Carter’s Story
Carter James Rhodes was born on December 18, 2004
to Garrett & Tricia Rhodes. His heart-warming laugh
and contagious smile brought lots of joy and happiness
to the entire Rhodes family, especially Carter’s big
brother, Anthony.
Then, unexpectedly, Carter passed away on May 22, 2005. He was only
five months and four days old. The tragedy was overwhelming for the
Rhodes family. Anthony, only eight years old at the time, witnessed the
tragedy and was understandably traumatized at losing his little brother.
The Rhodes were very concerned and knew that Anthony would probably
have difficulty working through his grief. While researching for resources
to help her son, Tricia Rhodes became extremely frustrated at finding out
how limited the resources were in terms of helping children grieve.
Gayla Roberts, Director of Bereavement Services at HospiceCare, was also
surprised when she began her search for children’s grief resources. Though
there were plenty of places where adults could find help, there wasn’t any-
thing beyond what the schools were able to offer that focused on how to
help children grieve.
Aware that grieving children without a coping mechanism are more likely to
experience emotional distress, fear and confusion after a loss, HospiceCare
felt it was critical to provide a resource that could address those needs.
As a result, Carter’s Clubhouse was established. Named in honor of Carter
Rhodes, Carter’s Clubhouse will offer a place where grieving children can
share their experiences with other children who have similar stories.
HospiceCare looks at this program as a reflection of their commitment to
the community, as well as their ongoing mission of providing excellent grief
support services to all in their service area who need them. There is no
cost for this program.
At Carter’s Clubhouse, children will be able to participate in activities like
story-telling, letter writing, drama, art, music and crafts—all of which are
techniques used to help children express their grief. It’s believed that young
children may not talk about their feelings about a death in the family. It
appears that it’s more common for them to express feelings through behavior
and play.
Monthly Meetings
Carter’s Clubhouse will hold meetings on the first Monday of every month
from 6:30 pm—8:00 pm. The group meets in the North College Center on
the campus of Mineral Area College. Please enroll previous to attending
meetings by calling 573/701-2504.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you or someone you know is interested in learning about volunteer
opportunities for Carter’s Clubhouse, please call 573/701-2504. We also
welcome those individuals interested in helping with fundraising activities.
Donations
If you wish to make a donation to help support activities at Carter’s
Clubhouse, you can do so either by check or through this website.
(Checks should be made payable to “Carter’s Clubhouse” and sent to:
Carter’s Clubhouse
P. O. Box 1000
Park Hills, MO 63601
Donate via PayPal by clicking on the "Donate" button below:
Carter James Rhodes was born on December 18, 2004
to Garrett & Tricia Rhodes. His heart-warming laugh
and contagious smile brought lots of joy and happiness
to the entire Rhodes family, especially Carter’s big
brother, Anthony.
Then, unexpectedly, Carter passed away on May 22, 2005. He was only
five months and four days old. The tragedy was overwhelming for the
Rhodes family. Anthony, only eight years old at the time, witnessed the
tragedy and was understandably traumatized at losing his little brother.
The Rhodes were very concerned and knew that Anthony would probably
have difficulty working through his grief. While researching for resources
to help her son, Tricia Rhodes became extremely frustrated at finding out
how limited the resources were in terms of helping children grieve.
Gayla Roberts, Director of Bereavement Services at HospiceCare, was also
surprised when she began her search for children’s grief resources. Though
there were plenty of places where adults could find help, there wasn’t any-
thing beyond what the schools were able to offer that focused on how to
help children grieve.
Aware that grieving children without a coping mechanism are more likely to
experience emotional distress, fear and confusion after a loss, HospiceCare
felt it was critical to provide a resource that could address those needs.
As a result, Carter’s Clubhouse was established. Named in honor of Carter
Rhodes, Carter’s Clubhouse will offer a place where grieving children can
share their experiences with other children who have similar stories.
HospiceCare looks at this program as a reflection of their commitment to
the community, as well as their ongoing mission of providing excellent grief
support services to all in their service area who need them. There is no
cost for this program.
