BEAVERTON, Ore. (KPTV) - For 12-year-old Abby Larsen, Dougy Center helps her feel less alone.
“We got connected because in 2024, my dad passed away and then shortly after my great aunt passed away,” she said, “and we’ve stayed with Dougy Center because a few months ago my grandma passed away.”
On Wednesday, the nonprofit gave FOX 12 a first look at its new Beaverton grief center under construction, which will help more kids like Abby through their grief.
Dougy Center, which proves a safe place for children who are experiencing loss, is based in Southeast Portland and supports families across the state.
“We bring kids together based on their age and who died and often, even how they died to create community and connection, reduce isolation,” executive director Brennan Wood said.
Wood, who started on staff 22 years ago, received support from Dougy Center as a child after her mother died.
She said the new center will reduce the waitlist, which left more than 300 children waiting for support after losing a parent or sibling last fall.
“When you lead a nonprofit, there are certain things that weigh on you, and kids waiting for our services is the biggest thing that weighs on me,” she said. “So being able to open a location that will double our square footage and give us the opportunity to double the amount of kids and families we’re serving is so important to me both personally and professionally.”
Wood said they have been dreaming of a west side location for decades. Currently, they offer support to Beaverton families through a partnership with a local church.
The community raised $13 million for the new westside location and improvements at the SE Portland headquarters. The center, named Malcolm’s House in honor of a lead gift from the Estate of Dr. Malcolm Marquis, is located at 15985 NW Schendel Ave.
They hope to open the doors early next year, Wood said.
The 14,000-square-foot building will include grief-informed program spaces built around Dougy Center’s “signature music, art, and ‘big energy’ rooms that are designed to help children safely express and process grief,” according to the nonprofit. The building will also feature indoor and outdoor play areas as well as a 1,500-square-foot community/training room.
Spaces for healing Abby’s mom, Andrea, said should be within reach for every family.
“You’re in a hard circumstance if you need to go to Dougy Center,” she said, “but then to be put on a waitlist or say you only have these options … having this west side location will be removing barriers and creating access for kids who are really hurting.”
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