October 4, 2024 • 30 mins
Losing a loved one is hard -- especially for kids. And the Kidzcope Program at the Wichita Children's Home provides no-fee, peer-based bereavement services to young people ages 3 thorugh 18. WCH Development Officer Kim Pennington and Community Volunteer Tracy Farrell explain why Kidzcope is a very worthwhile program to support. www.wch.org, kidzcope.org
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to Wichita Weekend, the weekly public affairs program from
iHeartRadio Wichita ninety seven, ninety ninety eight, WELLO two won
the Bull Channel ninety six three and Ault one O
seven three.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
And our topic of the day is Kid's Scope. Kid's
Cope is a very special program being offered by the
Wichita Children's Home and our guests in the studio today
are Kim Pennington, the development officer for Wichita Children's Home.
Also Tracy Ferrell. She's a community volunteer for wichitad Children's
Home and instrumental in the day to day events and
(00:33):
things that are happening with Kidscope. Ladies, welcome to Wichita Weekend.
Thank you, thank sure to be here, all right, It's
really exciting to have you because I want to learn
more about Kidscope. What is the program all about?
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Well, it's a it's a very unique program, I think
in our community, and it serves children that are three
to eighteen that have lost a.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
Loved one Oh my okay.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
The children are able to meet with their peers and
talk about the things in ways that they're from don't understand,
and we have amazing volunteers like Tracy that really guide
them through that.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
When you say lost a loved one, it could be
a parent, it could be a sibling, it could.
Speaker 4 (01:09):
Be a or even just a friend, a significant person,
a significant person in their life. And as Kim said,
we are so happy that we have the ability to
divide kids up into their age group of peers and
they get to talk, do activities with other children who
(01:31):
have gone through similar things.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
Yeah, well I can well imagine that. Say, if you
begin with a three year old, three year old's probably
got it, absolutely got a different understanding of what they've
just lost, as opposed to an eighteen year old, right,
I mean correct.
Speaker 4 (01:48):
But surprisingly, even if you walk into the room of
three to five year olds, they are very they are
learned how to put in real terms what has happened
in their life, and they are realizing that other people
have had something like that happened to Well.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
Wow, it's a huge, huge undertaking to bring these kids
under your wing and help them out. So how long
has kids been or kid been operating?
Speaker 3 (02:24):
Well, I'll tie it back to the Wichita Children's Home
has been operating since eighteen eighty eight. Okay, So when
neighbors came together to help another neighbor that was in
need when he lost his wife to childbirth. So there's
an interesting connection, I think, to Kids Cope in that way.
And then several years ago the Kid's Coat Board approached
(02:44):
the Children's Home Board and said, we think that there's
some connection here and that the Children's Home could really
help serve the community well through this program, and so
we brought it under the Children's Home umbrella. It was
founded though Kids Cope was in the year two two
and it was three Trees and it was mirrored a
little bit off of a program that was in Kansas City.
(03:06):
And then what year, Tracy, did the name change happen?
Do you remember.
Speaker 4 (03:11):
The name change happened? I think maybe two thousand and eight,
two thousand and nine. It had already changed before I
started volunteering for Kids Cope, which it was in two
thousand and nine, and they quite frankly changed the name
simply because they were afraid that people were missing the
(03:34):
opportunity to just look it up in a directory or
a phone book. And they even made reference to sometimes
when it was called three Trees, they got phone calls
for landscaping or tree removal. And so their only goal
was to make it a name that would be recognized
(03:55):
as a place for helping children.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
I think that's a good call. That's pretty smart because
Kids Scope says what it is helping kids cope. Wow. Well,
since its inception, how many kids would you guess you've
worked with and helped?
Speaker 3 (04:12):
Well, since two thousand, it's been the year two thousand,
it's been about.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
Five thousand, five thousand, Oh my gosh.
Speaker 3 (04:20):
And we know that there are so many more in
our community that could benefit from the program. So that's
why we're so excited to get to visit with you today,
and that's why we had an event at the zoo
to help bring awareness to the community.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
Yeah, speaking of an event at the zoo, it actually
is happening on Sunday, September twenty ninth, which might be
after the date you hear our program, that's right. But
what we want to let you know is we had
a wonderful time at Kids Scope Zoo Adventure Day, right.
Speaker 5 (04:47):
That's right.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
Yeah. We had great sponsors that helped make it possible
for families to receive five dollars off each ticket for
their admission, and then each of the children that participated
received a lanyard and a passport to collect some stamps
and then a little thing to clip on their lanyards
and keep with them throughout the year.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
Okay, a good time, a great.
Speaker 3 (05:08):
Time, and the zoo is always a fun time.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
And we've got it on the calendar. I'm guessing for
twenty twenty five.
Speaker 3 (05:13):
We do, we do right.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
Well, if you're listening to this today and you're going, man,
I'm kicking myself for missing kid Scope Zoo Adventure Day,
well you'll get it in twenty twenty five. And it's
a really good way to get acquainted with the great
things that are going on to Kids Scope and which
taur Children's Home and just kind of celebrate a little
bit and enjoy some time together.
Speaker 3 (05:32):
And that's right. We're hoping that people that are participating,
if they have a friend or a neighbor that has
a child that's lest someone significant that they can share.
You know, when you win, you're past, I can take
a casse role over. Then you don't know what to do,
and you see the family hurting and they're all dealing
with the loss. So the adult in the home has
their own grieving and then they're trying to help know
(05:54):
how to best serve the children. That they're caring for.
And so as a friend, as a neighbor that can say, hey,
I was I was listening to that podcast or I
was at the zoo and I heard about this program
called Kids Cope And it's no cost to the families
that participate. Anyone, any child in the community that's lost
someone is eligible.
Speaker 4 (06:13):
So right, and what I'd like to just clarify a
little bit, it's a an experience for the entire family.
