 at 10:38 am
We are so sorry to hear about the death of your husband but are glad you’ve learned about our programs. To see a list of upcoming group offerings please visit KCHospice.org/events. If you have more questions please email our team at shmail@KCHospice.org.
August 9th, 2022 at 8:35 pm
I’m deaf but I do ok in person reading lips. I’m reaching out because I feel my mom has given up. I feel she is suffering from broken heart syndrome. I’m at a loss what to do. Please email or text me at RainbowJo72@yahoo.com or text 913-558-5420
This place was suggested from Shana. I may have spelled it wrong. Shana strongly suggested to get someone here to help my mom with grief counseling asap.
August 10th, 2022 at 12:47 pm
We are glad you reached out. A member from our Solace House team will reach out to you for guidance. You may also reach out to them directly at shmail@KCHospice.org.