At the 22nd Annual National Symposium on Children’s Grief, the National Alliance for Grieving Children announced recipients for its national awards presented annually.
The NAGC Founder’s Award was presented to Diane Goldsmith, New Hope for Kids, Florida. The Founder’s Award is given annually to one individual who has made a significant contribution to the field of children’s grief support as a volunteer. Diane has been an exceptional volunteer at New Hope for Kids since 1999, one year after her 16 year old daughter Rebecca was killed by a drunk driver. In the midst of her own grief, Diane witnessed the grief experienced by her daughter’s friends as they would come to Rebecca’s room and cry. She recognized that they too needed support in their grief. When asked on the volunteer application why she would like to work with bereaved children, Diane wrote: “I understand the healing process and respect each individual’s right to grieve in their own way. I know the need to have someone listen and am anxious to help others in their grief.” Even now, after 18 years of volunteering, Diane’s selfless compassion has not wavered.
Photo l-r
Vicki Jay, NAGC CEO, Diane Goldsmith and Peter Willig, NAGC President
PHOTO credit goes to NAGC. (National Alliance for Grieving Children)
