The Garden A Center for Grieving Children and Teens

08/07/2026

The Garden is here for families coping with the death of a loved one. Our trained staff and volunteers create a warm, supportive environment where children and teens can share their stories and learn healthy ways to cope. Learn more about what our program offers - https://www.cooleydickinson.org/programs-services/vna-hospice/the-garden/

08/05/2026

At The Garden, we honor those stories by providing a space where they can be heard, held, and supported, through connection, creativity, and compassionate community.

For caregivers looking to better understand how to support grieving children, the National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) Family Portal offers trusted, practical guidance. It includes tools on talking with kids about death, supporting them at school, navigating holidays, and caring for yourself while you support your child.

Visit NACG's portal to learn more - https://nacg.org/family-portal/

Together, we can help families feel seen, supported, and never alone in their grief journey. 💚

Note from NACG to the Visitor The death of a family member, friend, or other significant person is a lifelong loss for children. It can be challenging to parents and caregivers to know what to do for, what to say to and how to help children who are obviously hurting. These resources were created to

08/03/2026

As children and teens return to school, those who are grieving a death often face unique emotional challenges. On behalf of the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement (NCSCB) , we’re grateful to share their new Social Media Toolkit and Guidance Document - Back to School: Remember That Transitions Can Be Tough for Grieving Students.

These resources help schools, educators, and caregivers recognize what grieving students may be carrying with them into the classroom — and offer practical ways to support them with compassion and understanding.

The toolkits include:
-Background on why school transitions can be especially difficult for grieving students
-Ready‑to‑use graphics and captions (including editable Canva links)
-Sample messaging for educators, administrators, and student support staff
-Downloadable guidance documents and social media assets

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At The Garden, we know how important it is for grieving children and teens to feel seen, supported, and understood — at home, in our groups, and in their classrooms. We’re grateful for partners like NCSCB who help strengthen that circle of care.

07/31/2026

Do you have a heart for supporting children and families? The Garden is always looking for volunteers to help facilitate groups, assist with activities, and provide a compassionate presence. Training is provided, and your kindness can make a lasting impact.
Consider volunteering today!https://www.cooleydickinson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/15-16-Volunteer-Application-TheGarden.pdf

07/24/2026

At The Garden, children and teens explore their feelings through art, play, storytelling, and movement.

These creative outlets help young people express what words sometimes can’t, giving them safe, supportive ways to understand their grief and connect with others who “get it.”

If you’re looking for additional information on how grief affects children and teens, the National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) offers trusted, research‑based resources for families and caregivers:
https://www.childrengrieve.org/resources

Together, we can support young people as they navigate loss with compassion, creativity, and community. 💚

07/22/2026

The Garden provides a safe, nurturing space where grieving children, teens, and their families can find connection, understanding, and hope. Through peer support groups, creative activities, and compassionate guidance, we help young people navigate loss in healthy, meaningful ways. Learn more about our mission:

The Garden is a free program of Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice for affected youth in the Pioneer Valley who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

07/17/2026

Grief doesn’t take a break in the summer, and support matters in every season.

We’re sharing this helpful resource from The Children’s Room highlighting summer programs for grieving children and teens. Even though it is July, many are still offering camps or programs.

https://childrensroom.org/resources/summer-programs/

Because connection, understanding, and support can make all the difference. 💚

07/13/2026

Supporting teens through grief can feel challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. 💚

This helpful article from What’s Your Grief offers practical guidance on how to support a teenager coping with loss as no one experiences grief the same.

https://whatsyourgrief.com/helping-a-teenager-deal-with-grief-2/

At The Garden, we’re here to help families and caregivers support grieving youth with understanding and compassion.

Helping a teenager deal with grief can be a daunting task. There are a number of things one should take into consideration when supporting a teen.

07/08/2026

Supporting a grieving child or teen starts with understanding what they need. 💚

Judi’s House offers a helpful collection of caregiving resources to guide adults in supporting young people through loss.
Explore their caregiving skills resources here: https://judishouse.org/resources/caregiving-skills/

Together, we can help children feel seen, heard, and supported in their grief.

Caregiving skills to help you establish your own style in supporting a grieving child.

07/06/2026

Looking for ways to support a grieving child or teen? The Highmark Caring Place offers a helpful virtual training series designed for caregivers, educators, and community members.

Learn more about “Caring for Grieving Children and Adolescents”:
https://www.highmarkcaringplace.com/cp2/events/webinars.shtml

Together, we can create more compassionate spaces for youth experiencing loss. 💚