Support.
Resilience.
Healing.
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About
the Center
The Center for Grieving Children's mission is to provide a safe space, loving peer support, outreach and education to grieving children, teens, families and the community. The Center was founded in 1987 by Portland, Maine resident Bill Hemmens, 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.
Today, the Center for Grieving Children continues to offer hope and supports the resilience of children, teens, and families in Maine through a no-cost peer support family model. Its peer support group services are led by dedicated and highly trained staff and volunteers on-site and virtually using the Center’s facilities in Portland and Sanford, Maine, thanks to the generous support of our community. From July 2021 - June 2022, the Center served 591 individuals in peer support groups.



The Center for Grieving Children was designed with intention -- we make the utmost effort to provide a space that feels safe, warm, welcoming, and nurturing. See for yourself by taking a virtual tour of The Center.
FAQs
How do I sign up for a peer support group?
For more information about our Bereavement and Tender Living Care programs, and to perhaps determine if your family would be eligible for our our virtual support groups, please contact cgc@cgcmaine.org, or 207-775-5216 and someone from our program team will be in touch with you shortly.
We ask individuals and family members to come to the Center to meet with staff prior to participating in Center group services. This is an opportunity for families to ask questions, see our group meeting space, and explore if the Center’s peer support model will meet their needs. During Covid-19, the initial family meeting is done online, with a chance for all family members to ask questions and learn more about the Center.
What is the cost of attending the Center’s groups?
All of our services are free of cost to participants.
When do groups meet?
Tender Living Care (TLC) Groups typically meet in-person in Portland on Monday evenings, but are still being virtually to protect our families. Bereavement groups meet virtually on Monday evenings, and Tuesday through Thursday evenings in Portland. Bereavement Groups meet Wednesday evening in Sanford.
How many participants are in each group?
Each peer support group may include up to 8 participants, with 2-3 trained facilitators.
Do parents have to attend with children?
Children age 13 and younger must have an adult who remains on site while the children participate in support group activities. Children age 14 and older are able to independently attend the Center. Some parents arrange, in advance, to attend the Center’s Adult Support Groups that run simultaneously with our children’s groups.
Can I get information about how to talk with a child about a loved one experiencing a serious illness or dying?
Yes, Center staff is available to answer questions and concerns about supporting children dealing with a family member’s serious illness or death over the phone. We offer resources, information, and referrals as needed. Please reach out to use at cgc@cgcmaine.org or 207-775-5216 and someone will be in touch with you shortly.
Our
Board of Directors
- President – Doug Currier
- Vice President – Kim Donnelly
- Treasurer – Sara McLaughlin
- Secretary – Lindsey Kerkela
- Immediate Past President– Michael Wilson
- At Large - Kathy D. Baker
- At Large - Jack Yao
- Andrew Baldacci
- Matthew Brucker
- Brian Cho
- Maureen Clancy
- Kris Eimicke
- Pete Dewitt
- Thomas Kelly
- Rob McPheeters
- Diana Nelson
- Mary Ottolini MD
- Jeannine Pendergast
- Liz Plizga
- Eric Swanson
- Monique Violette
- Holly Margeson Gamache
- Jennifer Kimball
- Jerry Lyon
Make a
Difference
Volunteers are the heart of The Center for Grieving Children. Last year, volunteers contributed 28,000 hours of support. We have many opportunities for community members to volunteer in many different capacities, from leading support groups to helping out in our office and at events. Interested in volunteering? See how you can get involved!
Our
Financial Reports
Previous Reports
Get in touch with us!
(207) 775-5216Interested in joining the Center? We’re here to answer any questions you may have about our services and what we can do for you. Please don’t hesitate to call or send us a message.