Grief support held at The War Memorial in response to school shooting
In the wake of a shooting at Michigan State University Feb. 13, the Grosse Pointe community responded.
The Family Center of Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods, in partnership with The War Memorial, local therapists, Grosse Pointe Public School System, and the Grosse Pointe Public Library offered drop-in grief support.
Three Michigan State University students - two with ties to the Grosse Pointes - were killed and five others were wounded when a gunman opened fire on campus the evening of Feb. 13. One of the students was identified as 19-year-old Arielle Diamond Anderson, who graduated from Grosse Pointe North High School. Another student was identified as 20-year-old Brian Fraser, who graduated from Grosse Pointe South. The third student, Alexandria Verner, is a Clawson High School graduate.
Gatherings took place the evening of Feb. 14 at the Ewald Library Branch in Grosse Pointe Park, and at The Alger Center at The War Memorial from noon to 8 p.m. on Feb. 15.
At The War Memorial, four group therapy sessions were held throughout the day, with 10 therapists on hand. Therapists were available to provide drop-in support to individuals and families.
“This is about getting people the help that they are looking for,” Jennifer Bingaman, executive director of the Family Center said. “Unfortunately, we have a blueprint for this because things keep happening. We got messages very early on from the schools. The Grosse Pointe community has pieced together what we need to do to support. There’s been a great amount of information being shared to help.”
A prayer vigil was held at Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, next to The War Memorial, the evening of Feb. 15.
The Family Center is a nonprofit community organization that calls The War Memorial home. It was established in 2000 and offers free programs and resources from local experts on a wide range of topics aimed at building strong families and helping parents raise children who will become competent, caring, and responsible community members.
About The War Memorial
The War Memorial, located on the shores of Lake Saint Clair in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, is an experiential space open to everyone from everywhere. For more than 70 years, it has served as a patriotic, cultural, and community center. Its unique environment attracts more than 3,000 events and 250,000 visitors annually while offering premier hospitality services for community and private gatherings. Its diverse lineup of innovative programming includes live and virtual engagement experiences for adults and children. At its core, The War Memorial celebrates the ideas of American democracy while honoring those who have defended those ideas with tireless effort and personal sacrifice. Numerous patriotic and veterans’ events are held as well as history and civics offerings on the origin, traditions, and challenges facing American democracy. The War Memorial remains committed to serving the community as a unique, dynamic, and forward-thinking hub for southeast Michigan.
CONTACT:
Alex Szwarc, The War Memorial
Manager of Communications
313.881.7514, aszwarc@warmemorial.org