Grief and Bereavement Services

Bereavement coordinator

Our bereavement coordinator is here to answer your questions and support you throughout this difficult time. They can provide information about supportive services at Children's Colorado, community groups and professional counselors. Our coordinator can also help you find assistance in your hometown, whether in Colorado or out of state.

Please call 720-777-6978 for more information.

Eight-week grief support groups

Many parents find comfort knowing they are not alone in their grief. Parents may experience a sense of peace and healing when they connect with others who understand. Our eight-week grief support groups are held twice a year at Children's Colorado. In these groups, parents learn about the grief process and its impact on the "new normal" of their lives.

Ongoing support group

Making and continuing supportive relationships with other bereaved parents can be very healing. Our drop-in monthly support groups allow parents to discuss their grief, feelings and experiences. In these groups, families often build lifelong connections and find support and understanding with one another.

Special Children, Special Grief support group

"Special Children, Special Grief" is a support group for families who have lost a child with special needs. The group meets monthly at Children's Colorado, and parents can connect with others who know the sense of loss that comes with losing a child with special needs.

For more information, please contact Beth Bennett or Sarah McSwegin. You may also request to join the group's Facebook page or call 720-777-6869.

Annual Memorial

Each year at Children's Colorado, we remember children who have passed that year. Our Annual Memorial offers a time for you, your family and the staff of Children's Colorado to come together. We have music, special readings, an activity for siblings and a special gift for you in memory of your child. Typically, we offer the service on a weekend, which affords time for travel. It can be a meaningful time for your family and friends to share and remember your child.

Guiding Light Celebration

This evening is a chance to meet with other bereaved parents and support each other during the holidays. You can create a project to remember your child and hold space for them in your home during this time. Children are encouraged to participate.

Our collection of bereavement videos helps parents navigate grief after the loss of a child. These videos illustrate the different experiences of a mother, a father and a sibling.

We encourage parents and siblings to turn to these videos when they:

• Need a reminder that they're not alone
• Don't have the right words to say
• Want family, friends and loved ones to understand their grief

In the following videos, two bereaved parents share their stories of loss:

Bereavement videos

A Mother's Grief: Rachael's Hero

This video provides an intimate look at a mother’s grief with the hope that bereaved mothers can find solidarity in knowing that they’re not alone.

A Father's Grief: Choosing Compassion

This video shows how the loss of a son affects a father over time. A dad shares his experience of losing a child and the wisdom he gained that helped him manage his grief and anger.

• How to Talk to Children About Death by Age Group
• Information for Parents and Family Following the Death of a Child (.pdf)
• How to Help: Information for Friends and Family (.pdf)
• A Bereaved Parent's Wish List (.pdf)
• Getting Through the Holidays and Special Days (.pdf)

Adam’s Purpose
Promotes grief awareness, advocacy and support for bereaved mothers

Alive & Alone
Quarterly newsletter for parents whose only, or all, children have died

American Association of Suicidology
Information regarding suicide with links to further sites regarding depression
Phone: 202-237-2280

Center for Loss and Life Transition
Alan Wolfelt, Ph.D., Center Director, provides training for professionals and volunteers, including literature on grief/loss and an online library with articles on grief
Phone: 970-226-6050

Centering Corporation
Comprehensive site for literature on grief and difficult life situations, including helpful items for and about children
Phone: 866-218-0101

Compassionate Friends
National self-help group run by bereaved parents with many local chapters and various "chat" opportunities
Phone: 877-969-0010 (Colorado Chapter)

Crisis, Grief & Healing
Led by Tom Golden, LCSW, offers chats for men and women, articles regarding grief and links to many other related sites

Heartlight Center
Virtual and in-person programs that provide grief support and education. (Denver)
Phone: 720-748-9908

Judi’s House
Non-profit organization located in Aurora that provides free counseling, education and research for grieving children and families.
Phone: 720-941-0331

The Dougy Center for Grieving Children & Families
A national center for grieving children that offers information, education and support
Phone: 503-775-5683

Fernside
Ideas and activities to assist children and teens with grief
Phone: 513-745-0111

MISS Foundation (Mothers in Sympathy and Support)
Supportive information for parents who have experienced stillbirth, infant or toddler death

Open to Hope Foundation
Resources for many types of loss, including access to a weekly internet radio talk show, "Healing the Grieving Heart"

Parents of Murdered Children
For families and friends of those who have died by violence
Phone: 888-818-POMC

Richard Lambert Foundation
For families experiencing grief, provides individual therapy and support groups (Brighton)
Phone: 720-408-8417

Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support
Information and support regarding infant and neonatal loss with chat opportunities
Phone: 800-821-6819

Twinless Twins Support Group
Resources for families who have experienced the death of a twin
Phone: 888-205-8962