LEWISTON – A Program for Grieving Children and Teens is announcing its winter 2007 offerings. A 10-week session is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Jan. 9, in Auburn. An eight-week session will begin Wednesday, Jan. 17, in Mexico and an eight-week session will begin Thursday, Jan. 18, in Farmington. The programs provide support for children and teenagers, ages 3 to 18, who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, relative or friend.

Founded in 1998, A Program for Grieving Children and Teens is sponsored by St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice and Franklin Community Health Network and serves families from Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford and northern Cumberland counties at no charge.

The weekly meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings at St. Philip’s Church, Route 4, Auburn; Wednesday evenings at Meroby Elementary School, Cross Street, Mexico; and Thursday evenings at the Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington.

Children will meet weekly in groups for age appropriate activities, games, art and other forms of self-expression. Adults will meet at the same time to support one another and discuss ways to best meet their families’ needs. Groups are led by volunteers who have completed a 27-hour training.

To enroll in the program, a parent or adult support person should accompany a child or teen. Grandparents are also encouraged to participate. Preregistration is required so families can meet with program volunteers before the session begins.

In addition to sessions during the year, the program offers educational resources to the community and one-day workshops.

For more information about the program or to preregister, contact Joan Spitzform, bereavement assistant, at Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, 777-7740 or 1-800-482-7412, ext. 1460.