The Center for Life Experience board hosted its inaugural John C. Thorns, Jr. Lecture Series Event in November 2019.
This annual lecture series is designed to educate, inform and connect individuals who wish to learn more about the impact of suicide.
Naming the lecture series for one of Healing After Loss of Suicide’s founding members, John Thorns, means a great deal to the board members of CFLE.
Our intent is to honor the legacy of the hope and healing that John shared with community members as he continually grappled with the aftermath of the suicide of his young wife decades ago.
His open sharing of his own personal grief story enabled so many people to work through similar issues in their own lives. John had intended to spend only five years here as a new art faculty member in the 1950s, but the support and connections he formed with the Hays community anchored him here until his death in 2014.
He served as FHSU professor of art, art department chair, and worked tirelessly for the arts in this community. His paintings and his service show his love for the people and the natural landscape of this area.
It is our hope that we can continually remind people of John’s legacy through this lecture series.
Helping Children ages 7 to 12
in Northwest Kansas Cope with Grief and Loss
March 28, 2020 • 9:45 AM -4:00 PM
Healing Kids' Hearts Retreat provides children a safe and confidential place to learn about healthy grief and loss in responding to the death of a loved one. Led by trained volunteers, this retreat offers a variety of activities through which children learn that there are multiple ways in which to grieve.
They will learn positive ways to honor the person who has died and create lasting memories that can provide comfort.
An adult trained and matched “buddy” guides and supports the children throughout the day.
Activities may include but are not limited to:
• Creating special keepsakes
• Music, drawing, and writing
• Balloon launch
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Here are some photos from our previous retreats.