Bereavement Support

Expressing feelings in a safe place is part of the healing process after a death. At the Center, children, teens, young adults, and adults benefit from a supportive environment where they can be with others who have suffered similar losses.  The small peer support groups are led by trained volunteer facilitators.  The groups provide an opportunity for people to share their feelings, talk about their experience, remember the person who died, and give and get support from others.  Volunteers are supervised by a staff person or consultant on each night of service.   New members are welcome to join at any time and services are free of charge. 

Phone Support and Information

Center staff are available to answer your questions and concerns about supporting children and teens through grief and loss.  We can assist with information, resources and referrals over the phone.

Groups for Children and Families

Groups meet weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings in Portland, Maine. We also have groups located in Sanford, Maine which meet on Wednesday evenings. Groups for ages 3-6, 7-9, 10-13, 14-18 and parents meet at the same time so the whole family can attend together.  Volunteers incorporate art, music, talking, and play into their work with children. For more information contact Valerie Jones, Bereavement Services Coordinator at (207) 775-5216 or email her at Valerie@cgcmaine.org

Young Adults

The Young Adult Group offers peer support in a small group setting to   individual's ages 19-30 who have experienced the death of a family member or friend.  The one hour group is offered once a week and is ongoing.  For more information contact Valerie Jones, Bereavement Services Coordinator at (207)775-5216 or email her at valerie@cgcmaine.org.

Young Widow and Widowers Group

The Center for Grieving Children offers a peer support group for individuals age 60 and younger who have experienced the death of a spouse or partner. Information on joining a group please contact Valerie Jones at 7(207)775-5216 or email her at valerie@cgcmaine.org.

Bereaved Parent's Group

Our Bereaved Parent's Group is open to all parents who have lost a child regardless of the child's age.  The group is held on Monday evenings at the Center in Portland.  Please call Patricia Ellen at (207) 775-5216 or email her at patricia@cgcmaine.org for more information.