You can bring all of your children and we ask
that a caregiver comes too, that could be a surviving
parent or a grandparent, and they have their own group
(06:35):
for that is also peer group support other people who
are adults helping children grieve. And so they build their
own group and learn how the you know, the best
ways to go through this very sad time.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
Yeah, wow, just thinking about this, it's very heavy top
and I can imagine there have been some some situation,
I mean, every situation is a little bit different. And
do some children, how do I put this, get through
the kid's scope process sooner than others, or do some
(07:14):
take longer to kind of get to that place. We
want to get them to where they're.
Speaker 4 (07:18):
Okay, and our program meets once a week for eight weeks,
and so a family would go every week for eight weeks.
We have many times a family will decide, oh, maybe
about three or four, six months down the road, that
their children are going through another phase of grief, and
(07:41):
they might come back and come again, and then they
will be yet with other children that are going through
similar circumstances. I think the main thing also that it's
important to know it's not counseling, because many children can
go to counseling at their school, one on one or
(08:03):
with a private doctor. But this is peer group support,
so they are just with other kids who are going
through similar things. And one of the things I love
about it is they're learning that this is a safe
place for me to talk about it. But if I
don't want to, I don't have to talk about it.
(08:25):
I'm just here having a good time. Our granddaughter said
that to me once when she was ten. She said,
you know the thing I like about it the most
is after we all know what has happened to each other,
then we're just there. We're just there with each other
and it's comforting and it's safe. And also children, it's
so important for them to learn that even though they're
(08:48):
grieving and other people and their family are grieving, it's
natural and healthy and wonderful to still laugh and have
a good time because they're kids.
Speaker 2 (08:59):
Got to think it's healthy too, good for your body physically.
So mm hmmm the Kids Cope program, So how does
the process begin? If you know of a child that's
lost someone close to them, how do you get involved
with Kids Scope? Then how does that child sign up?
Speaker 4 (09:20):
Well, many times a physician or teacher, counselor will suggest
that a child might benefit from more and then it's
as simple as calling our telephone number Kids Cope. I
don't have the number in my head right now, but
(09:41):
then our program director will answer and she will schedule
a time to meet with the family, either just the
caregiver or the child too, and they'll talk about what's
going on and what group and timing would be great
for their FAI family to slip in and schedule in
(10:02):
and be in a group.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
Okay, okay, So it begins with a phone call. We'll
get that number for you. After we take our break,
we'll look up the number and bring it back so
that folks can have that to refer to. So thank you,
very interesting man. Wi you to Children's Home is a
busy place, is it not.
Speaker 3 (10:22):
It is a busy place. We serve just under two
thousand children each year.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
Wow. Children, families, extended families, caregivers. You guys are right
at the heart of it and right on the front line.
Speaker 3 (10:35):
And we are, and we're really blessed and thankful that
the community continues to just link arms with us and partner.
There's so many other great organizations in our community. And
Tracy mentioned the teachers, the physicians, the police officers. You know,
so many people are looking out for our community's children,
(10:57):
and it takes all of us the other organizations that
sort of particular needs that children may have, So it
takes all of us to help some of these kids
that need somebody to step in for them.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
I've got to ask how you're enjoying your relatively new
campus there up on thirty seventh Street North.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
Well. Yeah, after one hundred and eighty eight years, it
is we've been. This is our fifth campus and it's beautiful.
Move in day was so special. The kids had such
pride and I remember one of the girls in particular said,
I never dreamed I would live any place this beautiful.
It helps them have the sense of worth. I am valuable,
(11:35):
I am worth something, and they can begin to work
on goals and dreams.
Speaker 2 (11:40):
Yeah. Well, it's laid out really nice and it looks fantastic.
I used to drive by it on my way to
work every okay, and I thought, man, yeah, because I
remember where it had been by Wesley.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
Yeah, it was tucked back and there wasn't a sign
out front, so you had to know that you were
in the.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
Right place exactly. So well, good on that. I'm thrilled
that you're in a new place and doing all the
great service work that you're doing. How's about we take
a quick break and we'll kind of regroup and we'll
talk about what we'll talk about in our second half
of Wichita Weekend. Our guests are Kim Pennington, the development
officer from the Wichita Children's Home, and Tracy Ferrell, community volunteer.
(12:17):
This is Wichita Weekend. Thanks for listening.
Speaker 6 (12:28):
Have you just been diagnosed with cancer or do you
know someone who's recently been diagnosed? Keep this in mind
and pass it along. The American Cancer Society offers a
nationwide cancer information line. It's available twenty four hours a day,
seven days a week, whether it's two BM or two AM.
We're there for you to answer questions, connect you to
(12:48):
the resources you need, or to just listen. As the
most credible source of information, we can answer your questions
about prevention, diagnosis, treatment options, and clinical trials. Can also
help you with everyday needs like emotional support and lodging
during treatment. To learn more, visit cancer dot org or
call your American Cancer Society toll free at one eight
(13:10):
hundred two two seven two three four five anytime, day
or night. That's one eight hundred two two seven twenty
three forty five.
Speaker 7 (13:20):
The story of Grace Men has always been told through
its people, both those who served and those who it
is out and are served. We meet at the intersection
of compassion and vulnerability, bringing health where there was illness,
and hope where there was despair. Our patients come to
us bearing the weight of living in the margins, and
we share the love of Jesus Christ with them by
providing compassion to quality healthcare for all their physical, emotional,
(13:42):
and spiritual needs. Because health restored is always hope. Bringing
find hope today by scheduling an appointment with Grace.
Speaker 5 (13:49):
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer's Association is here
for you. They're in person. Caregiver training is now available
on video conference. See the training schedule online at a
dot org slash c w Kansas from Iheartcommunities.
Speaker 6 (14:04):
Have you recently recovered from an injury or condition and
have lightly used medical equipment lying around? Independent Living Resource
Center's Medical Equipment Recycling network can use these valuable resources.
Mer and donations are tax deductible. We accept everything from walkers, showerchairs, wheelchairs,
grab bars, and so much more. Visit ILRCKS dot org
(14:27):
for a full list of needed equipment. Independent Living Resource
Center thirty thirty three West Second Empowering People with disabilities.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
Welcome back to Wichita Weekend. We are visiting with Kim
Pennington and Tracy Ferrell from Wichita Children's Home and the
Kidscope program. And it's been a really illuminating interview so far.