At Carter’s Clubhouse, children will be able to participate in activities like
story-telling, letter writing, drama, art, music and crafts—all of which are
techniques used to help children express their grief. It’s believed that young
children may not talk about their feelings about a death in the family. It
appears that it’s more common for them to express feelings through behavior
and play.
Monthly Meetings
Carter’s Clubhouse will hold meetings on the first Monday of every month
from 6:30 pm—8:00 pm. The group meets in the North College Center on
the campus of Mineral Area College. Please enroll previous to attending
meetings by calling 573/701-2504.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you or someone you know is interested in learning about volunteer
opportunities for Carter’s Clubhouse, please call 573/701-2504. We also
welcome those individuals interested in helping with fundraising activities.
Donations
If you wish to make a donation to help support activities at Carter’s
Clubhouse, you can do so either by check or through this website.
(Checks should be made payable to “Carter’s Clubhouse” and sent to:
Carter’s Clubhouse
P. O. Box 1000
Park Hills, MO 63601
Donate via PayPal by clicking on the "Donate" button below:
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Carter James Rhodes
Anthony and Carter
On April 7, 2010, Carter's Clubhouse received the MHPCA's
(Missouri Hospice & Palliative Care Association) "Heart of
Hospice Program Award." The award is given to an organi-
zation for implementing an added service to a designated
population and enhancing community outreach, thus enhanc-
ing the quality of life for those in the hospice service area.
PHOTO (from left): Fred McDaniel, Executive Director of
HospiceCare; Gayla Roberts, Director of Bereavement and
Program Director for Carter’s Clubhouse; Jane Moore,
CEO OF MHPCA (Missouri Hospice & Palliative Care
Association); and Tricia Rhodes, RN and Carter’s mom.
(Missouri Hospice & Palliative Care Association) "Heart of
Hospice Program Award." The award is given to an organi-
zation for implementing an added service to a designated
population and enhancing community outreach, thus enhanc-
ing the quality of life for those in the hospice service area.
PHOTO (from left): Fred McDaniel, Executive Director of
HospiceCare; Gayla Roberts, Director of Bereavement and
Program Director for Carter’s Clubhouse; Jane Moore,
CEO OF MHPCA (Missouri Hospice & Palliative Care
Association); and Tricia Rhodes, RN and Carter’s mom.
Carter's Clubhouse Wins Award
Water Park Fundraiser Makes a Big Splash!
On Sunday, July 25, almost 400 children and adults
attended the KFMO/B104 "Night at the Farmington
Water Park." For two hours that evening, 100%
of the proceeds from the sale of admission, raffle
tickets and t-shirts went to help support activities
for the children of Carter’s Clubhouse.
GT Karaoke and Sound System provided the music
for the evening as children of all ages enjoyed games,
refreshments and grab bags filled with surprises.
B104 also had t-shirts for sale from No Limit Shirts
& Designs in Park Hills. The t-shirts were sold for
a minimum donation of $3/each.
Larry Joseph, Vice President and General Manager
of KFMO/B104, presented a check in the amount of
$1,257.64 to Gayla Roberts, Director of Bereavement
Services and Carter’s Clubhouse at HospiceCare, Inc.
attended the KFMO/B104 "Night at the Farmington
Water Park." For two hours that evening, 100%
of the proceeds from the sale of admission, raffle
tickets and t-shirts went to help support activities
for the children of Carter’s Clubhouse.
GT Karaoke and Sound System provided the music
for the evening as children of all ages enjoyed games,
refreshments and grab bags filled with surprises.
B104 also had t-shirts for sale from No Limit Shirts
& Designs in Park Hills. The t-shirts were sold for
a minimum donation of $3/each.
Larry Joseph, Vice President and General Manager
of KFMO/B104, presented a check in the amount of
$1,257.64 to Gayla Roberts, Director of Bereavement
Services and Carter’s Clubhouse at HospiceCare, Inc.
