In 1998, a young Wichita mother and her three small children, ages nine months to five years, found themselves coping with the untimely death of their husband and father. Even though caring family and friends surrounded Katie and her children, she knew she wanted and needed help to assist them through this difficult transition. This could not have been more evident than when her five-year-old daughter stood on a kitchen chair one afternoon and asked, “Mom, I just want to know, is there anyone else like me?”

Luckily, a friend told Katie about a wonderful place in Kansas City – a special place for kids and their parents which help the whole family heal after the death of a loved one. Here Katie’s daughter found the answer to her question. Yes, there are other kids like her who know the pain of losing a loved one. Katie and her kids found just what they needed, a comforting place to go and share with others who are experiencing a similar transition in life. Both Katie and her children are healthier for it today.

After her experience in Kansas City, Katie felt such an overwhelming gratitude for the people and grief center that she was compelled to create such a place in her hometown of Wichita. With the help of family and friends she created Three Trees, a center for grieving children and their families.

Three Trees became a recognized 501(c) 3 on August 6, 1999, just 20 short months after Katie’s husband died, and in September 2000 its doors opened to the very first group of grieving children and their families. Since then, over 1,050 children and more than 750 families have received help and support at Three Trees.

The name Three Trees is borrowed from the enchanting American folktale about three young trees, all of which have grand and special dreams. Each tree finds its dream literally cut short with the mighty swing of the woodcutter’s axe. As the tale unfolds, the trees find that their wishes do, in fact, come true in a surprising and ultimately much more meaningful way. It is the tale of hope.

It is our hope that at Three Trees, children who have found their own dreams destroyed by the death of a loved one will find ways to cope and heal. Like the trees in the folktale, we also hope that in time our young guests will find new dreams to be fulfilled. If you have not read the story of the Three Trees, or if you want to read it again Click Here.

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