What is it like to volunteer at The Center For Grieving Children?

     "For me, coming to the Center on Thursday night is like walking into a sanctuary of safety, a place of non-judgment and full acceptance, for both the families and facilitators alike. The stories that are shared here have opened my heart beyond measure and have helped re-establish a perspective in what is really important in life. From our families I have learned precious lessons in strength, vulnerability, trust, intimacy, and love against a full range of honest emotions.
In "The Rhythm of Compassion", Gail Straub describes the qualities required of compassionate service - a quiet mind, an open heart, full presence, and radical simplicity. It seems to me, that they define the very essence of a night of service at the Center. Those qualities and a safe place are all that are required for the grieving/ healing process to begin.  In the course of my year in a facilitator role, I have seen the most fragile of families grow through their grief and emerge somehow stronger, softer, and resolved to go on with their lives while gracefully integrating their loss into their present and future. Their work is nothing short of inspiring."

~Karen Lucas, Thursday night Facilitator
 

     "Massively rewarding - it adds light to the more quotidian aspects of the workday week. Watching people lighten their load and helping provide a place where that can happen, has to be one of the most fulfilling things I have personally been party to. It's a great thing to be a part of - all this love, patience, understanding, and respect. It is very unusual to have all of those things in one place."

~Lance Cromwell, Thursday night Facilitator
 

     "I have been a volunteer with the Tender Living Care program at the Center for about five years now and feel challenged with each session. I am grateful for all that I have experienced and learned from our families and from the other volunteers and staff that makes up our group. I feel very good about the work that we do; I'm proud to be a part of the Center."

~Linda Cardente, Tender Living Care Facilitator