And we were kind of talking during the break Tracy specifically,
I'll address this to you that bereavement has no time frame. Grief,
(14:59):
I should say, has no time frame some people, well
everybody grieves a little bit differently, right right.
Speaker 4 (15:06):
We were talking about we have families who feel the
need to come right away after something catastrophic or there's
been a loss in their family. It is typical. I've
had families who come when their loss has only happened
a couple of months ago. On the flip side, I
(15:27):
have families sometimes who have had a loss and it's
ten years later and a parent has said to me,
you know what, my child entered adolescents and I realized,
we need some help, We need some help navigating this.
And so there just is no set time or right
(15:50):
time for every family. We welcome you at whatever season
you are in your grief.
Speaker 2 (16:00):
Has it been your experience that the longer they put
it off the grieving process, that is the harder it
is on the family. Whereas everybody different, I.
Speaker 4 (16:10):
Suppose everyone is different, I can't really.
Speaker 2 (16:15):
Say, okay, this is a note to myself that this
is where the edit goes. So all right, Tracy, let's
go ahead with your answer.
Speaker 4 (16:26):
Then I can't really say across the board everyone is different,
as we said. But I can tell you this, My
husband and his eight siblings lost their mother at a
very young age. My husband was right in the middle
of the pack. He was thirteen years old, and he
(16:47):
tells me all the time that he can't believe what
he gets out of being with these kids now as
an adult and they're talking about grief and he can
still relate it back to when he was a kid
and this was his mother. And really in that era
(17:07):
when they lost their mother, I think people didn't even
think of talking to kids about their grief.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
I'm sure they didn't.
Speaker 4 (17:16):
So I guess the main thing that I would want
to say to any family is I don't think it
is ever too late, okay, And I don't think anyone
can tell you either, oh no, no, no, it's too soon.
I think that families can figure it out for themselves,
(17:36):
and we, of course at Kids Kope are there to
help you figure it out and make it as easy
as possible for your kids to have other people to
talk to. And again it's not counseling. They're not going
to counseling there. They just get to be in a
place with other kids who have experienced similar things and
(18:00):
it's a safe place. It's a fun place, but they
can also be angry or cry.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
Puer based support correct. All right, wonderful, wonderful work you're
doing there. It's man, this is such a such a
heavy emotional question and such big important work that you do.
It's it's I'm blown away. It's it's got to take
a team of lots of caring folks with a real
(18:30):
heart for children. Kim tell us a little bit about
some of the folks that you have kind of behind
you behind the scenes and helping out at Wichita Children's Home.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
Well, it's just remarkable. You know. One of the fun
things in my role is I get to go out
and meet with lots of different people, and almost every
time I'm in a group of fifty or more, there'll
be somebody that comes up and says, you know, I
was at the children's home, or this important person in
my life was at the children's home. And now those
(18:59):
people are bank presidents and their surgeons in town, and
they're the safe dig person, and they're the nurse that's
caring for you. It's remarkable. But when you think about
the history of that many years in the size of
a community, we all know someone that's been touched by
the children's shop, and we all know someone a child
(19:20):
that's been.
Speaker 2 (19:21):
Touched by grief.
Speaker 3 (19:22):
I think that was the thing I was shocked at
that one in thirteen children are going to experience this
close loss.
Speaker 4 (19:30):
One of the things that Debbie Kennedy from the Children's
Home said once that resonates in my head all the
time is everyone is going to experience grief. Everyone. Also,
what I wanted to add to Kim's thoughts, we have
amazing volunteers. One of the other blessings that I've experienced
(19:54):
in volunteering for the Children's Home and kids Cope is
you know, everybody thinks, which does this big little town.
And every time I think I think I know everybody,
I will meet a new volunteer volunteering with me at
the Children's Home. And I'm just amazed and so blessed
(20:17):
by the goodness of people in our community and all ages,
all ages, all different sides of town, east side, west side,
really great people who are just willing to give their time.
And it is easy to volunteer, and we have training
for whoever thinks that they would like to be a
part of it.
Speaker 2 (20:37):
Okay, So is the call for volunteers an ongoing thing?
Speaker 4 (20:42):
Yes, always ongoing. As you know, people's lives are cyclical,
you go through different times. And also it's fine if
you think, oh, you know what I can give my
time September, October, November, but then I really can't give it,
you know in January five, very March, totally fine. We
(21:03):
just have volunteers who help each other in our in
and out during their times that they can be okay well.
Speaker 3 (21:11):
And I think because we have this mission to care
for some these children and this common interest that we
all have, then that really brings people together. And so
it's so fun in my role too to see people
that give little bits. We had one guy one year
that really wanted to help the children. It had been
a difficult year for him. He sold part of his
(21:33):
collection so that he could come and make a gift
to help our kids at the holidays. And then we
have people that can write great big checks with lots
of zeros, And then volunteers are so essential. And then
as we began planning this fun day at the Zoo
to get the word out, Volunteer Kansas was the first
to step in and say, we believe in this, we
(21:54):
believe in volunteers, we will believe in Kansas, we believe
in kids, and we're going to help you get at
this thing launched to help get the word out. So
it's been amazing to see people step in in the
way that they can that makes sense for them to
make a difference for others.
Speaker 2 (22:11):
It's kind of a cliche, but Midwest nice is a
real thing, and I think it's exhibited in the way
that folks come out to support Wichitad Children's Home because
you guys are doing fantastic work. We could not do
it without you. I mean, this community just would be lost.
Speaker 3 (22:28):
Well, and we feel that way about the community, so
it really is all right, it's a mutual thing, right right.
Speaker 2 (22:34):
Well, hey, why don't we throw out a couple of
websites and a very important phone number that we couldn't
remember in the first half of our interview today. But
the websites are for more information about Wichitad Children's Home,
easy to remember w c H dot org. And then
for more info about kid Scope, it's ki d z
(22:55):
cope dot org. So it's kid Scope with a Z
in the middle. And then the number to call for
everything right area code three one six, two six, three
thirty three thirty five.
