Every year thousands of area children grieve the loss of a parent, grandparent, a friend or loved one. The Center for Grieving Children is a safe place for children, teens and their families to find compassionate peer support, engage in commemorative activities, gain information about the grieving process, and express feelings and experiences in an accepting environment. Programming is provided at no charge to children, ages 3 – 18, and the adults who care for them. See the Family Night and Teen Group page for monthly schedules.

Guiding Principles of the Center

• Grief is a natural response to change and loss.
• Each person’s grief is unique.
• A caring, accepting environment enhances the sharing process.
• All cultural and spiritual beliefs are to be honored.

What We Offer

Family Night Peer Support – is for families with children ages 3-18 who are grieving the death of someone they love. It includes a warm welcome from our therapy dog team, a shared meal, and peer support groups for every age, including adults. Family Night happens on Tuesday evenings and is facilitated by CGC staff and volunteers.

• If you are grieving the loss of a loved one and are interested in participating in our Center for Grieving Children Family Nights, please click the button below to complete a family intake form and email it to Erin at ehollister@bgclubfoxvalley.org. A CGC team member will contact you soon to follow up.

In-School Grief Peer Support – helps students ages 6-18 build a peer support group and continue their relationship in memory with the person they have lost through participation in group-based activities. In-school grief peer support groups are co-facilitated by school counselors and meet during the school day. If you are interested or have a need for grief support in your school, please contact Erin Hollister at 920-750-5839.

Club Member Peer Support  – the Sprouts and the Changes peer support groups are for Boys & Girls Club members working through a loss or change in their lives. These events may include death, pet loss, divorce, a move, and more. These groups meet for six to eight weeks after school and in the summer. If you have a child that is a Boys & Girls Club member and is interested in learning more about this program, please contact Erin Hollister at 920-750-5839.

Outreach & Education – check back to our website to learn more about our current schedule of activities.

Volunteering

Trained volunteers are at the heart of our program. Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities with the Center for Grieving Children.

Questions

For any specific questions or to learn more about our program and resources, please call: 920-750-5839 or email: ehollister@bgclubfoxvalley.org.

Location

The Center for Grieving Children is located upstairs within the Boys & Girls Club of Menasha, 600 Racine St, Menasha, WI 54952.

Meet Our Team

• Erin Hollister, Director of the Center for Grieving Children
• Libby Kramer, Center for Grieving Children Program Coordinator
• Sarah Venaccio, Center for Grieving Children Program Coordinator