Children and Teen Program at The Center

It’s fun!  Children love the play therapy room set up with puppets, doll houses, art supplies, board games, books, puzzles and more to help them express and learn to cope with their feelings of grief. 

It helps!  Professional counselors, specializing in children’s and teen grief, understand that a young person’s grief is different, but every bit as real as adult grief.

It’s supportive!  The children and teens have fun at the support groups, summer programs and individual counseling!   It connects them with other grieving youth and they realize they are not alone.

It helps at home!  Parents are assisted by counselors in ways to help their children heal and be happy.

Our Services

Helping Hands, Healing Hearts

A six-session group for children (ages 5-12) to learn about and cope with grief.   Activities are fun and aimed toward helping the children move through essential tasks of grieving.

"You get to play even if you feel sad.  I learned things and met  friends. Iw anted to come more."

From a parent:  "I loved the fact that my son felt comfortable in this group.  He was surprised that other boys in his age group have also lost their dads to cancer."

Teen Group

A monthly support group for teens ages 13-18 that focuses on expressing grief in helpful ways. 

For a printable flyer, click here: Teen Grief Group 2010

"The group helps me.  It’s comforting knowing that people understand what I'm going through."

"I wanted to get some things off my chest to make me stop having so much heartache."

Camp Healing Hearts

A day camp for children and teens whose loved one has died.

"It felt good knowing there are kids my age who understand my situation. It felt like I wasn’t lonely anymore."

"Camp helps me let out all my feelings.  I enjoyed everything-the boats, the art shack, the obstacle course, the pool and the healing circles."

For printable brochure, click here: Camp Brochure

For printable application, click here: Campers Application

Interactive Workshops

These workshops are “hands on” opportunities to explore your grief with others through creative writing, memory book creation and other expressive approaches.

"I loved being able to make a pillow using my Dad’s t-shirt!  I was happy that Mom and my little brother got to make their own.  I’ll keep mine forever."

Service of Remembrance

Twice each year, The Center holds a Service of Remembrance to honor those who have died in our program.  The service is a mixture of music, readings and remembering our loved ones.  A reception follows; family and friends are welcome.

"It was a great tribute!  I liked remembering her with all the other people who were grieving loved ones.  Even though I didn’t know them, the service helped me not feel so alone."