News from Dougy Center, November 2026

November is Children's Grief Awareness Month

November is Children's Grief Awareness Month. We're coming together to shine a light on how grief impacts children and families — and what each of us can do to support them. You can make a difference by sharing Dougy Center's social media posts, checking out the resources below, and learning more about the movement to #UnderstandGrief.

Follow and share on social media

We're joining organizations around the country to "Flip the Script" on how to understand and support children and teens who are grieving. On our social media channels this month, we'll share critical statistics, provide tips, and hear from teens who are grieving about what's most helpful for them. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and share these important messages with others.

Tips for what to say when someone is grieving

No matter how familiar you are with grief, it’s still hard to know what to say when a death occurs. It’s human nature to fall back on the clichés and platitudes we’ve grown up hearing. If you’ve ever found yourself relying on automatic responses, you’re not alone.

This tip sheet offers practical examples of helpful (and not so helpful) things to say when someone you know is grieving.

Join Dougy Center for "The Child We Once Were, How lived experience shapes the way we support kids who are grieving." This virtual panel features professionals who experienced the death of someone significant during their own childhood. Panelists will reflect on what they needed from the adults around them, what was helpful, and what they wish had been different.

Through lived experience and professional insight, the conversation will explore how childhood grief shapes the way we support children and families who are grieving today. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how small, intentional actions can make a meaningful difference in a child’s grief journey.

November 19, 2026

10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., PDT

Free with registration

Registration closes at 10 a.m., PST, November 18, 2026

Learn more about Children's Grief Awareness Month here

Support during an advanced serious illness

Dougy Center's Pathways program marks 12 years

Twelve years ago, Dougy Center launched Pathways, our program for children, teens, and adults when a family member is living with an advanced serious illness.

Having a parent or sibling diagnosed with an advanced serious illness can affect everyone in the family. Children and teens, along with their adults, often feel confused, scared, and uncertain about what will happen and how their lives may change.

Pathways in-person program consists of a group for children, a group for teens, a group for adult caregivers, and a group for adults with an advanced serious illness. All participants are also invited to share dinner together. Groups are ongoing and families can join any time. Like all of Dougy Center's grief support programs, Pathways is provided at no cost to families.

While everyone’s experience is unique, participants tell us how helpful it is to be with people who are on a similar path. Through playing, talking, and listening, families often find understanding, connection, and community. Find more information about Pathways here, or contact Rebecca Hobbs-Lawrence, M.A., Dougy Center's Pathways Program & Grief Services Coordinator.

Thank you to Cambia Health Foundation for their generous support of Pathways!

Pathways Resources

Through Pathways, Dougy Center has also developed several resources for children, teens, young adults, and parents and adult caregivers.

Family Ties Through An Advanced Serious Illness is a toolkit that includes four resources for families. Through activities, games, and practical information, Family Ties can help strengthen relationships, spark meaningful conversations, create lasting memories, and have fun too! Now through November 30, receive 20% off Family Ties with code FAMILYTIES.

Dougy Center also has several free resources specifically for families living with an advanced serious illness in this Pathways online toolkit.

Grief support after a mass tragedy

When tragedies happen, Dougy Center provides in-person community support; free resources to children, families, and helping professionals directly affected by the tragedy; as well as tips for talking to children about tragic events.

Some resources inlude:

Dougy Center is committed to providing ongoing, helpful support to children, families, and communities. Visit our website for additional information and resources.

Take a tour of Dougy Center

You are invited to visit Dougy Center and see our playrooms and program space in person.

Contact development@dougy.org to schedule a tour.

Make a lasting impact for families who are grieving

Ensure that Dougy Center is here for children, teens, young adults and their families who are grieving for as long as support is needed.

Did you know...

You may be able to donate directly from your IRA if you’re 70½ or older
You may find tax benefits in donating appreciated securities
You can include Dougy Center as a beneficiary of your retirement plan or donor advised fund — usually by simply designating your wishes on a form

For more information on these and other ways to support Dougy Center, contact development@dougy.org or 503-828-0403.

Make a Donation

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