The Right Place When Nothing Feels Right

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

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

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

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

022 A5705 web

Meet the Lucas Family

Brigitte Lucas began bringing her daughter, Braelynn, to Dougy Center’s “Littles” group twice a month after her husband, Ethan, died of COVID just a few days before Christmas in 2021. Dougy Center is one of the few places where Brigitte, Braelynn, and Blaykley can talk about Ethan and feel safe to express whatever they need. Like other young children who are grieving, Braelynn struggled after Ethan’s death as she tried to understand what happened. She was tearful sometimes, mad sometimes, and sometimes regressed to earlier developmental stages. Brigitte was amazed when these behaviors began to ease not long after they started a Dougy Center group.

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
September 19th, 2024

Is This Normal? Getting To Know Grief With Kendra Rinaldi

Kendra Rinaldi knows a lot about grief. When she was just 21, her sister died in a car accident. Ten years later she had a miscarriage. Ten years after that, her mother died of cancer. Professionally, she is a grief guide and host of the Grief, Gratitude, and the Gray In Between podcast. But she didn't always get grief. When she was 21, she didn't realize that everything she was thinking, feeling, and experiencing after her sister's death counted as grief. In the years since, Kendra's gotten to know her grief well and uses that knowledge to support others. read more...

Go to Episode

News & Events

Event Focus on Hope event

October 29th, 2024

Focus on Hope

Focus on Hope honors the shared experiences, hope, and healing found at Dougy Center. There are two ways to support Dougy Center through the Focus on Hope campaign. Join us for an inspiring luncheon on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, and be part of the Focus on Hope Online Challenge through the month of October.

Read More

Event

November 21st, 2024

FREE TO ATTEND: Too Young to Grieve? A Dougy Center Children's Grief Awareness Day Webinar

A common myth is that children may not be impacted like adults after a death. In fact, it's not uncommon to hear comments such as "They are too young to understand" when referring to children's experiences of loss. Join Dougy Center staff for this free webinar where we dispel myths and raise awareness about children's grief.

Event

October 3rd, 2024

Dougy Center Grief Education Webinar: Navigating Grief During the Holidays

The end of year holidays can be especially challenging for children, teens, and families who are grieving. In this webinar, we’ll explore various considerations during the holiday season for families who are grieving (e.g., expectations, pressures, rituals) and helpful ways to support families this holiday season.

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