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
December 19th, 2024
It's Okay That It's Not The Same - Grief At The Holidays
[This episode originally aired December, 2023] This time of year can be grueling for anyone, but particularly for those who are grieving. So, each year we put out an episode to help you feel less alone and hopefully more equipped to traverse the next few weeks. Today's guest, Melissa Peede Thompson, M.S., is a Grief Services Coordinator at Dougy Center. While she has lots of professional knowledge in this realm, we asked her to talk about her personal experience of grieving during the holidays. Melissa was six when her sister died of gun violence. She was 13 when her father died in a motorcycle accident. And she was a young adult when her grandparents died. Each loss shaped - and continues to shape - how Melissa and her family approach this time of year. read more...
Go to EpisodeNews & Events
January 27th, 2025
2025 Virtual Professional Seminar
Join Dougy Center’s knowledgeable staff for an opportunity to explore the fundamentals of grief education across the lifespan. While the majority of helping professionals do not have formal grief education, Dougy Center's Virtual Professional Seminar provides the tools and information to become grief informed. Learn with colleagues from around the United States and beyond who support, or plan to support, children and families who are grieving.
Read MoreArticle
November 20th, 2024
Holidays & Grief
The pressures around the holidays can be even more challenging after the death of a family member. Here are some tips to consider that may help as you navigate the challenges, as well as a Holiday Plan Worksheet downloadable flyer to help you work through these decisions together as a family.
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.
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.