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Our History

The Center for Grieving Children was founded in 1987 by Bill Hemmens (pictured at left), following the death of his sister. In trying to find help and support for his niece Erin, Bill recognized that children need peers and caring adults to support them through their grief, because death profoundly affects every aspect of their lives.

Our Misson

The Center for Grieving Children's mission is to provide loving support to grieving children, teens, families and the community through peer support, outreach, and education. We honor and encourage the safe expression of grief and loss. We provide a loving community to foster the discovery and development of each child's own resiliency and emotional well-being.

We are a beacon of light in the hearts and souls of grieving children throughout the world.

The Center is a 501(c)3 organization, governed by a 25-member volunteer Board of Directors. The Board employs the Executive Director, who manages five full time staff, four part-time staff, and up to seven unpaid interns from universities throughout Maine. The Center has over 200 volunteers serving the children, teens and their families.

Understanding that when a loved one dies is often a most difficult time financially, the Center does not charge fees for its services. Otherwise, the Center relies on private individual donations, foundation grants, United Way, and special events.