FOXBOROUGH, MA — The New England Patriots are honoring a New London woman for her volunteer work in helping children cope with grief.

Ciara Haines was selected as a 2019 Patriots Difference Maker of the Week for her commitment to Families Reaching Into Each New Day, FRIENDS WAY, in Warwick, RI. The group is the only family bereavement center in Rhode Island and it serves families throughout southeastern New England. Fifteen people are named Patriots Difference Makers throughout the season. The outstanding volunteers will be recognized on the Patriots website and will be honored during a special ceremony at the Patriots final regular season home game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Dec. 29.



"My volunteer work has become my greatest passion in life," said Ciara. "There is nothing better than seeing the kids grow and help each other through their grief. I am so grateful to be a part of such an amazing organization."

Ciara was introduced to FRIENDS WAY 20 years ago after her father passed away. She was only 5 at the time and her family enrolled in the nonprofit's peer-based support group program. After completing the program, Ciara and her mom stayed involved with the nonprofit, always looking for ways to support other families.



It offers open-ended groups for children ages three to 18 and their families following the death of a significant person in their lives. Staffed with highly qualified mental health care professionals and extensively trained community volunteers, the nonprofit provides peer support to children and their families in a safe and nurturing environment. Four years ago, Ciara completed the FRIENDS WAY training program and began facilitating the peer-based grief support groups for high school students. Every other Wednesday she would spend four hours co-facilitating a session, getting to know the families and offering her support.

"FRIENDS WAY was so incredibly helpful to me during a time when I never thought my world could be happy again," said Ciara. "I knew as soon as I was old enough that I wanted to give back and help kids like me see that life can go on after loss, and it can be rewarding.

Ciara now facilitates a support group for children ages seven to 10. She has demonstrated strong leadership skills, while balancing discipline and compassion. She has also taken the lead on the expressive art activities and has developed a great rapport with all of the children. Ciara has also supported the nonprofit's fundraising efforts, helping to secure financial and in-kind contributions. She attends FRIENDS WAY's three day summer camp, taking on a leadership role to ensure that the participants have a memorable and supportive experience.

She is able to relate to what all of the children are going through and is helping to change the trajectory of their lives. Ciara creates a safe environment for the children to be able to express themselves and provides them with comfort and support. She is a role model for many of the participants and many of the teens now aspire to be a volunteer just like Ciara.

Nine years ago, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation introduced a season-long theme called Celebrate Volunteerism. The main focus of the initiative was to recognize community volunteers and to promote the importance of volunteering.

