Family Services of Butler Memorial Hospital will offer two new programs this winter — the SMART program and a program for grief.

SMART, self-management and active recreation therapy, helps children confront their mental health and obesity. It will begin on Jan. 23 and run from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. on Mondays through April 17 at Family Services, 216 N. Washington St.

"This program works with children 8 through 12 who have a mental health diagnosis and are obese to develop overall psychological and physical health," said Eric Patterson, MSCP, who is the therapist for the program. "We want to move these kids toward a healthy weight and feelings of well-being by encouraging self-management and active recreation."

After the 12 weekly sessions, there are five monthly follow-up sessions that support those who go through the program.

The second program is a 10-week series that focuses on grief and related loss issues for elementary children. It begins Feb. 1 and runs on Wednesdays through April 5.

This program is for children who have lost a parent, sibling, close family member or friend to death. Children in grades 1 through 3 will meet from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. and children in grades 4 through 6 will meet from 6 to 7:15 p.m.

"Each session is geared toward helping children express their thoughts and feelings related to the loved one that they lost," says Colleen Gianneski, LCSW, who will facilitate the program. "We incorporate developing a family of support by reunion meetings to offer support throughout life."

For information on these programs, contact Marcee Atkinson at Family Services, 724-284-4894.