What We Do
Support in a Safe Place
Our support is offered at no cost and is available to those who need it for as long as they need it. Dougy Center serves over 2,500 kids, teens, young adults, and adult caregivers who are grieving each year in the Portland metro area. We train over 10,000 people each year and there are over 500 Dougy-trained programs worldwide.
Find grief support programs near you
Locate peer grief support groups in Portland and around the world.
Our Thought Leadership
Dougy Center is an internationally recognized authority on childhood grief and bereavement. Since its inception, each member of Team Dougy has helped to shape the narrative of grief as a normal and natural response to loss while providing grief-informed services to children and families who are grieving.
Community Response & Support
Dougy Center staff respond when communities coping with tragic loss contact us for help. Together we develop a compassionate and effective plan to address the short and long-term needs of the community. Services are offered for schools, youth-service organizations, and the larger community when they are grieving a death or multiple deaths.
Consulting Services
Dougy Center offers consulting services to those providing peer grief support. Get advice and guidance from a member of Team Dougy about starting a peer grief support program, grief education, program delivery, and more.
Dougy Center Impact
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November 12th, 2024
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.”
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December 9th, 2025
The need for grief support among children, teens, and young adults is on the rise
The death of a family member is one of the most disruptive experiences in a child’s life, and without appropriate support, can lead to adverse long-term health and wellness outcomes. But there is good news! Recent studies show that youth who participate in support groups based on The Dougy Center Model have increased feelings of hopefulness, self-worth, and social support; and perceived problems felt better and more bearable.
Article
August 1st, 2025
TEDx: Grief is to Feel, Not Fix
Dougy Center's Executive Director Brennan Wood was a featured speaker for TEDx Portland 13, where she shared her personal experiences and insights on grief.
Browse Our Bookstore
Find books, tip sheets, activities, videos, and more to support children and families who are grieving at our bookstore.