The Right Place When Nothing Feels Right

At Dougy Center, you will find support, resources, and connection before and after a death.

Grief and COVID-19

Millions of grandparents, parents, siblings, aunties, uncles, friends, co-workers, and extended family members have died of COVID-19 worldwide. Each person leaves behind family and friends, including children and teens, who are grieving. If you or someone you know is grieving a death from COVID-19, these resources may help

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Talking with kids and teens about school shootings and other mass tragedies

We know that school shootings and other mass tragedies affect so many more people than just those who are directly impacted. If you or someone you know needs ideas for talking to children about this or other tragic events, find Dougy Center resources through the link below.

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In the Portland Metro Area? Consider becoming a Dougy Center Volunteer Facilitator

One in 17 kids in the Portland area will experience the death of a parent or sibling before they turn 18. Dougy Center's in-person and virtual peer grief support groups are growing to fill an increased need, and Dougy Center volunteer facilitators play a crucial role in ensuring continued access to our bereavement program.

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Find Grief Support Near You

Locate peer grief support groups in Portland and around the world.

What We Do

At Dougy Center, we create safe spaces and free resources for children and families who are grieving. Our pioneering peer grief support model, professional training, and world-renowned programs and advocacy bring hope and healing around the world.

Training & Community Response

Our Services

The Impact of Dougy Center

Read stories about the positive impact of Dougy Center on children and families who are grieving

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Meet the Lucas Family

Brigitte Lucas began bringing her daughter, Braelynn, to Dougy Center’s “Littles” group twice a month after her husband, Ethan, died of COVID just a few days before Christmas in 2021. Dougy Center is one of the few places where Brigitte, Braelynn, and Blaykley can talk about Ethan and feel safe to express whatever they need. Like other young children who are grieving, Braelynn struggled after Ethan’s death as she tried to understand what happened. She was tearful sometimes, mad sometimes, and sometimes regressed to earlier developmental stages. Brigitte was amazed when these behaviors began to ease not long after they started a Dougy Center group.

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Grief Out Loud Podcast

Grief Out Loud is our internationally acclaimed podcast where we talk openly about death, dying, and grief

Latest Episode
March 16th, 2023

Finding The Words - Colin Campbell

Colin Campbell is a lot of things - writer, husband, friend - but the role he identifies with most is being a father. So, when his two teenage children, Ruby & Hart, were killed by a drunk driver in 2019, Colin was lost and terrified. Who was he without his kids? How would he survive the intensity of grief? Soon after their deaths, well-meaning friends and family would say, "There are no words," but for Colin, this phrase wasn't comforting. It left him feeling more alone because what he really needed were words. Words so he could talk about Ruby & Hart. Words to help articulate his pain. And words from others who shared what they remembered and missed about his children. Colin's book, Finding the Words: Working Through Profound Loss With Hope and Purpose, outlines the words and actions that helped him stay close to Ruby & Hart while learning to live in a world without them. read more...

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News & Events

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May 12th, 2023

26th Annual Porsche Boxster Raffle

Support families who are grieving by participating in the 26th Annual Dougy Center Porsche Boxster Raffle. This 2023 Porsche Boxster is valued at $69,970. Tickets are just $100 each and only 2,500 tickets will be sold. The winning ticket will be drawn on May 12, 2023 at the Dougy Center's Reflection Benefit & Auction. In addition, ticket holders will have the opportunity to win three $500 drawings. Drawings for the $500 cash prizes will be held at 2 p.m. on February 10, 2023, March 10, 2023, and April 10, 2022. Good luck and thank you for supporting Dougy Center!

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Event

April 6th, 2023

Dougy Center Grief Education Webinar: Grief as a Mental Disorder, The Movement to Pathologize Grief

Labeling people who are grieving with “mental disorders” like Prolonged Grief Disorder, Complicated Grief, or Dysfunctional Grief has its proponents and critics. In this webinar we’ll take a brief but critical look at the movement and evidence for pathologizing grief, some of the implications of doing so, and why this matters.

Event

May 12th, 2023

2023 Reflection Benefit & Auction

Join us for Reflection presented by KinderCare Learning Companies, on Friday, May 12, 2023, at the Portland Art Museum and online. This fabulous evening of connection will feature original works of art made by Dougy Center participants and an amazing auction.

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About Dougy Center

Dougy Center was founded in 1982 to support children and families who are grieving before and after a death. Today, The Dougy Center Model is world-renowned and has helped 55,000 people find hope and healing.

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