PORTLAND SERVICE SITE:

555 Forest Avenue
Portland, Maine 04101

SANFORD SERVICE SITE:

North Parish Congregational Church, UCC
893 Main Street
Sanford, ME 04073

PHONE FOR BOTH LOCATIONS:

(207) 775-5216

MAILING ADDRESS FOR BOTH LOCATIONS:

P.O. Box 1438
Portland, Maine 04104

HERES SOME WONDERFUL STORIES ABOUT THE CENTER'S GREAT WORK

Candi & Emily

In 2002, Emily's Dad died. Emily was only 6 months old at the time and a few years later started to ask questions and need support around his death. Emily and her Mom, Candi, decided to attend The Center in 2006 and they have been part of the group ever since.

What the Center Means to Me (by Candi)

The Center is a place of peace and warmth, where those of us who have experienced the loss of a loved one can go to get a respite from the daily demands of grief. It is a place of acceptance, caring, empathy, and understanding. It is one of the few places where there is no judgment, because everyone there can relate to your feelings. It has given me a renewed sense of hope, and helped me on my journey. Through the Center, I have been able to reflect back on where I once was, embrace that, and see that I have come a long way. It gives me a chance to give back to those who are in a place I once was; the chance to tell them that it's horrible right now, but it does get better, even though it never truly goes away. It is a place that has shown my daughter she is not alone; that there are other kids out there who have also lost their Daddy. It has helped her accept this part of her life, embrace it, and use it to encourage, to empathize and to teach others that the hell of grief can be survived. It is also a place that has provided countless opportunities for her, and for that I am grateful.

What the Center Means to Me (by Emily)

What the Center means to me is that it is something that I can relate to. It helps me to be myself and become stronger around other people. I can fit in now. The Center is the best place to be. It's life's way to care for what has happened during life.

Ryan Family

Erin & Korey Ryan have been attending The Center since their father, Kevin, died unexpectedly back in 2007. They have both made great friends at The Center and have been able to help other children through the grief journey. The following is a testimonial from their Mom, Kim.

After Kevin died The Center became the most important resource in my life .... I knew about the Center because I had heard people in the community talk about it and it had helped many families, but I was soon to find out just how amazing The Center really is!

Following Kevin's death, I found myself in completely unfamiliar territory – I had no idea what my kids needed. They were 8 and 11 – and their entire lives were turned upside down over night. It is not something you ever think you will experience, so you are truly flying blind. I knew I needed The Center's help. From the very first time I called The Center, the amazing staff and volunteers provided me with resources and guidance. They helped me be prepared for what my children were experiencing, they actually helped me anticipate their needs. They provided resources to their schools and their counselors making sure that everyone was working together to support my kids.

Within weeks we began to attend a weekly support group. On our way home from our first meeting, I asked the kids what they thought – both of them said "we are not different here Mommy – it feels good not to be different". They look forward to Thursday nights – although I can't actually tell you what goes on in their groups (my kids take the confidentiality rule VERY seriously) I can tell you that it has turned tears into smiles and laughter! One of the special rooms at The Center is called "the volcano room" ... it is a special place where the kids can physically express their feelings in a safe way. It is always my kids favorite part of the night!

The Center also helped us create some wonderful new traditions for the holidays that have helped us keep their Dad a part of our lives – and we can truly celebrate him and keep his love alive.

FIND MORE AMAZING STORIES BY CLICKING RIGHT HERE

FINAL MOMENTS FROM LAST YEAR