Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen McClure.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
THRIVE was born out of a significant need within our community. Through a member of our leadership team who serves on the county’s Overdose Fatality Review Board, we became aware that there were no local programs specifically designed to support grieving children and youth. Recognizing this gap, The Lighthouse Church partnered with organizations from two other states that had developed grief-support curricula for children and launched THRIVE in the fall of 2023.
The response immediately demonstrated the need. Eleven children registered for our first program cycle, but only three were able to consistently participate. A second cycle saw five children attend. While families clearly desired support, we discovered that committing to a 13-week program was challenging due to sports schedules, family commitments, and other activities.
In response, we shifted our approach and launched our first THRIVE Summer Camp. The impact was remarkable. Twenty-eight children attended, including twenty-five who were grieving the loss of a parent. The camp provided a meaningful opportunity for children to connect with peers who understood their experiences while receiving support, encouragement, and hope.
The success of that first camp confirmed that shorter, camp-style programs were often more accessible for families. In 2025, we hosted our second THRIVE Summer Camp and expanded our outreach by offering additional events for grieving children and youth, including opportunities for entire families to participate together.
Today, THRIVE continues to grow as we seek to support children and families navigating the difficult journey of grief. We are currently preparing for our 2026 THRIVE Summer Camp, which will take place August 11–14, and remain committed to ensuring that no grieving child in our community has to walk through loss alone. We want them to know that even in suffering, there is hope.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While THRIVE has been able to reach children and come alongside hurting families, the road to launching and continuing to develop the program has not always been easy.
When I was first asked to help create a grief support curriculum, the weight of grief I wasn’t even personally carrying felt overwhelming. My heart ached for children and families I had never met but knew were hurting. Thankfully, I was able to connect with similar programs in other states that helped guide us in developing curriculum, best practices, and program structure.
One of our greatest challenges has been helping people understand what THRIVE is and why grief support for children is so important. Children often grieve very differently than adults. Many parents and caregivers assume a child is handling their loss well because they appear okay most of the time. However, children frequently process grief in ways that are less visible. Just because a child isn’t continuously crying or openly expressing sadness doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling internally. We have worked hard to educate families that children and youth need safe spaces to process their emotions, ask questions, and talk about their experiences of loss.
Another challenge has been the significant time commitment required for traditional grief support programs. In today’s world, children’s schedules can be just as busy as their parents’, filled with school, sports, and other activities. We found that many families struggled to commit to a 13-week program, even when they recognized the need for support. As a result, we adapted and began offering grief camps, which have proven to be more accessible and easier for families to attend.
We have also learned that many of the adults caring for grieving children are navigating their own grief at the same time. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives often find themselves unexpectedly raising children after a significant loss. They are carrying the weight of their own sorrow while trying to provide stability and support for the children in their care. For many, simply making it through the day can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to commit to additional programs, no matter how beneficial they may be.
Despite these challenges, every obstacle has reinforced the importance of THRIVE. The need is real, and each child we reach reminds us why this work matters.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At The Lighthouse Church, our mission is simple: Gather, Grow, and Go. We are passionate about creating opportunities for people to encounter Christ, grow in their faith, and serve others both within our community and beyond. As a church, we strive to meet people where they are and provide practical, meaningful ways for individuals and families to experience the love and hope of Jesus.
As the Director of Ministries, I have the privilege of overseeing many of our outreach, discipleship, and family ministries. One of the ministries closest to my heart is THRIVE, designed specifically for children and youth who have experienced the death of a loved one. While grief support programs for adults are more common, resources for grieving children are often limited, especially at the local level. THRIVE was created to help fill that gap by providing a safe, supportive environment where children can process their grief, connect with others who understand their experiences, and learn healthy coping skills.
What I am most proud of is seeing children and families realize they are not alone. Grief can be incredibly isolating, especially for young people who may feel different from their peers. Watching children build friendships, find their voice, and begin to heal is one of the greatest privileges of this work.
I believe what sets both The Lighthouse Church and THRIVE apart is our commitment to relationships. We are not simply offering programs or events, but we are investing in people. We care deeply about meeting unmet needs within our community. Whether it is a child attending THRIVE, a family participating in one of our community outreach events, or someone walking through our church doors for the first time, our goal is to ensure they feel seen, valued, and loved.
THRIVE is also unique because it combines grief education, peer support, and caring adult mentors within a community-centered approach. We recognize that grief is not something to “fix,” but rather a journey that children and families need support navigating. By walking alongside them through that journey, we can provide hope, encouragement, and practical tools for healing.
Ultimately, what we are known for is creating spaces where people can find hope. Our desire is to meet people where they are at and draw them into deep, meaningful relationships that lead to true hope and joy.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are many ways people can partner with and support THRIVE as we continue to serve grieving children and families throughout our community.
First and foremost, we ask people to help us spread awareness. Many families who could benefit from grief support simply do not know resources like THRIVE exist. By sharing our mission with schools, churches, counselors, healthcare providers, funeral homes, and community organizations, more children can be connected to the support they need.
We also welcome collaboration with individuals and organizations that serve children and families. Building strong community partnerships allows us to better identify needs, reach more families, and provide comprehensive support for those navigating loss.
Volunteers are another vital part of THRIVE. Our programs depend on compassionate adults who are willing to listen, encourage, mentor, and walk alongside children during difficult seasons. Whether assisting at camps, supporting events, or serving directly with children, volunteers help create the caring environment that makes THRIVE possible.
Financial support is equally important. Donations help provide program materials, camp experiences, meals, activities, and resources for children and families who are grieving. Every contribution helps remove barriers and ensures that support remains accessible to those who need it most.
Above all, we ask people to pray for the children, families, volunteers, and community partners involved with THRIVE. Grief can feel isolating, but healing happens when people come together to offer hope, compassion, and support. We believe that by working together, we can help children not only survive loss but learn to thrive despite it.
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