Speaker 3 (23:09):
So that's the Kid's Cope number. And if you can't
remember how to spell kids Cope, you can navigate there
from the wichitad Children's Home website wh dot.
Speaker 2 (23:17):
Org and don't forget which JOD Children's Home has got
a huge presence on Facebook as well. We do.
Speaker 3 (23:22):
Yeah, you can see some of the fun things about
this event. Kid's Cope also has its own Facebook page,
and so kidz c Ope you can google that and
get onto the Facebook page and see some more exciting things.
A lot of education too. We try and put out there, Well.
Speaker 2 (23:38):
You're smart to be where you are. You know, for
all the people that need to know more about you,
it's great to know you're right there and right at
the forefront of what's happening with the needs of this community.
So we salute you for all your fine work. Well,
let's take one more quick break because we've got a
little bit more time left, and so we'll take another
(24:00):
quick one and then we'll come back with Kim Pennington
and Tracy Ferrell from Wichita Children's Home and Kids Scope.
This is Wichita we can.
Speaker 5 (24:13):
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer's Association is here
for you. They're in person. Caregiver training is now available
on video conference. See the training schedule online at alz
dot org. Slash c w Kansas from Iheartcommunities.
Speaker 6 (24:30):
Have you just been diagnosed with cancer or do you
know someone who's recently been diagnosed. Keep this in mind
and pass it along. The American Cancer Society offers a
nationwide cancer information line. It's available twenty four hours a day,
seven days a week, whether it's two BM or two AM.
We're there for you to answer questions, connect you to
(24:51):
the resources you need, or to just listen. As the
most credible source of information, we can answer your questions
about prevention, diagnosis, tree options, and clinical trials. We can
also help you with everyday needs like emotional support and
lodging during treatment. To learn more, visit cancer dot org
or call your American Cancer Society toll free at one
(25:12):
eight hundred two two seven two three four five anytime,
day or night. That's one eight hundred two two seven
twenty three forty five.
Speaker 7 (25:21):
The story of Grace Mead has always been told through
its people. Both those who served and those who it
is out on are deserved. We meet at the intersection
of compassion and vulnerability, bringing health where there was illness,
and hope where there was despair. Our patients come to
us bearing the way of living in the margins, and
we share the love of Jesus Christ with them by
providing compassionate, quality healthcare for all their physical, emotional, and
(25:44):
spiritual needs. Because health restored is always hope renewed. Find
hope today by scheduling an appointment with GRACEMED.
Speaker 6 (25:51):
Have you recently recovered from an injury or condition and
have lightly used medical equipment lying around? Independent Living Resource
Centers Medical Equipment Recycling Network can use these valuable resources.
Mer and donations are tax deductible. We accept everything from walkers,
shower chairs, wheelchairs, grab bars, and so much more. Visit
il RCKS dot org or a full list of needed equipment.
(26:15):
Independent Living Resource Center thirty thirty three West Second Empowering
People with Disabilities.
Speaker 2 (26:22):
And Welcome back to part three of Wichita Weekend. Our
guests are Kim Pennington and Tracy Ferrell from Wichita Children's
Home and Kids Scope. And we were talking again during
the break like we do when we plan what we're
going to talk about in the next segment, but we
were talking about the holidays are approaching. Now, do you
guys take a big Christmas break at the Children's Home
and Kids Scope trace.
Speaker 4 (26:44):
No, as it seems like places take a break during
the holidays, and we have found that grief doesn't have
any breaks and right sometimes actually holiday time is harder
than the non holiday times. And so you should not
feel like you can't make that phone call or make
(27:07):
a connection because the holidays are upon us. We still
are serving people and figuring it out and helping families
find a way to get into a group for peer
group support.
Speaker 2 (27:21):
So don't hesitate to call just because you think it's
too into the season.
Speaker 3 (27:24):
Right, absolutely, that's right. We are here and ready to
help at all times. And the Broader Children's Home we
do have children that come to us twenty four to seven,
So on Christmas morning, we have children that arrive through
our doors. And one of the kind of surprise blessings
(27:45):
I think from kids cope coming under the umbrella of
the Wichita Children's Home is it's taught us more about
grief and we know that you can imagine if you
were a child and you had to come to the
Children's Home, you haven't lost someone to death, to have
a tremendous loss, that's not something that anyone would choose
to do. You would rather a different story that that's
(28:08):
not the story that you're in. And so we've been
able to bring some of the understandings around grief that
we've learned from kids Cope into the way that we're
working with the children that we're serving, to recognize that
they do have tremendous loss of so many things, lack
of control, things that they wish were a different way,
(28:29):
and that we need to talk about that and let
them process that.
Speaker 2 (28:34):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, well, and the holidays can be a
pretty touchy time too, emotionally and financially and number of
different ways for families and kids and everybody. So your
services are always cherished and always in need, and we're
grateful to have you there. And don't forget that Kid's
(28:56):
Cope number three one six, two sixty three three five.
And then we've got websites for both Wichita Children's Home
at wch dot org and kidscope dot org. Remember there's
a Z in the middle of kids Scope. So if
you're hearing us today and I think he could take
(29:17):
advantage of some of the services or you maybe benefit
from some, please please don't be afraid go ahead and
reach out, and these folks will help you. That's why
they're here.
Speaker 4 (29:27):
We will thank you so much all right.
Speaker 2 (29:29):
Thanks again to Kim Pennington, the development officer from Wichita
Children's Home and Tracy Ferrell, a community volunteer with kid
Scope and very active with Wichita Children's Home, and a
darn good interview both of you. Really glad to have
you here on Wichita Weekend.
Speaker 3 (29:47):
We're thank you for you.
Speaker 2 (29:49):
Keep up the good work, ladies, thanks for being with us,
Thank you, thank.
