Love Like Jackson

Overview

Love Like Jackson is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in February 2020 in St. Louis, Missouri. Its mission is to provide vital resources to families navigating the profound loss of a child, with a focus on supporting the emotional well-being of bereaved siblings.

Background

The organization was established by Carrie Schmitt, following the sudden death of her seven-year-old son, Jackson Schmitt, who passed away in July 2019 due to complications from cancer. Jackson's younger brother, Ivan, was only three years old at the time and struggled with debilitating anxiety after the loss. Carrie's experiences with play therapy for Ivan inspired her to create a support system for other families facing similar challenges.

Mission and Activities

Love Like Jackson aims to ensure that no sibling becomes a "forgotten griever" by offering therapeutic and mental health services to help children process their loss. The organization contracts with local therapists specializing in children's grief and provides funding for up to 12 sessions of art, music, or play therapy. Additionally, it offers support for bereaved parents and incorporates trauma-informed yoga into its services.

The organization works closely with various professionals, including play therapists, art therapists, music therapists, and those from the only trauma-informed yoga studio for children in the U.S. This comprehensive approach is designed to address the diverse needs of families dealing with child loss.

Objective

The long-term goal of Love Like Jackson is to create a community where siblings do not grieve alone. It seeks to bridge gaps in support services, especially for younger children who often find it difficult to express their emotions and feelings about loss.

Team

Carrie Schmitt serves as the founder, leveraging her background in psychology and sociology, as well as her extensive social work experience. Melissa Smith, with a Master's in Occupational Therapy, acts as Treasurer and Administrator Lead. Jessica Kershenski, a licensed clinical social worker and play therapist, is part of the team that collaborates with families.

Impact

Love Like Jackson fills a critical niche by focusing on the unmet needs of grieving siblings, a demographic often overlooked in grief support services. Through its mission, the organization seeks to mitigate lasting trauma and foster resilience among children dealing with sibling loss.