1. Making a Difference In Memory
Volunteer “The Center for Grieving
Children is dedicated to
Our Volunteers are Mary Hemmens Higgins,
our most valuable who died May 2, 1986; to
resource. The her daughter, Erin, and
activities and to childhood and children
contributions of over everywhere.”
125 volunteers each
week support families Bill Hemmens, Founder,
at a difficult and lonely 1945-1998
time.
There are many volunteer opportunities at the Center:
Contact Info
Peer Support Group Facilitator*
Office Support
Events and other fund-raising activities
Committee Members
Board of Directors
*All volunteers interested in group facilitation
receive a comprehensive 30 hour training to
prepare them to lead the groups.
Provide Resources The Center for Grieving Children
555 Forest Avenue
Although many of our services are free, the cost to Portland, ME 04101
run our programs is not. We count on donations of
time, talent, resources, and financial support from (207) 775-5216
individuals, corporations, United Way and foundations. www.cgcmaine.org
You can help by: cgc@cgcmaine.org
Making a contribution
Making a donation in honor or memory
of a loved one
Naming The Center in your will
“The Center has been a
Supporting our special events wonderful experience. It is just
Sharing information about The Center with
others
magical what happens here.”
Proudly supported by:
To make a donation to The Center please call (207)
775-5216 or visit our website: www.cgcmaine.org.

2. Our Mission Peer Support Groups Other Services
The Center for Grieving Children’s mission Serve children and teens (ages 3-18) and their Confidential Phone Support
is to provide loving support to grieving parents or primary caregivers and young adults
children, their families and the community (ages 19-30) Educational Materials - articles, books, resources
through peer support, outreach and and handouts
education. Group activities include age appropriate sharing,
artwork, creative play and games Referrals for families, educators, professionals
Meet weekly Family & Community Support about grief and
loss and how to help children with death and
Our Philosophy Are Free of charge dying
Led by trained volunteers School and Community Outreach:
Education, crisis response, and training for schools,
agencies, workplace, camps and the community on
how to support children and teens experiencing loss.
The Multicultural Peer Support Program:
In collaboration with local
schools, The Center offers
this unique after school
peer support experience
Bereavement Peer Support: For children, teens and
to children from war torn
their families (also young adults) grieving the death of
countries.
someone close to them.
The Peer Support Model is the foundation of our
Tender Living Care: For children, teens, and their families
programs and is grounded in the following principles:
(also young adults) who are coping with a serious illness
of a family member from the point of diagnosis.
Training
Grief is the natural response to change, loss and
death for children as well as adults.
Bereaved Parents Group: For all parents who are
grieving the death of a child. Fall Institute: Training for people who want to bring
peer support to their organization or community.
Each Person has the ability to discover his or her
Young Widows and Widowers Group: For people who
unique path through the grief process.
have experienced the death of spouse or partner. Spring Institute: Workshops on grief and loss, of
interest to families and professionals
Caring, acceptance and honoring the safe
expression of feelings assist in the healing process Custom Designed Trainings: The Center staff
and create connections. will design trainings for you at your site or ours
- Trainings are available to the community including
schools, religious organizations, civic groups, students,
We honor the diverse cultural and spiritual beliefs professionals, hospice, camps and other grieving
of all who come to The Center. centers.