Speaker 1 (29:52):
You for listening to Wichita Weekend. A service of Buyingheart
radio stations. One O two won the Bowl Channel nine
sixty three at one of those seven three and ninety
seven nine B ninety eight. Listen every Sunday for Wichita
Weekend
Welcome to Wichita Weekend, the weekly public affairs program from
iHeartRadio Wichita ninety seven, ninety ninety eight, WELLO two won
the Bull Channel ninety six three and Ault one O
seven three.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
And our topic of the day is Kid's Scope. Kid's
Cope is a very special program being offered by the
Wichita Children's Home and our guests in the studio today
are Kim Pennington, the development officer for Wichita Children's Home.
Also Tracy Ferrell. She's a community volunteer for wichitad Children's
Home and instrumental in the day to day events and
(00:33):
things that are happening with Kidscope. Ladies, welcome to Wichita Weekend.
Thank you, thank sure to be here, all right, It's
really exciting to have you because I want to learn
more about Kidscope. What is the program all about?
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Well, it's a it's a very unique program, I think
in our community, and it serves children that are three
to eighteen that have lost a.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
Loved one Oh my okay.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
The children are able to meet with their peers and
talk about the things in ways that they're from don't understand,
and we have amazing volunteers like Tracy that really guide
them through that.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
When you say lost a loved one, it could be
a parent, it could be a sibling, it could.
Speaker 4 (01:09):
Be a or even just a friend, a significant person,
a significant person in their life. And as Kim said,
we are so happy that we have the ability to
divide kids up into their age group of peers and
they get to talk, do activities with other children who
(01:31):
have gone through similar things.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
Yeah, well I can well imagine that. Say, if you
begin with a three year old, three year old's probably
got it, absolutely got a different understanding of what they've
just lost, as opposed to an eighteen year old, right,
I mean correct.
Speaker 4 (01:48):
But surprisingly, even if you walk into the room of
three to five year olds, they are very they are
learned how to put in real terms what has happened
in their life, and they are realizing that other people
have had something like that happened to Well.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
Wow, it's a huge, huge undertaking to bring these kids
under your wing and help them out. So how long
has kids been or kid been operating?
Speaker 3 (02:24):
Well, I'll tie it back to the Wichita Children's Home
has been operating since eighteen eighty eight. Okay, So when
neighbors came together to help another neighbor that was in
need when he lost his wife to childbirth. So there's
an interesting connection, I think, to Kids Cope in that way.
And then several years ago the Kid's Coat Board approached
(02:44):
the Children's Home Board and said, we think that there's
some connection here and that the Children's Home could really
help serve the community well through this program, and so
we brought it under the Children's Home umbrella. It was
founded though Kids Cope was in the year two two
and it was three Trees and it was mirrored a
little bit off of a program that was in Kansas City.
(03:06):
And then what year, Tracy, did the name change happen?
Do you remember.
Speaker 4 (03:11):
The name change happened? I think maybe two thousand and eight,
two thousand and nine. It had already changed before I
started volunteering for Kids Cope, which it was in two
thousand and nine, and they quite frankly changed the name
simply because they were afraid that people were missing the
(03:34):
opportunity to just look it up in a directory or
a phone book. And they even made reference to sometimes
when it was called three Trees, they got phone calls
for landscaping or tree removal. And so their only goal
was to make it a name that would be recognized
(03:55):
as a place for helping children.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
I think that's a good call. That's pretty smart because
Kids Scope says what it is helping kids cope. Wow. Well,
since its inception, how many kids would you guess you've
worked with and helped?
Speaker 3 (04:12):
Well, since two thousand, it's been the year two thousand,
it's been about.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
Five thousand, five thousand, Oh my gosh.
Speaker 3 (04:20):
And we know that there are so many more in
our community that could benefit from the program. So that's
why we're so excited to get to visit with you today,
and that's why we had an event at the zoo
to help bring awareness to the community.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
Yeah, speaking of an event at the zoo, it actually
is happening on Sunday, September twenty ninth, which might be
after the date you hear our program, that's right. But
what we want to let you know is we had
a wonderful time at Kids Scope Zoo Adventure Day, right.
Speaker 5 (04:47):
That's right.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
Yeah. We had great sponsors that helped make it possible
for families to receive five dollars off each ticket for
their admission, and then each of the children that participated
received a lanyard and a passport to collect some stamps
and then a little thing to clip on their lanyards
and keep with them throughout the year.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
Okay, a good time, a great.
Speaker 3 (05:08):
Time, and the zoo is always a fun time.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
And we've got it on the calendar. I'm guessing for
twenty twenty five.
Speaker 3 (05:13):
We do, we do right.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
Well, if you're listening to this today and you're going, man,
I'm kicking myself for missing kid Scope Zoo Adventure Day,
well you'll get it in twenty twenty five. And it's
a really good way to get acquainted with the great
things that are going on to Kids Scope and which
taur Children's Home and just kind of celebrate a little
bit and enjoy some time together.
Speaker 3 (05:32):
And that's right. We're hoping that people that are participating,
if they have a friend or a neighbor that has
a child that's lest someone significant that they can share.
You know, when you win, you're past, I can take
a casse role over. Then you don't know what to do,
and you see the family hurting and they're all dealing
with the loss. So the adult in the home has
their own grieving and then they're trying to help know
(05:54):
how to best serve the children. That they're caring for.
And so as a friend, as a neighbor that can say, hey,
I was I was listening to that podcast or I
was at the zoo and I heard about this program
called Kids Cope And it's no cost to the families
that participate. Anyone, any child in the community that's lost
someone is eligible.
Speaker 4 (06:13):
So right, and what I'd like to just clarify a
little bit, it's a an experience for the entire family.
You can bring all of your children and we ask
that a caregiver comes too, that could be a surviving
parent or a grandparent, and they have their own group
(06:35):
for that is also peer group support other people who
are adults helping children grieve. And so they build their
own group and learn how the you know, the best
ways to go through this very sad time.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
Yeah, wow, just thinking about this, it's very heavy top
and I can imagine there have been some some situation,
I mean, every situation is a little bit different. And
do some children, how do I put this, get through
the kid's scope process sooner than others, or do some
(07:14):
take longer to kind of get to that place. We
want to get them to where they're.
