The Right Place When Nothing Feels Right
At Dougy Center, you will find support, resources, and connection before and after a death.
Grief Resources & Toolkits
Whether you’re grieving, or you’re helping someone who is grieving, Dougy Center is here for you. Find tip sheets, activities, podcasts, and more through our personalized toolkits.
Find Grief Support Near You
Locate peer grief support groups in Portland and around the world.
What We Do
At Dougy Center, we create safe spaces and free resources for children and families who are grieving. Our pioneering peer grief support model, professional training, and world-renowned programs and advocacy bring hope and healing around the world.
The Impact of Dougy Center
Read stories about the positive impact of Dougy Center on children and families who are grieving
Dougy Center Saved Us by Offering a Life Raft When We Had No Bearings
“It was so helpful to be in a space designed especially for children, with people who understand grief and loss, even if you don’t necessarily know what that means for yourself yet. And to have time where I could lean into my own grief in a way that you can't as a parent because you have to be strong for your kids — that was also a gift. The volunteers at Dougy Center are lovely, beautiful spirits. The support for me was so amazing. Dougy Center definitely helped us find our sea legs during a time when we had no bearings.”
Read the Full StoryGrief Out Loud Podcast
Grief Out Loud® is our internationally acclaimed podcast where we talk openly about death, dying, and grief
Latest Episode
February 3rd, 2025
When Grief & Betrayal Collide: Jessica Waite’s Story
When Jessica Waite's husband, Sean, died suddenly, she knew him as a dedicated father to their young son and a loving, engaged spouse. In her book, The Widow’s Guide to Dead Bastards, Jessica reveals the shock and heartbreak of discovering Sean's double life. What began as a devastating loss quickly became even more complex as she uncovered the many secrets he had kept—hidden debt, drug use, and infidelity. Jessica talks about the rage, confusion, and emotional turmoil of grieving someone you love while simultaneously reckoning with the truth of who they really were. She reflects on anger as a catalyst for change, what she learned about parenting her son through his grief, and how ultimately she found a way back to herself. read more...
Go to EpisodeNews & Events
May 9th, 2025
28th Annual Porsche Boxster Raffle
Support families who are grieving by participating in the 28th Annual Dougy Center Porsche Boxster Raffle. The 2025 Porsche Boxster is valued at $74,900. Tickets are just $100 each and only 2,500 tickets will be sold.
Read MoreEvent
February 20th, 2025
Dougy Center Grief Education Webinar: Grief as an Addiction? The Dangers of Pathologizing Grief
Labeling people who are grieving with “mental disorders” like Prolonged Grief Disorder, Complicated Grief, or Dysfunctional Grief has its proponents and critics. In this webinar we’ll take a brief but critical look at the movement and evidence for pathologizing grief, some of the implications of doing so, and why this matters.
Event
May 9th, 2025
2025 Reflection Benefit & Auction
Join us to champion the life-changing support found at Dougy Center during Reflection. We look forward to sharing the inspiration created through Dougy Center’s work in providing hope and healing to children and families who are grieving. One of Portland's premier events, this fabulous evening at The Midtown in downtown Portland features original art made by Dougy Center youth, an elegant dinner, and a spectacular auction. The event culminates as we draw the winning ticket for the 28th Annual Porsche Boxster Raffle.
About Dougy Center
Dougy Center was founded in 1982 to support children and families who are grieving before and after a death. Today, The Dougy Center Model is world-renowned and has helped 60,000 people find hope and healing.