100% of proceeds go to The Center for Grieving Children this month
A long time ago, the Royal River was an important part of life here in our neck of the woods, powering mills and allowing a community to grow and flourish. Nowadays, we see what the river helped to create. We believe that ordinary people can come together to make a big difference, too, in helping to create a community that continues that growth.
Our “Ripple to River” program highlights important organizations in our community that could use your help.
Even a small, individual act of kindness can “ripple out” into something significant for kids that are facing challenges nobody ever wants to face. One person’s donation, no matter how small, can combine with others to bring comfort and positive change to a family facing unimaginable challenges after their child has been diagnosed with a critical illness. Ripple to River highlights Maine-based organizations that focus on supporting these children.
The Center for Grieving Children
The Center for Grieving Children is a nonprofit organization that provides a safe space, loving peer support, outreach, and education to grieving children, teens, families and the community. With locations in Portland and Sanford, and online, they provide completely free-of-charge services for children, teens, young adults, and their family members throughout southern Maine.
Tender Living Care
Helping families cope with serious illness
At the Center, they know that from the point of diagnosis, a life-impacting illness affects everyone in the family. The Center’s Tender Living Care Program provides Peer Support Groups for children ages 3-18, with separate groups for the adult with the illness and the adult caregiver, and young adults age 19-30. Group members find TLC is a safe place where common issues and feelings can be explored. For adult participants, in addition to social and emotional support, TLC can also assist in finding sensitive ways to communicate with your children about the challenges and loss that come with a diagnosis of serious illness.
Bereavement Program
Support & resources when someone close dies
Expressing feelings in a safe place is part of the healing process after a death. At the Center, children, teens, young adults, and adults benefit from a supportive environment where they can be with others who have experienced similar losses. The Center’s Bereavement program provides peer support groups for children ages 3-18 and their parents and caregivers; young adults ages 19-30; and bereaved parents and young widowers/partners.
Intercultural Program
Creating healing communities for our youth
Since 1997, the Center’s Intercultural Peer Support Program has collaborated with Portland Public Schools and others to serve children, teens, and their families who have resettled locally from countries experiencing war, persecution, and natural disaster. Children’s Peer Support Groups are held at the Center, area schools, or other organizations. Intercultural Peer Support promotes healing from grief and contributes to school success by increasing children’s coping skills, building positive peer relationships, improving self-confidence and supporting the acquisition of English language skills.
Outreach and Training
Education and response for schools and community
When the school and community is impacted by the death or serious illness of a student or staff member, The Center for Grieving Children is available for school visits, phone support, or on-site visits. The Center staff can offer support and resources to staff, talk with and answer questions from students, and help provide the resources needed to help the school and its community grieve in a healthy way.
Phone & Email Support
One-on-one support for those in need
Have a question? Just call ! They are here during regular business hours to answer your questions and offer you support. Their highly-qualified staff take thousands of calls each year from people wondering “How should I tell my child about a death in the family?” or “How do I help my students after the death of their classmates?” or “How do my children and I join one of your groups?” If you have a question or concern, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Volunteer with the Center for Grieving Children!
Interested in getting involved with the Center for Grieving Children?
Want to learn more about facilitating in their Bereavement, Tender Living Care and Intercultural peer support grief groups or learn about other ways you can give back? Be a part of the next interactive virtual volunteer info-session!
Visit the Center’s website to learn more about their programs, and email [email protected] to save your spot in the next session! All are welcome to attend to learn more, even if you are unsure that you can commit to volunteering in the immediate future.