Speaker 4 (07:18):
Okay, and our program meets once a week for eight weeks,
and so a family would go every week for eight weeks.
We have many times a family will decide, oh, maybe
about three or four, six months down the road, that
their children are going through another phase of grief, and
(07:41):
they might come back and come again, and then they
will be yet with other children that are going through
similar circumstances. I think the main thing also that it's
important to know it's not counseling, because many children can
go to counseling at their school, one on one or
(08:03):
with a private doctor. But this is peer group support,
so they are just with other kids who are going
through similar things. And one of the things I love
about it is they're learning that this is a safe
place for me to talk about it. But if I
don't want to, I don't have to talk about it.
(08:25):
I'm just here having a good time. Our granddaughter said
that to me once when she was ten. She said,
you know the thing I like about it the most
is after we all know what has happened to each other,
then we're just there. We're just there with each other
and it's comforting and it's safe. And also children, it's
so important for them to learn that even though they're
(08:48):
grieving and other people and their family are grieving, it's
natural and healthy and wonderful to still laugh and have
a good time because they're kids.
Speaker 2 (08:59):
Got to think it's healthy too, good for your body physically.
So mm hmmm the Kids Cope program, So how does
the process begin? If you know of a child that's
lost someone close to them, how do you get involved
with Kids Scope? Then how does that child sign up?
Speaker 4 (09:20):
Well, many times a physician or teacher, counselor will suggest
that a child might benefit from more and then it's
as simple as calling our telephone number Kids Cope. I
don't have the number in my head right now, but
(09:41):
then our program director will answer and she will schedule
a time to meet with the family, either just the
caregiver or the child too, and they'll talk about what's
going on and what group and timing would be great
for their FAI family to slip in and schedule in
(10:02):
and be in a group.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
Okay, okay, So it begins with a phone call. We'll
get that number for you. After we take our break,
we'll look up the number and bring it back so
that folks can have that to refer to. So thank you,
very interesting man. Wi you to Children's Home is a
busy place, is it not.
Speaker 3 (10:22):
It is a busy place. We serve just under two
thousand children each year.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
Wow. Children, families, extended families, caregivers. You guys are right
at the heart of it and right on the front line.
Speaker 3 (10:35):
And we are, and we're really blessed and thankful that
the community continues to just link arms with us and partner.
There's so many other great organizations in our community. And
Tracy mentioned the teachers, the physicians, the police officers. You know,
so many people are looking out for our community's children,
(10:57):
and it takes all of us the other organizations that
sort of particular needs that children may have, So it
takes all of us to help some of these kids
that need somebody to step in for them.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
I've got to ask how you're enjoying your relatively new
campus there up on thirty seventh Street North.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
Well. Yeah, after one hundred and eighty eight years, it
is we've been. This is our fifth campus and it's beautiful.
Move in day was so special. The kids had such
pride and I remember one of the girls in particular said,
I never dreamed I would live any place this beautiful.
It helps them have the sense of worth. I am valuable,
(11:35):
I am worth something, and they can begin to work
on goals and dreams.
Speaker 2 (11:40):
Yeah. Well, it's laid out really nice and it looks fantastic.
I used to drive by it on my way to
work every okay, and I thought, man, yeah, because I
remember where it had been by Wesley.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
Yeah, it was tucked back and there wasn't a sign
out front, so you had to know that you were
in the.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
Right place exactly. So well, good on that. I'm thrilled
that you're in a new place and doing all the
great service work that you're doing. How's about we take
a quick break and we'll kind of regroup and we'll
talk about what we'll talk about in our second half
of Wichita Weekend. Our guests are Kim Pennington, the development
officer from the Wichita Children's Home, and Tracy Ferrell, community volunteer.
(12:17):
This is Wichita Weekend. Thanks for listening.
Speaker 6 (12:28):
Have you just been diagnosed with cancer or do you
know someone who's recently been diagnosed? Keep this in mind
and pass it along. The American Cancer Society offers a
nationwide cancer information line. It's available twenty four hours a day,
seven days a week, whether it's two BM or two AM.
We're there for you to answer questions, connect you to
(12:48):
the resources you need, or to just listen. As the
most credible source of information, we can answer your questions
about prevention, diagnosis, treatment options, and clinical trials. Can also
help you with everyday needs like emotional support and lodging
during treatment. To learn more, visit cancer dot org or
call your American Cancer Society toll free at one eight
(13:10):
hundred two two seven two three four five anytime, day
or night. That's one eight hundred two two seven twenty
three forty five.
Speaker 7 (13:20):
The story of Grace Men has always been told through
its people, both those who served and those who it
is out and are served. We meet at the intersection
of compassion and vulnerability, bringing health where there was illness,
and hope where there was despair. Our patients come to
us bearing the weight of living in the margins, and
we share the love of Jesus Christ with them by
providing compassion to quality healthcare for all their physical, emotional,
(13:42):
and spiritual needs. Because health restored is always hope. Bringing
find hope today by scheduling an appointment with Grace.
Speaker 5 (13:49):
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer's Association is here
for you. They're in person. Caregiver training is now available
on video conference. See the training schedule online at a
dot org slash c w Kansas from Iheartcommunities.
Speaker 6 (14:04):
Have you recently recovered from an injury or condition and
have lightly used medical equipment lying around? Independent Living Resource
Center's Medical Equipment Recycling network can use these valuable resources.
Mer and donations are tax deductible. We accept everything from walkers, showerchairs, wheelchairs,
grab bars, and so much more. Visit ILRCKS dot org
(14:27):
for a full list of needed equipment. Independent Living Resource
Center thirty thirty three West Second Empowering People with disabilities.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
Welcome back to Wichita Weekend. We are visiting with Kim
Pennington and Tracy Ferrell from Wichita Children's Home and the
Kidscope program. And it's been a really illuminating interview so far.
