WHERE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ARE EMPOWERED TO MEANINGFULLY
ENGAGE WITH THEIR GRIEF

MISSION STATEMENT

The Kentucky Center for Grieving Children and Families supports children, youth, and families as they grieve and grow.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Grief is a natural response to loss. We provide safe and caring spaces where children and families can connect and discover their own path towards healing.

VOLUNTEER

Coded Blessings Morse Code "Always in My Heart" Bracelet Fundraiser

Artist Lindsey Kindt of Coded Blessings has graciously designed a unique sterling Morse Code bracelet exclusively for the KCGCF community. Each bracelet bears the message "Always In My Heart," serving as a reminder of the enduring connection with a special person. Donate and receive a bracelet here.

KENTUCKY'S NEED

Kentucky’s children need dramatically increased availability and access to child and family-specific grief support services. The numbers are telling:

1 in 9 Kentucky children experience the death of a parent, caregiver, or sibling by age 18 (national average is 1 in 12)
Kentucky ranks #7 in the nation for childhood bereavement rates
25% of Kentucky's bereaved children have lost a parent or caregiver to overdose/addiction death

Learn More

Emergency/Crisis Resources

The KCGCF is not an emergency mental health resource or crisis response service. If you or your child/teen is in need of immediate help, please contact one of these sources who can assist:

Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Kentucky calls will be answered 24/7 at a community mental health center

Dial 911 for Emergency Services

Kentucky Crisis Management Resources (click for contact information on local programs by region that can refer for mental health treatment)

OUR LATEST NEWS

Come Connect, Play, Create, Move, and Remember With Us This Fall!

Come join us for a series of free fall events at the Kenwick Center in Lexington! This series for ages 6-14 will include fun and hands on activities including art, movement, and sound as we remember those we have lost or who we miss. Click here to sign up!

New Online Grief Support Group for Young Adults Ages 18-30

The KCGCF is delighted to partner with Kate's Club in Atlanta, GA to offer young adults in Kentucky access to a free, high quality online grief support group. Click here to learn more and register.

Free Grief Support Groups for Children and Teens!

The KCGCF offers free grief support groups for children ages 4-18 (and their caregivers) who have had a death loss. Groups meet 1st and 3rd Thursday nights from 6:15-7:30 at Tates Creek Christian Church in Lexington (3150 Tates Creek Road). Family Fun nights will also be offered for families registered for groups. Join us to begin your family's healing journey in a safe and supportive environment. Contact us to sign up for the groups.

Online Teen Grief Group: Register Today for Fall Session

Peer Healing is a teen-led grief support group for teens 13-18 that meets for one hour once a week for 8 weeks. KCGCF is now taking registrations for a fall group. Games, conversation, and connection will help teens who have experienced a death loss find a healing space and skills that will help them as they navigate their new normal. Learn more about our free Peer Healing groups here.

KCGCF Featured on KET's Connections with Renee Shaw

We're so grateful to KET and Renee Shaw for spotlighting the issue of children's grief. See the Connections segment here.

CONNECT WITH US