A Center For Grieving Children, Teens and their Families.

Any individual, corporation, foundation or community organization that invests financially in supporting Common Ground Grief Center is in essence, directly supporting the emotional well-being (both present and future) of every grieving child and teenager that we serve. Children, teens and their family members walk through our doors “broken-hearted.” I know this because I sit across from each and every one of them for an initial orientation before they begin one of our support groups. What I see happen months (or more often, years) later, is a transformation of and adjustment to a “new normal” that is sprinkled with hope. What we give families is love, compassionate listening, a sense of community, and a place where they can be with others who truly “get it” in a non-judgmental safe place. This, is the cornerstone of healing. We are also investing in the emotional health of the children and teens so they can grow into well-adjusted adults. We know that the death of a parent is a monumental adverse childhood experience and that if emotions are left unattended, they can lead to depression, anxiety, behavioral issues and substance use issues into adulthood. So what we provide at Common Ground, in addition to the aforementioned, is the hope of preventing these issues.

All this cannot be accomplished without the financial support of the very community who literally helps to keep our doors open. You see, we have no means of income other than those who believe in and invest in our mission. Those who invest in the mission are investing in the training of new volunteers (we are a mostly volunteer-led organization), art supplies to help children express their big emotions, special projects that assist with helping kids and teens never forget the memory of their person,  and the leadership it takes to run such an organization.