Coping With Grief Through the Holidays
Online Grief Workshop
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Wednesday, Nov. 18 | Noon |
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“Do we want to decorate this year? Do we want to attend our usual parties (in a mask) this year? What about conversations with people who don't know our grief story?”
Calm Waters’ “Coping with Grief through the Holidays,” free, online workshop is for families going through a grief journey because of a death, divorce, deployment, deportation, incarceration or foster/adoptive care challenges.
The holidays can be physically and emotionally draining, especially when you’re grieving.
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Calm Waters’ in-house clinicians, Heather Warfield, LMFT and Jordan Park, LMFT-candidate will discuss new coping skills to manage the already stressful holidays and how families can address and celebrate change and create new traditions.
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The Grief Journey of Calm Waters' Board President, Kendra Barnes |
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As Board President of Calm Waters, I have the unique responsibility of ensuring this incredible organization thrives. I am passionate about the mission because I understand firsthand what many of the children and families who walk through our doors are going through. Grief and loss do not discriminate and those who are hurting need a safe place to heal their broken hearts.
I was six-years-old when my 1-year-old brother, Dillon, tragically died. As a child, I witnessed firsthand what can happen to a family when the unthinkable occurs. I saw the many faces of grief on my loved ones, especially my absolutely devastated parents. I recognized quickly that I was now different from my classmates. In my small town, no other students could relate to me, which made it difficult to “fit in.”
Despite the unwavering support of my parents, I struggled with my grief for many years. It is tough trying to cope with believing you’re an outsider among friends when you are only six-years-old.
THIS is why Calm Waters is vital to our community. Your support provides critical funding to Oklahoma’s grieving children and families. Calm Waters was not in existence when my family was hurting. However, I feel that our services would have made a profound difference in how 6-year-old Kendra processed her grief.
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REMINDER: Calm Waters is Moving Locations! |
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As of Monday, November 2, Calm Waters' new address is:
Calm Waters Center
for Children and Families
501 North Walker, Suite 140
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Our phone number (405-841-4800) remains the same.
“Every program is growing, requests are at an all-time high, and our current building is hindering that growth, limiting the number of people we can serve and the number of support groups we can host,” said Erin Engelke, Executive Director of Calm Waters. “It is time for Calm Waters to find a new home, and we have found the perfect space – centrally located, near downtown and the medical corridor, with plenty of parking and room for us to grow.”
Calm Waters will occupy two suites at 501 North Walker Avenue, with 12 individual counseling and group therapy rooms, a welcoming waiting/entry area, and a large community room with a kitchen that can serve as both a program and event space.
To learn more about the Calm Waters relocation plan, please visit calmwaters.org.
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Maintaining Your Motivation Mojo
During Times of Stress
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Tips to Beating the Fatigue that Comes with Stress |
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Stress over a long period of time can take a toll on a person's body and mind, keeping you from staying motivated to live your life to the fullest. Add in a global pandemic, and the ability to stay strong can feel near impossible.
At the November Enlighten Zoom Event, produced by the Greater OKC Chamber, Erin Engelke, Calm Waters Executive Director and motivational speaker, will provide tangible tips to beating the fatigue that comes with uncertainty and stress, both at home and in the workplace.
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Calm Waters Staff Making a Difference in OKC |
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Calm Waters’ Assistant Program Director, Jordan Park, LMFT-candidate and her husband, Garron Park, high school history teacher and head soccer coach at Southeast High School, OKCPS, were both named 2020 Next Gen Under 30 recipients.
NextGen Under 30 Oklahoma recognizes individuals who demonstrate talent, drive and service to their communities. Winners this year were from across the entire state, including Guymon, Durant, Tahlequah, Tulsa and the greater OKC Metro.
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Calm Waters Featured on the friED OKra Podcast |
In Episode 33 of the Oklahoma Education Association podcast, friED OKra, Jordan Park shares how any school or student can seek out Calm Waters' services if they are dealing with death, divorce, incarceration, deportation, foster adoptive care, and/or deployment.
Fried Okra also had the pleasure of being joined by longtime Norman educator, and National Teacher Hall of Fame semifinalist, Claudia Swisher, who shares her incredible journey through the profession and why she's not very good at resting during retirement by continuing to advocate for public education.
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Welcome New Board Members! |
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Richard Papenfus, JC Penny Leadership Program and OU Senior
Richard is a senior at the University of Oklahoma, majoring in Accounting and minoring in Management Information Systems.
"I am originally from Cape Town, South Africa, and I came over to the USA at the start of Fall 2017 to pursue my tertiary education. I tend to read, do outdoor activities, and spend time with friends and family outside of school and work. I have been blessed with the opportunities given to me through my time in Price and the JCPenney Leadership Program as they have given me this opportunity to be a part of this board for the upcoming year. I am looking forward to the upcoming year and to meet some of the amazing people that are a part of Calm Waters."
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Kevin Sonntag, LPC, Dale Rogers Training Center
Kevin currently serves as Chief of Contract Services for Dale Rogers Training Center, an agency providing employment training and opportunities to people with and without disabilities. Kevin's prior experience includes leadership and mental health service roles at Northcare, Sunbeam Family Services, and Centura Health, and AspenPointe.
Kevin received his BBA in Management-Human Resources from Texas A&M University and completed his MA in Counseling at Denver Seminary. Kevin is designated as both a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oklahoma as well as a Certified Employee Assistance Professional. He is married to Jennifer, a native of OKC and elementary teacher. Together they are raising three children and dreaming of their next outdoor adventure.
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Planning Your Legacy| Calm Waters |
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Calm Waters Center for Children and Families | 405-841-4800 | Calmwaters.org |
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