The Right Place When Nothing Feels Right
At Dougy Center, you will find support, resources, and connection before and after a death.
Grief Resources & Toolkits
Whether you’re grieving, or you’re helping someone who is grieving, Dougy Center is here for you. Find tip sheets, activities, podcasts, and more through our personalized toolkits.
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.
The Impact of Dougy Center
Read stories about the positive impact of Dougy Center on children and families who are grieving
A light for families who are grieving
Leslie Harter-Berg brought her two boys, Wit (now 9) and Rory (now 7), to Dougy Center’s Littles group after their husband and father, Ryan, died suddenly in 2019 of an aneurysm and stroke. Talking about a death with young children who are grieving can be difficult. Leslie values the practical things she and the boys learned at Dougy Center, and they continue to bring Ryan up in conversation.“Dougy Center is such a beautiful safe place to walk through dark things.”
Read the Full StoryGrief Out Loud Podcast
Grief Out Loud® is our internationally acclaimed podcast where we talk openly about death, dying, and grief
Latest Episode
July 11th, 2025
Grieving The Death Of A Child - Susie and Nick Shaw’s Story
When Susie and Nick Shaw’s nine-year-old son William died in a skiing accident, their world shifted permanently. In the six years since that day, they've found ways to carry their grief and stay connected to William while continuing to honor the boy who inspired so much good in their lives and in their community. In this deeply moving conversation, Susie and Nick reflect on William’s life—his empathy, his humor, and the motto he created for himself the year before he died: “Be Yourself.” A simple but powerful phrase that inspired their nonprofit, William’s Be Yourself Challenge. Whether you’re a parent or a caregiver who's grieving, a supporter of one, or someone walking alongside a family coping with heartbreaking grief, this conversation highlights the power of honesty, connection, and intentional grief work. Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of child death, trauma, and detailed descriptions of the day William died. read more...
Go to EpisodeNews & Events
November 20th, 2025
FREE TO ATTEND Dougy Center Grief Education Webinar: Grief in the Teenage Years, What We Miss & What They Need
Teens navigating grief often respond with phrases like, "I'm fine" or "It's no big deal," leaving adults uncertain whether to inquire further. Yet, beneath the surface, many teens carry the weight of their loss in silence. In this webinar, Dougy Center staff will explore the unique ways teens experience and express grief, dispel common myths, and offer strategies for creating safe spaces where they feel seen, heard, and supported. This webinar is on Children's Grief Awareness Day and is free to attend with pre-registration.
Read MoreArticle
April 8th, 2025
Get Grief-Informed for Youth in Foster Care
Make a commitment to better serve youth in foster care who are grieving. Learn what it means to be grief-informed, and how to take action to make meaningful change in a youth's life. Visit Dougy Center's new webpage for free resources and information specifically created for youth in foster care, and for caring professionals who support them.
Article
June 12th, 2024
Summertime and Grief: Tips for Parents & Caregivers
Summer is a season of mixed emotions for many families in grief. The end of school and after-school activities can be a relief for some, especially if they struggled with having enough energy and concentration for class and homework. Others will miss the structure and social time that school and sports provide. Here are some tips to support children and teens who are grieving this summer.
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 60,000 people find hope and healing.