In Memory

“The Center for Grieving Children is dedicated to Mary Hemmens Higgins, who died May 2, 1986; to her daughter, Erin, and

to childhood and children everywhere.”

Bill Hemmens, Founder, 1945-1998

Contact Info

The Center for Grieving Children555 Forest AvenuePortland, ME 04101

(207) 775-5216www.cgcmaine.orgcgc@cgcmaine.org

Proudly supported by:

Volunteer

Our Volunteers are our most valuable resource. The activities and contributions of over 125 volunteers each week support families at a difficult and lonely time.

There are many volunteer opportunities at the Center: Peer Support Group Facilitator* Office Support Events and other fund-raising activities Committee Members Board of Directors

*All volunteers interested in group facilitation receive a comprehensive 30 hour training to prepare them to lead the groups.

Provide Resources

Although many of our services are free, the cost to run our programs is not. We count on donations of time, talent, resources, and financial support from individuals, corporations, United Way and foundations. You can help by:

Making a contribution Making a donation in honor or memory of a loved one Naming The Center in your will Supporting our special events Sharing information about The Center with others

To make a donation to The Center please call (207) 775-5216 or visit our website: www.cgcmaine.org.

Making a Difference

“The Center has been a wonderful experience. It is just

magical what happens here.”

The Peer Support Model is the foundation of our programs and is grounded in the following principles:

Grief is the natural response to change, loss and death for children as well as adults.

Each Person has the ability to discover his or her unique path through the grief process.

Caring, acceptance and honoring the safe expression of feelings assist in the healing process and create connections.

We honor the diverse cultural and spiritual beliefs of all who come to The Center.

Serve children and teens (ages 3-18) and their parents or primary caregivers and young adults (ages 19-30)

Group activities include age appropriate sharing, artwork, creative play and games

Meet weekly

Are Free of charge

Led by trained volunteers

Confidential Phone Support

Educational Materials - articles, books, resources and handouts

Referrals for families, educators, professionals

Family & Community Support about grief and loss and how to help children with death and dying

School and Community Outreach:

Education, crisis response, and training for schools, agencies, workplace, camps and the community on how to support children and teens experiencing loss.

The Multicultural Peer Support Program:

In collaboration with local schools, The Center offers this unique after school peer support experience to children from war torn countries.

Fall Institute: Training for people who want to bring peer support to their organization or community.

Spring Institute: Workshops on grief and loss, of interest to families and professionals

Custom Designed Trainings: The Center staff will design trainings for you at your site or ours - Trainings are available to the community including schools, religious organizations, civic groups, students, professionals, hospice, camps and other grieving centers.

Our Mission Peer Support Groups Other Services

Our Philosophy

The Center for Grieving Children’s mission is to provide loving support to grieving

children, their families and the community through peer support, outreach and

education.

Bereavement Peer Support: For children, teens and their families (also young adults) grieving the death of someone close to them.

Tender Living Care: For children, teens, and their families (also young adults) who are coping with a serious illness of a family member from the point of diagnosis.

Bereaved Parents Group: For all parents who are grieving the death of a child.

Young Widows and Widowers Group: For people who have experienced the death of spouse or partner.

Training