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

Resources for Teens and Students With New Loss

Thank you to everyone who supported us during the Good Giving Challenge. You are champions for these children! Please consider making a donation to keep our work going and growing.

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 #6 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

Healing With Horses is Back!

Our fall program with the wonderful folks of the Kentucky Horse Park Education Department was such a success, we're bringing the program back for three spring Sunday afternoon dates (March 30, April 6, and May 18). The experience with the horses is a great way for families to connect, try something new, and to gain confidence as they bond with our equine friends. This free program is limited to 15 families per session, so encourage folks to sign up soon. The March 30 session is full, but spots are available for the April and May dates.

April 6 Horse Park program flyer English .jpg

KCGCF Wins AKA Award

The KCGCF The KCGCF was so honored to receive the Outstanding Organization Award from the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Beta Gamma Omega Chapter as part of the Coretta Scott King Spirit of Ivy Awards in the spring of 2025.