Navigating the tumultuous sea of grief is a journey that necessitates empathy, understanding, and profound support, especially when dealing with children. On this podcast episode of "Aileac Deegan on Navigating Grief", we delve into the transformative journey of Aileac Deegan, the CEO of Ryan's Place, a children's grief support center in Goshen. Aliyak's story is not just about passion and dedication, but a life mission born out of personal experiences with grief and the identified lack of specialized support for grieving children.Over the years, the significance and impact of Ryan's Place have transcended beyond Goshen, touching lives regionally and serving as a blueprint for grief support nationally. With its unique approach of integrating volunteers’ deep-seated empathy and understanding of grief with professional social work, the center has become a pivotal resource during community tragedies. The journey not only highlights the power of community and dedicated support for grieving children but underscores the transformative effect of empathy and care navigates complex loss.00:00:19: Introduction of guest00:00:23: About Aileac Deegan, her work, and her journey00:01:13: Welcoming the guest00:01:24: Talk about growth, experiences, and challenges00:01:42: Discussion about migration and experiences00:03:28: Experiences in the field of Education and journey into grief counseling00:04:39: Aileac's introduction to Ryan's Place00:07:23: Mission of Ryan's Place00:08:56: Importance and impact of Ryan's Place in the community00:09:42: Challenges faced and services offered00:13:03: Personal grief experiences and learning00:17:53: Broadening understanding of grief beyond death00:21:17: Activities for children to understand their grief journey00:22:45: Children's experience of grief00:23:10: Use of artwork in grief therapy00:24:08: Advice on interacting with grieving people00:26:50: Importance of truth in difficult circumstances00:27:24: Succession planning and the future of the organization00:29:39: Service costs and sustainability00:30:12: Retirement and future personal plans00:31:20: What gives hope in grief counselingThis show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in the Viaggio Studio at weIMPACT in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.