In 2015, a heartbreaking event unfolded when the child of a client in Valley Youth House’s Supportive Housing Program tragically passed away. Unfortunately, clients and their families are sometimes faced with a variety of complex and difficult life situations which can heartbreakingly lead to their loss. Kelly Bowen, Intake & Quality Coordinator at VYH, was determined to find a way to honor these individuals with dignity and love, as well as provide a quiet and reflective space for staff to remember those we have lost along the way. So in the fall of 2022, she created our Client Memorial Team.

Kelly, along with VYH staff members Tiara Foster, Megan Sell, Christina DiPierro and Lindsay Perez, conceptualized a client memorial mural that was drawn and painted by Arely Pellegrino, a member of our Lehigh Valley Shelter staff. The mural was dedicated in VYH’s Program and Administrative Center in Bethlehem on May 24, 2023. Tears were shed, hugs were exchanged, and vibrant, unique lives were remembered.

When it comes to managing the complex feelings and emotions surrounding loss, sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is create and reflect.