And we were kind of talking during the break Tracy specifically,
I'll address this to you that bereavement has no time frame. Grief,
(14:59):
I should say, has no time frame some people, well
everybody grieves a little bit differently, right right.
Speaker 4 (15:06):
We were talking about we have families who feel the
need to come right away after something catastrophic or there's
been a loss in their family. It is typical. I've
had families who come when their loss has only happened
a couple of months ago. On the flip side, I
(15:27):
have families sometimes who have had a loss and it's
ten years later and a parent has said to me,
you know what, my child entered adolescents and I realized,
we need some help, We need some help navigating this.
And so there just is no set time or right
(15:50):
time for every family. We welcome you at whatever season
you are in your grief.
Speaker 2 (16:00):
Has it been your experience that the longer they put
it off the grieving process, that is the harder it
is on the family. Whereas everybody different, I.
Speaker 4 (16:10):
Suppose everyone is different, I can't really.
Speaker 2 (16:15):
Say, okay, this is a note to myself that this
is where the edit goes. So all right, Tracy, let's
go ahead with your answer.
Speaker 4 (16:26):
Then I can't really say across the board everyone is different,
as we said. But I can tell you this, My
husband and his eight siblings lost their mother at a
very young age. My husband was right in the middle
of the pack. He was thirteen years old, and he
(16:47):
tells me all the time that he can't believe what
he gets out of being with these kids now as
an adult and they're talking about grief and he can
still relate it back to when he was a kid
and this was his mother. And really in that era
(17:07):
when they lost their mother, I think people didn't even
think of talking to kids about their grief.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
I'm sure they didn't.
Speaker 4 (17:16):
So I guess the main thing that I would want
to say to any family is I don't think it
is ever too late, okay, And I don't think anyone
can tell you either, oh no, no, no, it's too soon.
I think that families can figure it out for themselves,
(17:36):
and we, of course at Kids Kope are there to
help you figure it out and make it as easy
as possible for your kids to have other people to
talk to. And again it's not counseling. They're not going
to counseling there. They just get to be in a
place with other kids who have experienced similar things and
(18:00):
it's a safe place. It's a fun place, but they
can also be angry or cry.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
Puer based support correct. All right, wonderful, wonderful work you're
doing there. It's man, this is such a such a
heavy emotional question and such big important work that you do.
It's it's I'm blown away. It's it's got to take
a team of lots of caring folks with a real
(18:30):
heart for children. Kim tell us a little bit about
some of the folks that you have kind of behind
you behind the scenes and helping out at Wichita Children's Home.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
Well, it's just remarkable. You know. One of the fun
things in my role is I get to go out
and meet with lots of different people, and almost every
time I'm in a group of fifty or more, there'll
be somebody that comes up and says, you know, I
was at the children's home, or this important person in
my life was at the children's home. And now those
(18:59):
people are bank presidents and their surgeons in town, and
they're the safe dig person, and they're the nurse that's
caring for you. It's remarkable. But when you think about
the history of that many years in the size of
a community, we all know someone that's been touched by
the children's shop, and we all know someone a child
(19:20):
that's been.
Speaker 2 (19:21):
Touched by grief.
Speaker 3 (19:22):
I think that was the thing I was shocked at
that one in thirteen children are going to experience this
close loss.
Speaker 4 (19:30):
One of the things that Debbie Kennedy from the Children's
Home said once that resonates in my head all the
time is everyone is going to experience grief. Everyone. Also,
what I wanted to add to Kim's thoughts, we have
amazing volunteers. One of the other blessings that I've experienced
(19:54):
in volunteering for the Children's Home and kids Cope is
you know, everybody thinks, which does this big little town.
And every time I think I think I know everybody,
I will meet a new volunteer volunteering with me at
the Children's Home. And I'm just amazed and so blessed
(20:17):
by the goodness of people in our community and all ages,
all ages, all different sides of town, east side, west side,
really great people who are just willing to give their time.
And it is easy to volunteer, and we have training
for whoever thinks that they would like to be a
part of it.
Speaker 2 (20:37):
Okay, So is the call for volunteers an ongoing thing?
Speaker 4 (20:42):
Yes, always ongoing. As you know, people's lives are cyclical,
you go through different times. And also it's fine if
you think, oh, you know what I can give my
time September, October, November, but then I really can't give it,
you know in January five, very March, totally fine. We
(21:03):
just have volunteers who help each other in our in
and out during their times that they can be okay well.
Speaker 3 (21:11):
And I think because we have this mission to care
for some these children and this common interest that we
all have, then that really brings people together. And so
it's so fun in my role too to see people
that give little bits. We had one guy one year
that really wanted to help the children. It had been
a difficult year for him. He sold part of his
(21:33):
collection so that he could come and make a gift
to help our kids at the holidays. And then we
have people that can write great big checks with lots
of zeros, And then volunteers are so essential. And then
as we began planning this fun day at the Zoo
to get the word out, Volunteer Kansas was the first
to step in and say, we believe in this, we
(21:54):
believe in volunteers, we will believe in Kansas, we believe
in kids, and we're going to help you get at
this thing launched to help get the word out. So
it's been amazing to see people step in in the
way that they can that makes sense for them to
make a difference for others.
Speaker 2 (22:11):
It's kind of a cliche, but Midwest nice is a
real thing, and I think it's exhibited in the way
that folks come out to support Wichitad Children's Home because
you guys are doing fantastic work. We could not do
it without you. I mean, this community just would be lost.
Speaker 3 (22:28):
Well, and we feel that way about the community, so
it really is all right, it's a mutual thing, right right.
Speaker 2 (22:34):
Well, hey, why don't we throw out a couple of
websites and a very important phone number that we couldn't
remember in the first half of our interview today. But
the websites are for more information about Wichitad Children's Home,
easy to remember w c H dot org. And then
for more info about kid Scope, it's ki d z
(22:55):
cope dot org. So it's kid Scope with a Z
in the middle. And then the number to call for
everything right area code three one six, two six, three
thirty three thirty five.
