Support.
Resilience.
Healing.
Watch Our Video Overview


About
the Center
The Center for Grieving Children 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, still based in Portland, serves more than 4,000 grieving children, teens, families, and young adults annually through peer support, outreach, and education. Since its founding in 1987, the Center for Grieving Children has served more than 66,000 children, teens, and their families.



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.
Our
Board of Directors
- President – Mary Larkin
- Vice President – Mark Pettingill
- Treasurer – Kevin Chase
- Secretary – Robert Baldacci
- Immediate Past President– Julie Grosvenor, M.D.
- At Large - William Kany
- At Large - Shikha Vasaiwala
- Kathy D. Baker
- Sandy Bagwell, M.D.
- Jenilee Bryant
- Doug Currier
- Peter Dewitt
- Katherine Hogan
- John Holland
- Thomas Kelly
- Sara McLaughlin
- Francis Mesina
- Nicola Morris
- Diana Nelson
- Jeannine Pendergast
- Noah Petrucci
- Mike Wilson
- Jack Yao
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
FAQs
Are peer support groups still taking place during Covid-19?
Center staff are currently working from home, however our doors are far from shut. We are still holding peer support groups, just in a virtual format, and are still here to respond to email and phone requests for support. 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.
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.
How do I sign up for a group?
Call the Center to learn more about our peer support services. 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 meet Monday evenings in Portland. Bereavement groups meet Tuesday through Thursday evenings in Portland. Bereavement Groups meet Wednesday evening in Sanford. During Covid-19, all groups are meeting virtually on the same evenings every week.
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.
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.