The Right Place When Nothing Feels Right

At Dougy Center, you will find support, resources, and connection before and after a death.

Grief and COVID-19

When it might feel like most of the world has moved on from the pandemic, millions of youth need support as they navigate their lives without their person. If you or someone you know is grieving a death from COVID-19, these resources may help.

Read More

Talking with kids and teens about school shootings and other mass tragedies

We know that school shootings and other mass tragedies affect so many more people than just those who are directly impacted. If you or someone you know needs ideas for talking to children about this or other tragic events, find Dougy Center resources through the link below.

Read More

Become a Volunteer Facilitator

Dougy Center volunteer facilitators work directly with kids, teens, young adults, and their adult family members, and play a crucial role in ensuring access to our bereavement program.

Read More

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.

Training & Community Response

Our Services

The Impact of Dougy Center

Read stories about the positive impact of Dougy Center on children and families who are grieving

Bovitz 16 BW

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 Story

Grief Out Loud Podcast

Grief Out Loud® is our internationally acclaimed podcast where we talk openly about death, dying, and grief

Latest Episode
March 19th, 2025

Living With Incurable Cancer: Caroline Catlin On Time, Grief, & Mortality

What does it mean to live with an incurable illness while navigating grief, time, and the complexity of human connection? In this episode of Grief Out Loud, we sit down with Caroline Catlin—writer, artist, and grief care worker—to explore her experience of living with an incurable brain cancer diagnosis. Caroline shares how her relationship with cancer has evolved over the past six years, from the early days of fighting for a diagnosis to the ongoing reality of regular scans and the uncertainty of what’s next. She speaks candidly about anticipatory grief, the way mortality shapes her daily life, and how her work in end-of-life photography and peer grief support informs her perspective on loss. read more...

Go to Episode

News & Events

Event 2025 Benefit

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.

Read More

Event

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.

Event

April 10th, 2025

Dougy Center Grief Education Webinar: Inclusivity, Intersectionality, and Grief

Grief is contextual — it is influenced and impacted by personal and social factors. Identity is multifaceted and this intersectionality can create complex encounters or paradoxical experiences for people when they are grieving. Join us in this webinar where we will explore inclusive practices to support people who are grieving and the multifaceted layers that can impact grief.

Photo hp 50 circle about the dougy center

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.

Find Out More

Sign Up for Our Newsletter & Updates