ABOUT US
Common Ground Grief Center was established in September of 2008 and is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which provides on-going bereavement support groups. It is governed by a Board of Directors. Common Ground Grief Center provides services for children, teens and young adults who have experienced the death of a parent, primary caregiver, sibling or friend.

Whether the death occurred through an illness, accident, suicide or murder, our ongoing peer support groups provide a safe and caring enviroment where individuals can begin the journey through their grief process.

Groups are based on a peer support model which is internationally recognized in the bereavement field. The use of art, games, play and talking are incorporated in groups to assist children in coping with their grief. Parent/Guardian groups are run in conjunction with childrens groups.

The internationally known Dougy Center for Grieving Children and Families of Portland, Oregon was selected as the model for Common Ground.

OUR PRINCIPLES
At Common Ground, we believe that every child and teen deserves the opportunity to grieve in a supportive and safe environment.
Our beliefs are that:

• Grief is a natural reaction to loss
• The duration and intensity of grief are unique for each individual
• Grief is a life-long process and gets re-visited at various stages in our lives
• A safe and supportive environment assists in the healing process
• Grief is not something to be "cured", "fixed", "taken away", or "recovered from". It is a normal response to loss.