Some 200 youngsters tilted their bright faces toward gray skies yesterday morning and sent heavenward dozens of red balloons, a symbol of the hope that's been invested in the new Highmark Caring Place for grieving children.

"This is in honor of the courage of all the children who have come to the Caring Place and who will come," said Merril Hoge, an ESPN analyst, former Steelers running back and Highmark Caring Foundation board president.

The balloon launch marked the official opening of the fourth Highmark Caring Place. Just south of Cranberry, the 10,000-square-foot, $1.5 million building sits on Warrendale Village Drive in Marshall.

In operation for two weeks, the facility provides a series of support programs for children who have lost a loved one.

Students from Seneca Valley, North Allegheny, Ellwood City, North Hills and Laurel Highlands school districts attended the event, as did dozens of local officials and professionals who work with children.

Sue Ennis, a librarian at the Seneca Valley Middle School for seventh and eighth graders, has been involved with the Caring Place for 11 years as a "school coordinator."

"Unfortunately, we need the Caring Place. Having a facility right here is wonderful. In the past, we had to refer our families to the Downtown Pittsburgh location, and that was difficult for some people," she said.

Terese Vorsheck, director of Highmark Caring Place, said services are offered for free to anyone who wants them. No medical insurance is required. Each child participates in a 10-week program then can return for follow-ups.

The brick-and-block facade building features large plate-glass windows, overstuffed furniture, and soft colors. The interior walls are lined with quilts that pull together fabric blocks made by children and dedicated to the deceased family member. Rooms are divided into age groups, from preschool to adult. There's a conference room, an air-hockey room, and even a room with padded walls and a punching block for "letting it all out," Ms. Vorsheck said. Therapeutic activities include drawing pictures, making memory boxes, and painting papier-mache.

The North Hills facility, which currently has about 50 clients, will be managed by Pablo Salinas.

Anthony Buzzelli, 11, a fifth-grader at the Evans City Elementary School, said he's lucky he's never lost a family member to death. But, he said he imagines that a place like the Highmark Caring Place-Warrendale could come in handy.

"I think if one of my grandparents would die I'd be very, very sad. I think it would be good to be able to come to a place like this to let your feelings out," he said.

The Caring Place opened its first location in Pittsburgh in 1997 then followed with facilities in Erie in 2001 and Lemoyne in 2003.

More information can be obtained by calling 1-888-734-4073.

ready for launch