RESOLUTION NO. 951556

Honoring The Compassionate Friends, a self-help organization offering friendship and understanding to bereaved parents.

WHEREAS, the Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a national mutual assistance and self-help organization offering support and understanding to bereaved parents and siblings. Founded in Coventry, England in 1969, the first chapter in the United States was organized in 1972; and

WHEREAS, national organizations have been established in twenty-four countries including Great Britain, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany and New Zealand. The first international gathering of TCF was held in Birmingham, England in August of 1994; and

WHEREAS, the primary purpose of TCF is to assist in the positive resolution of grief experienced upon the death of a child. The secondary purpose is to provide information and education. TCF helps people in the community, including family, friends, professionals, co-workers and employers, to be supportive and understanding and we are fortunate to have 7 chapters in the Greater Kansas City area; and

WHEREAS, the aims of a chapter are: to offer support and friendship to any sorrowing

parent, regardless of race, creed or economic situation, to listen with understanding and provide "telephone friends" who may be called, to provide sharing groups that meet monthly, to give cognitive information about the grieving process through programs and library, and to provide acquaintance with bereaved parents whose sorrow has softened and who have found fresh hope and strength for living; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby extend to The Compassionate Friends their most heartfelt support and thanks for the caring, understanding, support and strength they provide for grieving parents and siblings in our community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Bob Reeds, Rev Bo Mason, Barbara Starr, Glenda Toliver and Doris Magerl representing the area chapters of The Compassionate Friends with the best wishes of the Mayor, Council and citizens of Kansas City.

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