Give to SIBSPlaceAbout Us
SIBSPlace was conceptualized to assist children who have brothers and sisters with cancer or another devastating illness. Now, we have expanded our mission to include children who have a parent with a devastating diagnosis. These children typically struggle with feelings of loss of control and consistency, isolation, jealousy, guilt, abandonment, sadness, fear and anxiety. At SIBSPlace, the children discover a safe environment where we balance attention to their emotional needs and much needed levity and diversions from stress. They are helped to develop the coping skills that will enable them to lead more effective lives today and in the future.
At SIBSPlace children are given a chance to enjoy the normal experiences of childhood, build memories of feeling cared for in a consistent environment and just laugh and have fun! Art, music and verbal activities are created to help the children develop trusting relationships with peers who are living through similar home situations. Professional staff and community volunteers at SIBSPlace are dedicated to providing an array of enriching opportunities to empower our participants. Thoughtful attention is paid to improving awareness and expression of feelings and needs.
Homework assistance and the processing of life experiences and reactions during communal dinners are a customary part of the evening schedule at SIBSPlace. This routine provides reliable caring attention to the children and much needed respite for parents. While distracted with other responsibilities, or taking a moment for themselves, parents are confident that their well child is being nurtured and focused on at SIBSPlace.
Celebrations of birthdays and holidays are held to reinforce traditions and encourage families to bond and support each other. Special outings, in house performances and camp experiences are offered to create wonderful memories for the children during a difficult time in their lives.
Actually, SIBSPlace is like having an extended family. We exist to support and enhance the lives of our SIBS kids so they always remember feeling special and important by those who took the time to listen, to hear and to care.
Children respond differently to trauma than adults do. They need multi-faceted outlets where they can continue to be kids, yet receive the support they need in order to cope with the impact of having an ill loved one. At SIBSPlace, we provide them with a full range of unique and different opportunities to express themselves within a consistent, empathetic and fun-filled environment. We cannot control the negative circumstances that occur for children when living through a family crisis. What we can do is help them develop the techniques that empower them when faced with painful experiences.
If you know someone who could benefit from our services, what a gift it would be if you would recommend SIBSPlace as a resource to ease their experience!
If you are interested in learning more about SIBSPlace, please contact
Suzanne Kornblatt, LMSW, at (516) 374-3000.
“SIBSPlace…A Place Where A Child Matters Most!”
SIBSPlace • 1420 Broadway • Hewlett, NY 11557 • (516) 374-3000 • sibsplace.org