Looking Back, Reaching Forward
Programming for Families of Fallen Military Service Personnel
ITA’s programs for families of fallen soldiers offer opportunities which usher participants through the process of grief toward a celebration of the life of the fallen military personnel and of the family members who survive, while strengthening bonds and deepening communication. ITA hopes to create a community of families who mourn a similar loss, and who may support one another as they adapt toward a new normal. ITA will use the creative arts to facilitate emotional expression throughout the phases of mourning.
ITA served an event for families of fallen service personnel at Cantigny Park on September 25th, 2010, presented by the Illinois Families of Fallen Service Members Task Force. Opening and closing ceremonies were led by an ITA music therapist and families participated in drama and art activities facilitated by ITA therapists in the park throughout the afternoon. November 5th, 6th and 7th, ITA therapists provided similar services at an event presented by Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and Operation Support Our Troops Illinois, a three-day retreat for families mourning the loss of a loved one. ITA also served the Task Force’s second event, held on April 2, 2011 in Chicago.
The Task Force has rebranded itself ICFF, Illinois Connections for Families of the Fallen and ITA remains a proud partner. On November 5th, 2011, ITA provided its creative arts programming in service of ICFF’s first event in downstate Illinois. To find out more about our partner and how you can connect with famiiles of fallen soldiers, please visit ICFF’s facebook page: Illinois Connections for Families of the Fallen.
Families continue to contribute to ITA’s Memorial Mosaic Wall, sharing memories and honoring their loves ones as they add to this growing piece of art. Please visit our blog, Follow the Wall, and leave a message for these families.