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.

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.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Please consider making a donation to keep our work going and growing.

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VOLUNTEER

Resources for Teens and Students With New Loss

A number of Kentucky schools have experienced student deaths in recent weeks. Teens can access resources through our website, and this info sheet for grief in teenagers can be helpful. School staff and professionals can always contact us for more specific resources, trainings, and parent/caregiver educational materials.

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 #8 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

Resource Highlight: Memory Story Cards

Memory Story Cards provide youth the opportunity to learn about their person by asking questions & hearing stories shared by grown-ups who knew the person who died well. This can be especially meaningful when the youth was young when the person died and/or they could benefit from support in developing secondary memories cultivated by reminiscing with stories & pictures. Access the free, full activity here.

Purchase Your Tickets Now for "When Grief Strikes"

Join us for the third annual KCGCF "When Grief Strikes" bowling event at Southland Lanes in Lexington on Sunday, September 20, 1:00-4:00 pm. It's a fun and relaxed afternoon of bowling and pizza, hands-on activities for little ones, and a chance for KCGCF program families and supporters to connect, have fun, and make new memories.

Please also consider purchasing a "Sponsor A Family" ticket, which will allow us to include families we serve at no charge.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 20, 1:00-4:00 pm. Purchase tickets or sponsor a program family here!