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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.”

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Grief Out Loud Podcast

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

Latest Episode
March 7th, 2025

What Now? Carla Fernandez & Renegade Grief

In this episode of Grief Out Loud, we welcome back Carla Fernandez, co-founder of The Dinner Party, to talk about her new book, Renegade Grief, in which she explores the question: "Now what? What are we supposed to do after someone dies?" Carla reflects on the death of her father, the unconventional paths she’s taken to process her grief, and how The Dinner Party came together from a desire to create non-traditional spaces for young adults navigating loss. In this conversation we delve into the dominant narratives around grief — and how the few that do exist may not fit for most of us. From potluck meals to altar building, Carla shares creative ways people can honor their grief and build community at the same time. read more...

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News & Events

Event 2025 Porsche Boxster

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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