Solace Tree

Reno Rodeo Foundation Donates to Camp Solace

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Reno, NV (April 5, 2013) –  The Reno Rodeo Foundation recently donated $1,000 toward Camp Solace, a place Solace Tree children and teens gather together on the shores of Lake Tahoe for a fun-filled weekend where  they kayak, play on the beach, build campfires and share stories of the people they’ve lost in a special … Read more

A Legacy of Strength: UNR Student Swims Lake Tahoe in Father’s Memory To Benefit the Solace Tree

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Reno, NV (June 11, 2013) — Robbie Schlesinger, 23, has spent the last few months preparing to swim the perimeter of Lake Tahoe in the memory of his father, Bob Schlesinger, who accomplished the same feat twice in the early 1990s. While his father swam for charities such as the American Cancer Society and Save the Rainforest, Robbie will be repeating the same swim to benefit the Solace Tree, whose message inspired him after he lost his father five years ago.

Bob Schlesinger swam lake Tahoe 23 years ago while his son was still an infant. When Robbie was fifteen, his father was injured in a car accident that eventually left him with severe chronic pain. After years of struggling with his condition, Bob Schlesinger took his own life.

As his family grieved, Robbie was inspired by the message of the Solace Tree, which provides counseling and a safe environment for those who have experienced a loss to express their grief. In cooperation with Solace Tree Executive Director Emilio Parga, Robbie has established Swimming for Solace, which will be collecting donations and pledges to directly support the Solace Tree.

Robbie is training extensively for his swim, which will kick off from King’s Beach during Camp Solace on August 3, and end on Saturday, August 31. It will take place in various legs consisting of several miles a day in 50-60 degree water, spanning several days. While the training is arduous and the challenge is daunting, Robbie finds motivation in the memory his father. “My

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Emilio Parga to Speak at Nevada School Counselor Association Conference in Reno this Weekend

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Reno, NV (February 7, 2013) – Solace Tree Founder/Executive Director Emilio Parga will be a featured speaker at the Nevada School Counselor Association’s seventh annual conference, being held February 8-10 at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Joe Crowley Student Union. Parga’s presentation, scheduled on February 9 from 10:45 to noon in room 402, will address … Read more

Solace Tree Offers Good Grief Program to Local Schools

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The Solace Tree has partnered with the Washoe County School District to implement the Good Grief Program, offering free peer support group services in the schools. The semester-long program is available by request and covers the following topics: Orientation Losing Someone You Love Why Do I Feel Like This? Saying Goodbye Ways to Remember Growing … Read more

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB AND SOLACE TREE HOST HEALING FOR THE HOLIDAYS DEC. 13

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Event focused on helping children and families dealing with grief during holiday season

RENO, Nev.  (Nov. 30, 2012) – The Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows and the Solace Tree will host Healing for the Holidays, Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. The event focuses on helping children and families deal with grief as a result of a lost loved one. By using art and music, The Solace Tree will help children and teens creatively explore their own experiences of grief, as well as offer support to adults with a workshop on how to help their grieving children and teens during the holidays.

This is a FREE public workshop with dinner served through a grant from the New York Life Foundation. Please RSVP to Josh Deason at 775-331-3605 ext. 101 by Dec. 10.

 

WHAT:              Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows and Solace Tree host Healing for the Holidays – The event assists children, teens and families dealing with grief over the loss of a loved one – especially difficult during the holiday season. FREE workshop and open to the public – dinner will be served.

WHEN:             December 13, 2012, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE:           Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows – Donald W. Reynolds Facility

2680 East Ninth Street, Reno

RSVP:               Please RSVP to Josh Deason at 775-331-3605 ext. 101 or jdeason@bgctm.org

For more information on the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows please call 775-331-KIDS (775-331-5437) or visit www.BGCTM.org.

The Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows is the leading non-profit youth services agency in

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Dealing with Loss During the Holidays

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The Solace Tree Shares Tips for

Dealing with Loss During the Holidays

 Reno, NV (November 19, 2012) – The holiday season can be especially difficult for individuals and families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. “There is no right or wrong way to grieve,” shares Emilio Parga, Executive Director of the solace Tree. “Some have said that not having their loved one with them during the holidays has intensified their pain, others have talked about the joy that has been experienced through continuing traditions that were special to the loved one that they have lost.”

During a recent visit to the Solace Tree, children and teens, along with their parents, shared some guidelines that have made it easier to get through the holidays without their loved one. These are only suggestions, and may or may not be appropriate for your distinguishing circumstance.

  • Talk about your grief as a family and don’t be afraid to talk about the person who has died. Share your thoughts, feelings and memories with people you trust.
  • Invite children in the family to help make choices or decisions about what to do or not to do during the upcoming holidays.
  • Be prepared for all types of reactions. Each individual grieves at their own pace.
  • Children and adolescents need time to grieve. Allow them space, either alone or with support.
  • Keep the spirit alive for young children. It will play a role in
    their future beliefs about the holiday season.
  • Do things that are simple such as only decorating one room instead of the whole house.
  • Shop online or through catalogs

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