WEIRTON — For five years, the Weirton Christian Center has partnered with Never Alone WV to offer a support program to assist area youth in grief.

Never Alone Kids is a step-by-step, activity-driven program that uses peer support within age groups to show children they are not alone as they navigate the grieving process.

“This program is in addition to regular programming of preschool, afterschool and summer programs in a safe and secure environment,” said Kim Weaver, executive director of the Weirton Christian Center.

A new seven-week session of Never Alone Kids is set to begin June 25, with sessions scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. each Thursday through Aug. 6.

The group is open to parents, grandparents or guardians and their children, ages 4 to 18, who have experienced the loss of someone special.

After sharing a meal, participants gather in peer groups organized by elementary, middle and high school ages, as well as parents. The program is based on directed activities led by two counselors and trained volunteers, modeled after the Highmark Caring Place in Pittsburgh.

There is no charge for the program.

Those interested in signing a child up for the program may contact the Weirton Christian Center at (304) 748-2353.

Additional information on Never Alone Kids and other Christian Center programs can be found online at www.WeirtonChristianCenter.com, on the center’s Facebook page, or by emailing Weaver at Kim@WeirtonChristianCenter.com.

The Weirton Christian Center also conducts a summer program from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, offering free lunch and educational and recreational activities.

These programs are for registered children, but each summer a free lunch is also provided for children in the area through the federally funded Summer Food Service Program. The free lunch and snack are open to all children ages 18 and under Monday through Thursday.

Lunch is served at the Weirton Christian Center, 117 Ivy St., from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with snacks offered from 3 to 4 p.m., June 15 through July 30.

Those interested in meals for their children are asked to call the Christian Center by 11 a.m. on the day they wish to participate.