For Allison Ritchie and her three young children, Dougy Center has been a lifeline of support, community, and resources during their darkest moments.
Allison’s husband James was an incredible friend, father, and husband who wanted to teach his kids to follow their dreams, work hard, and be proud of the work they do. In 2016, James and Allison, who was eight months pregnant, were preparing to welcome their third child, Emmett. James was one semester away from earning his degree in biomedical tech engineering.
On March 31, 2016, James was killed in a traffic accident when a truck pulled out in front of him without giving him enough time to stop. He was 37 years old. Emmett, Allison’s youngest, was born one month later.
“Dougy Center was recommended to me by every provider I encountered after James died — from the Trauma Intervention Program volunteers who came to my house that night, to my OBGYN, our pediatrician, and even many friends and family members,” Allison shared.
In the months following James’ death, Allison called and searched the Dougy Center website many times seeking advice and information to help her kids. Not long after, they began attending grief support groups. Allison is grateful, not only for the services Dougy Center provides, but for the resources she was able to access immediately.
Oliver loves the game room and says he usually wins at air hockey. Gus is drawn to the Sand Tray Room, where there are Star Wars toys are available for play.
Allison values the connections she has made through the adult support groups. “We have our share of really hard days, but I’m sure that without the other grieving parents that I connect with at Dougy Center, those hard days would be much more difficult, and much more common.”
““Dougy Center was recommended to me by every provider I encountered after James died — from the Trauma Intervention Program volunteers who came to my house that night, to my OBGYN, our pediatrician, and even many friends and family members.””
