The Right Place When Nothing Feels Right

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

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.

Read More

Grief and COVID-19

When it might feel like most of the world has moved on from the pandemic, millions of youth need support as they navigate their lives without their person. If you or someone you know is grieving a death from COVID-19, these resources may help.

Read More

Become a Volunteer Facilitator

Dougy Center volunteer facilitators work directly with kids, teens, young adults, and their adult family members, and play a crucial role in ensuring access to our bereavement program.

Read More

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

Bovitz 16 BW

Dougy Center Saved Us by Offering a Life Raft When We Had No Bearings

“It was so helpful to be in a space designed especially for children, with people who understand grief and loss, even if you don’t necessarily know what that means for yourself yet. And to have time where I could lean into my own grief in a way that you can't as a parent because you have to be strong for your kids — that was also a gift. The volunteers at Dougy Center are lovely, beautiful spirits. The support for me was so amazing. Dougy Center definitely helped us find our sea legs during a time when we had no bearings.”

Read the Full Story

Grief Out Loud Podcast

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

Latest Episode
November 20th, 2024

Grieving While Parenting - Reshma Kearney

When Reshma Kearney's husband Sean died of suicide, her immediate concern was their three young children. She needed to figure out how to talk to them about his death - and his life - all while meeting their emotional and physical needs. Pretty quickly she realized her needs also had to be met so she could keep showing up for them. Reshma and her kids had an established mindfulness practice before Sean's death and those practices became integral for tending to their grief and finding ways to keep engaging with life. read more...

Go to Episode

News & Events

Event VPS square

January 27th, 2025

2025 Virtual Professional Seminar

Join Dougy Center’s knowledgeable staff for an opportunity to explore the fundamentals of grief education across the lifespan. While the majority of helping professionals do not have formal grief education, Dougy Center's Virtual Professional Seminar provides the tools and information to become grief informed. Learn with colleagues from around the United States and beyond who support, or plan to support, children and families who are grieving.

Read More

Article

November 20th, 2024

Holidays & Grief

The pressures around the holidays can be even more challenging after the death of a family member. Here are some tips to consider that may help as you navigate the challenges, as well as a Holiday Plan Worksheet downloadable flyer to help you work through these decisions together as a family.

Event

May 9th, 2025

28th Annual Porsche Boxster Raffle

Support families who are grieving by participating in the 28th Annual Dougy Center Porsche Boxster Raffle. The 2025 Porsche Boxster is valued at $74,900. Tickets are just $100 each and only 2,500 tickets will be sold.

Photo hp 50 circle about the dougy center

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.

Find Out More

Sign Up for Our Newsletter & Updates