Tips for Acknowledging Father's Day

Father’s Day can spark a multitude of emotions, especially when you’re in the midst of grief. If you’re concerned about the approach of Father’s Day, or want to support someone who is grieving, here are some suggestions to consider:

1. Remember the lead up can often be the hardest part. Be sure to build in time and activities that are comforting and supportive for at least a week before the holiday.

2. Come up with a plan, even if that plan is to do nothing. If you choose to acknowledge the day, consider doing something that connects you with the person and what they meant to you. 

3. Let children know that it’s okay to want to celebrate and equally okay to not want to. Don’t force a child to pick another adult to honor, unless it’s something they want to do.

4. Be prepared for other people. There will be friends and family who reach out and those who don’t. Consider letting people know ahead of time what kinds of messages and texts feel supportive.

5. Social media will likely be a flurry of posts all about the day, including memories of past years. Consider taking a social media break or choose ahead of time what you want to post. 

6. Volunteer. Doing something for others can often take us out of our own experience and create a sense of contribution, belonging, and connection. You might pick an organization or cause that was important to your person.

In the end, how you approach Father’s Day is as unique as grief and your relationship with the person who died. Let yourself be creative in figuring out what works and allow yourself to change your mind at the last minute.

For more tips, download our Mother’s Day & Father’s Day Tip Sheet here.

Donate a Dinner to the Pathways Program

The Dougy Center Pathways program is for for children, teens, and families living with an advanced serious illness. Through Pathways, participants are able to be with families in similar circumstances, and have a safe and caring place to express their emotions and thoughts.

At the end of each Pathways group, families share a meal together at The Dougy Center, generously donated by community groups, individuals, and corporate volunteers. Pathways meets every other Monday night and meals are served at 5:30 p.m.

If your group would like to donate a meal, please sign up here or call The Dougy Center at 503.775.5683 for more information.

Due to many participants having compromised immune systems, we politely request that meals are prepared in a restaurant or commercial kitchen.

New Book Focuses on the Youngest Grievers

As part of a multi-year partnership, The Dougy Center and KinderCare Education recently published a new book, The Youngest Grievers: A Guide for Loss & Life Transitions.

When a loss happens, whether through the death of a family member, divorce, military deployment, or other reason, young children can feel the effects deeply. The support of a compassionate and informed adult can help these kids thrive, even in the midst of significant changes in their family and lives.

The Youngest Grievers provides simple, accessible information and tools to thoughtfully and meaningfully care for grieving children. It focuses primarily on infants through preschoolers, and also offers self-care tips for their adult caregivers.

The Dougy Center Announces Summer Institute Scholarship Winners

In partnership with the New York Life Foundation, The Dougy Center is pleased to provide annual scholarships for the International Summer Institute held at The Dougy Center’s Portland location. Each year, we will award four applicants with a scholarship for free tuition, equal to $1,300.

The 2019 scholarship recipients are…
Viki Brown, a physical education teacher with Bremen Public Schools in Bremen, IN
Lena Freed, a children’s psychotherapist at Washington County Mental Health Services in Burlington, VT
Kathleen Bohannon, a bereavement coordinator/psychosocial program manager at BAYADA Hospice in Wyomissing, PA
Kathleen Shine-O’Brien, a licensed mental health counselor in Sandwich, MA

International Summer Institute participants will join The Dougy Center’s knowledgeable staff for an opportunity to discover the fundamentals of developing and operating peer support groups for grieving children, teens, and families.

Click here for more information about the 2019 International Summer Institute.