photos courtesy Tuesday’s Children
In the wake of 9/11, a group of friends and family members who lost loved ones in the tragedy came together and asked themselves, “How are we going to stand in for those who perished?” Tuesday’s Children was founded to support the 3,051 children who lost a parent that day by providing them with resources, skill building, and a community network that was taken from them. “Our commitment was to see each 9/11 bereaved youth into adulthood and our work continues as we have taken our long-term healing model and brought it to other communities impacted by the ripple effects of 9/11, including the 9/11 responders and the military families of the fallen,” says Sara Wingerath-Schlanger, senior director of Tuesday’s Children. “We often say we come in when the casseroles stop coming. We focus on long-term healing and resiliency that families can count on throughout their lifelong grief journey.”
BUILDING A CIRCLE OF CARE
Tuesday’s Children services include youth mentorship, career preparation, adult support groups, and mental health support. Additionally, the family engagement program gives participants the chance to enjoy a day at the ballpark, a picnic, or an amusement park trip with other families who have lost a loved one. The stories of those who have been touched by these programs are numerous and uplifting. Sara says, “For me, I am inspired by the circle of care when a 9/11 child is now serving as a mentor for a Gold Star Child [who has lost a loved one in military service]. They benefited from the original work of Tuesday’s Children and they are reaching back to lift up the next generation.”
MAKING AN IMPACT
Right here in Georgetown, Gold Star Children are in need of dedicated adult role models to serve as agents of change in the lives of these military bereaved youth ages 6 to 18. Mentor-mentee matches are based on common interests, hobbies, and background — a foundation on which a long-term relationship can flourish. Mentors and mentees connect regularly over Zoom and plan meet-ups based on those common interests, including activities like playing soccer, visiting the science museum, or doing arts & crafts. Surviving parents often say they are grateful for the support of another grownup in their child’s life, a trusted adult who can be a good influence, build self-esteem, and provide another listening ear.
Volunteer mentors undergo background checks, interviews, reference checks, and training to ensure mentors and mentees are supported by Tuesday’s Children throughout their journey together. Mentors are asked to commit to developing a supportive relationship with mentees over the course of at least one year and meet biweekly or monthly. Those interested in becoming a mentor can fill out an application at tuesdayschildren.org/our-programs/youth-mentoring.
To learn more about Tuesday’s Children, visit tuesdayschildren.org and follow the organization on social media.