Speaker 3 (23:09):
So that's the Kid's Cope number. And if you can't
remember how to spell kids Cope, you can navigate there
from the wichitad Children's Home website wh dot.
Speaker 2 (23:17):
Org and don't forget which JOD Children's Home has got
a huge presence on Facebook as well. We do.
Speaker 3 (23:22):
Yeah, you can see some of the fun things about
this event. Kid's Cope also has its own Facebook page,
and so kidz c Ope you can google that and
get onto the Facebook page and see some more exciting things.
A lot of education too. We try and put out there, Well.
Speaker 2 (23:38):
You're smart to be where you are. You know, for
all the people that need to know more about you,
it's great to know you're right there and right at
the forefront of what's happening with the needs of this community.
So we salute you for all your fine work. Well,
let's take one more quick break because we've got a
little bit more time left, and so we'll take another
(24:00):
quick one and then we'll come back with Kim Pennington
and Tracy Ferrell from Wichita Children's Home and Kids Scope.
This is Wichita we can.
Speaker 5 (24:13):
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer's Association is here
for you. They're in person. Caregiver training is now available
on video conference. See the training schedule online at alz
dot org. Slash c w Kansas from Iheartcommunities.
Speaker 6 (24:30):
Have you just been diagnosed with cancer or do you
know someone who's recently been diagnosed. Keep this in mind
and pass it along. The American Cancer Society offers a
nationwide cancer information line. It's available twenty four hours a day,
seven days a week, whether it's two BM or two AM.
We're there for you to answer questions, connect you to
(24:51):
the resources you need, or to just listen. As the
most credible source of information, we can answer your questions
about prevention, diagnosis, tree options, and clinical trials. We can
also help you with everyday needs like emotional support and
lodging during treatment. To learn more, visit cancer dot org
or call your American Cancer Society toll free at one
(25:12):
eight hundred two two seven two three four five anytime,
day or night. That's one eight hundred two two seven
twenty three forty five.
Speaker 7 (25:21):
The story of Grace Mead has always been told through
its people. Both those who served and those who it
is out on are deserved. We meet at the intersection
of compassion and vulnerability, bringing health where there was illness,
and hope where there was despair. Our patients come to
us bearing the way of living in the margins, and
we share the love of Jesus Christ with them by
providing compassionate, quality healthcare for all their physical, emotional, and
(25:44):
spiritual needs. Because health restored is always hope renewed. Find
hope today by scheduling an appointment with GRACEMED.
Speaker 6 (25:51):
Have you recently recovered from an injury or condition and
have lightly used medical equipment lying around? Independent Living Resource
Centers Medical Equipment Recycling Network can use these valuable resources.
Mer and donations are tax deductible. We accept everything from walkers,
shower chairs, wheelchairs, grab bars, and so much more. Visit
il RCKS dot org or a full list of needed equipment.
(26:15):
Independent Living Resource Center thirty thirty three West Second Empowering
People with Disabilities.
Speaker 2 (26:22):
And Welcome back to part three of Wichita Weekend. Our
guests are Kim Pennington and Tracy Ferrell from Wichita Children's
Home and Kids Scope. And we were talking again during
the break like we do when we plan what we're
going to talk about in the next segment, but we
were talking about the holidays are approaching. Now, do you
guys take a big Christmas break at the Children's Home
and Kids Scope trace.
Speaker 4 (26:44):
No, as it seems like places take a break during
the holidays, and we have found that grief doesn't have
any breaks and right sometimes actually holiday time is harder
than the non holiday times. And so you should not
feel like you can't make that phone call or make
(27:07):
a connection because the holidays are upon us. We still
are serving people and figuring it out and helping families
find a way to get into a group for peer
group support.
Speaker 2 (27:21):
So don't hesitate to call just because you think it's
too into the season.
Speaker 3 (27:24):
Right, absolutely, that's right. We are here and ready to
help at all times. And the Broader Children's Home we
do have children that come to us twenty four to seven,
So on Christmas morning, we have children that arrive through
our doors. And one of the kind of surprise blessings
(27:45):
I think from kids cope coming under the umbrella of
the Wichita Children's Home is it's taught us more about
grief and we know that you can imagine if you
were a child and you had to come to the
Children's Home, you haven't lost someone to death, to have
a tremendous loss, that's not something that anyone would choose
to do. You would rather a different story that that's
(28:08):
not the story that you're in. And so we've been
able to bring some of the understandings around grief that
we've learned from kids Cope into the way that we're
working with the children that we're serving, to recognize that
they do have tremendous loss of so many things, lack
of control, things that they wish were a different way,
(28:29):
and that we need to talk about that and let
them process that.
Speaker 2 (28:34):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, well, and the holidays can be a
pretty touchy time too, emotionally and financially and number of
different ways for families and kids and everybody. So your
services are always cherished and always in need, and we're
grateful to have you there. And don't forget that Kid's
(28:56):
Cope number three one six, two sixty three three five.
And then we've got websites for both Wichita Children's Home
at wch dot org and kidscope dot org. Remember there's
a Z in the middle of kids Scope. So if
you're hearing us today and I think he could take
(29:17):
advantage of some of the services or you maybe benefit
from some, please please don't be afraid go ahead and
reach out, and these folks will help you. That's why
they're here.
Speaker 4 (29:27):
We will thank you so much all right.
Speaker 2 (29:29):
Thanks again to Kim Pennington, the development officer from Wichita
Children's Home and Tracy Ferrell, a community volunteer with kid
Scope and very active with Wichita Children's Home, and a
darn good interview both of you. Really glad to have
you here on Wichita Weekend.
Speaker 3 (29:47):
We're thank you for you.
Speaker 2 (29:49):
Keep up the good work, ladies, thanks for being with us,
Thank you, thank.
Speaker 1 (29:52):
You for listening to Wichita Weekend. A service of Buyingheart
radio stations. One O two won the Bowl Channel nine
sixty three at one of those seven three and ninety
seven nine B ninety eight. Listen every Sunday for Wichita
Weekend
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