Pillars hosts grief support group in light of O’Laughlin death

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Updated: March 10, 2012 8:13AM

The Pillars human services agency is offering a four-week grief support program in February for teens and families following the murder of Lyons Township High School freshman Kelli O’Laughlin in October.

“We’ve had a number of calls from people in the community who felt teens and parents are struggling following her death,” said Kelly Huggins, a licensed clinical social worker who runs Buddy’s Place, which offers grief support to children and families through Pillars.

Pillars held grief education programs Dec. 14 and Jan. 26 to help families assist their teens in coping with the sudden, tragic loss. O’Laughlin was found stabbed to death in her Indian Head Park home Oct. 27.

“Unfortunately, people don’t understand how long the grieving process can last,” Huggins said. “We started getting calls the end of November.

“I think for some people, it was kind of a surprise. It was the first time a lot of people experienced anything like this with emotions so raw and lasting for so long,” she said.

It’s also rare that the “whole community has experienced something so traumatic as the tragic death of a classmate,” Huggins said.

Separate sessions will be offered for teens and their parents who have experienced the death of someone close to them. The program runs on Tuesdays throughout February at the south campus, 4900 S. Willow Springs Road, in Western Springs.

Although the first session begins Feb. 6, Huggins said anyone interested is encouraged to call (708) 995-3751 for further information.

The support program will provide grief education and the opportunity for mutual support. Parents will discuss challenges of understanding their grieving teens and learn ways to help them manage difficult emotions. Teens will be able to share their feelings with other teens in a safe and supportive environment and learn ways to manage difficult feelings in healthy ways.