The Moyer Foundation: Helping Grieving Children
By Dr. Marciene Mattleman
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Most people in Philadelphia recognize the name Jamie Moyer, a former pitcher for the Phillies. What they might not know is that he and his wife Karen have established the Moyer Foundation with a mission to offer engagement, comfort and support to children experiencing loss.
Named after a family friend who died at 17, Camp Erin, staffed by professional bereavement counselors and trained volunteers, is a weekend program for children and teens in distress - grieving the loss of someone close.
The 36 camps are located mostly in US cities serving more than 2500 kids annually with a plan of opening 60 sites along with community partners.
According to the US Census, one in seven American children under the age of 20 will experience loss and research shows that children 6-10 exposed to death are more likely to be isolated, live in poverty and not finish school.
Camp Erin and Camp Mariposa for kids dealing with death and family drug abuse, are wonderful examples of generosity and caring.