The Compassionate Friends/USA

The Compassionate Friends/USA We are not a religion based organization.

The Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope, and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister, or a grandchild, and helps others better assist the grieving family. The Compassionate Friends is the world's largest self-help bereavement organization, providing support to bereaved parents, siblings, grandparents, and close family me

mbers who are going through the natural grieving process following the death of a child of any age (from pre-birth to adult) from any cause. Part of our mission is also to provide ...(more) information to help others be supportive and we welcome those to this site who are quietly trying to learn how to be supportive.

This presentation provides an in-depth overview of disenfranchised grief—grief that is not openly acknowledged, socially...
09/06/2026

This presentation provides an in-depth overview of disenfranchised grief—grief that is not openly acknowledged, socially sanctioned, or publicly mourned. It examines the contexts, causes, and complications of disenfranchised grief, focusing on its impact among the diverse populations served by The Compassionate Friends. The webinar emphasizes practical strategies for self-help and mutual support. Register to attend this webinar on Monday, October 12 at 4:00 pm ET https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e39XZX0CTK2Uojelc7dGww

Presented by Dr. Kenneth Doka - Dr. Kenneth J. Doka is a Professor Emeritus at the Graduate School of The College of New Rochelle and Senior Vice-President for Grief Programs for the Hospice Foundation of America. He is one of the authors of the text, Dying & Death: Life & Living. A prolific author, Dr. Doka’s other books include Disenfranchised Grief: New Directions, Challenges, and Strategies for Practice and Disenfranchised Grief: . In addition to these books, he has published over 100 articles and book chapters. Dr. Doka is editor of both Omega: The Journal of Death and Dying and Journeys: A Newsletter to Help in Bereavement. He has an ongoing blog for Psychology Today entitled Good Mourning.

Sometimes the best way to help someone who is grieving is to help them find people who understand.The Compassionate Frie...
09/05/2026

Sometimes the best way to help someone who is grieving is to help them find people who understand.

The Compassionate Friends provides opportunities for bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents to connect with others who have experienced the death of a child, sibling, or grandchild.

Through local chapters, online support, and private Facebook groups, grieving family members can find a place to talk, listen, share, and simply be understood.

If you know someone who is grieving the death of a child, grandchild, or sibling, help them find a place where they don't have to walk alone.

Find support at The Compassionate Friends.

When a child dies, people often want to help but may struggle with knowing what to say or do. Sometimes, even the most w...
09/04/2026

When a child dies, people often want to help but may struggle with knowing what to say or do. Sometimes, even the most well-intended words can leave a grieving parent feeling unseen or misunderstood. Based upon her grief experience, as well as supporting grieving mothers, Sharon will explore what it means to truly be a safe place for a grieving parent. Topics addressed in this webinar will include: compassionate listening, meaningful presence, remembering their child, and allowing grief to be expressed without judgment or the pressure to “move on.” Participants will leave better equipped to walk alongside grieving parents with greater compassion, understanding, and care. Register to attend this webinar on Friday, September 25th at 12:00 pm ET, https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jOgQNIsOQfi8P1loHkcyVg.

Presented by Sharon Leonard who is is the founder and president of Grief’s Light Outreach, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting mothers after the loss of a child. Following the death of her daughter, Ciara, Sharon turned her personal journey through grief into a mission of compassion, support, and hope for other grieving mothers. She is the author of "Ciara’s Light: Facing Tragedy with Forgiveness" and leads Circle of Light, a faith-centered support gathering for bereaved mothers. Through her writing, speaking, and outreach, Sharon encourages grieving families while helping others better understand how to walk alongside them with compassion.

If you know someone grieving the death of a child, grandchild, or sibling ...Sometimes the greatest gift we can give som...
09/03/2026

If you know someone grieving the death of a child, grandchild, or sibling ...

Sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone who is grieving is simply this, "I'm here."

In her article, "It's Not Wallowing: The Truth About Grieving a Child," bereaved parent Melissa Caffrey shares her persp...
09/02/2026

In her article, "It's Not Wallowing: The Truth About Grieving a Child," bereaved parent Melissa Caffrey shares her perspective after the death of her son, Colten.

Have you ever had someone ask why you are still grieving?

Visit The Compassionate Friends Blog to read the full article: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/blog/its-not-wallowing/

Today on International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember the children, siblings, and grandchildren whose lives were lo...
08/31/2026

Today on International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember the children, siblings, and grandchildren whose lives were lost to substance-related causes.

Behind every loss is a family learning how to live with an unimaginable absence. Grief after a substance-related death can bring unique challenges-questions, stigma, anger, guilt, confusion, and feelings that can be difficult to share with others.

You don't have to navigate that grief alone.

The Compassionate Friends offers a compassionate judgment-free community for families grieving the death of a child, sibling, or grandchild.

Join our Loss to Substance Related Causes or Sibling Loss to Substance Related Causes private Facebook groups.

August 30th is both National Grief Awareness Day and International Bereaved Father's Day - an opportunity to recognize g...
08/30/2026

August 30th is both National Grief Awareness Day and International Bereaved Father's Day - an opportunity to recognize grief in all its forms and to remember fathers who are grieving the death of their child.

A grieving father may not always talk about his grief.

He may return to work.
He may take care of everyone else.
He may find it difficult to put his feelings into words.
He may laugh, smile, and carry on while missing his child every day.

None of these things mean he isn't grieving.

Today, we honor bereaved fathers and recognize that there is no single way to grieve.

If you know a bereaved father, reach out. Say his child's name. Listen to his story. Let him know you remember - and that he doesn't have to carry his grief alone.

The Compassionate Friends is here for bereaved families, including fathers, whenever they need support and understanding.

Have you registered for our Virtual Fall Retreat being held on October 24, 2026? This special gathering will include wor...
08/29/2026

Have you registered for our Virtual Fall Retreat being held on October 24, 2026? This special gathering will include workshop presentations on a variety of grief topics that have a Q&A opportunity at the end of each plus three keynote sessions. Whether you are newly bereaved or a more seasoned griever, a range of workshops will be offered on grief, loss, coping, and healing and will focus on support for bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents. We invite you to join us for an informative, caring, and supportive day from the comfort of your own home.
There is no registration fee to participate in our Virtual Fall Retreat. We want everyone in the TCF community to have the opportunity to gather, reflect, and find comfort, regardless of their ability to give.
If you are able, we invite you to make a donation to help support this retreat and the ongoing work of The Compassionate Friends. Suggested giving levels of $25, $50, $100 or $250, but a gift of any amount is deeply appreciated. Every contribution helps us continue creating meaningful opportunities for bereaved families to find connection, understanding, and support.
For more information and to register, visit: https://cvent.me/8AVd35

Do you have a will? August is National Make-a-Will Month - a great reminder that creating a will is important for everyo...
08/26/2026

Do you have a will?

August is National Make-a-Will Month - a great reminder that creating a will is important for everyone, no matter the size of your estate.

A will helps make sure your wishes are known and can give your loved ones greater clarity and peace of mind. And remember: a will isn't "set it and forget it." Live changes, and your will should too. Major life events are a good time to review and update it.

A will can also be a meaningful way to support the people and causes that matter most to you, including The Compassionate Friends. By including TCF in your estate plans, you can help ensure that grieving families continue to have access to hope, comfort and support for generations to come.

Nearly 7 in 10 U.S. adults don't have a will. Make this National Make-a-Will Month the month you take that important first step.

Your Legacy. Our Future.

Learn more at compassionatefriends.org/legacy.

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