Bereaved Families of Ontario - Durham Region

Bereaved Families of Ontario - Durham Region (BFO Durham) is a Canadian nonprofit organization providing grief support services to families who have experienced the death of a child within the Durham Region of Ontario. Established over 25 years ago, the organization offers a variety of programs aimed at helping bereaved parents, young adults, and teens cope with their loss, reduce feelings of isolation, and adapt to everyday life following bereavement[1][2].

Mission and Services

BFO Durham’s mission centers on facilitating self-help and mutual aid support services tailored specifically for families affected by the death of a child. The organization provides free access to support programs, including one-on-one assistance, telephone helplines, facilitator training, bereavement care packages, and a lending library of grief-related resources[2][4]. These services enable individuals to share experiences, receive emotional support, and learn coping strategies within a community of understanding peers.

Programs and Activities

The organization offers structured support groups and individual support to accommodate different needs and preferences among bereaved family members. Programs are designed to address the complex emotions tied to grieving a child’s death and to foster resilience and healing over time. BFO Durham also publishes a quarterly electronic newsletter to keep members informed and engaged[1][2].

Community Engagement and Fundraising

BFO Durham engages in community partnerships to enhance its fundraising efforts and expand its outreach. Notably, it collaborates with eco-friendly product company Tru Earth, whereby a portion of sales made through a dedicated link is donated to support BFO Durham’s programs. This initiative helps raise funds while promoting environmentally conscious consumer choices among supporters[1].

Governance and Accessibility

The organization operates as a registered charity under the business registration number 861619880RR0001. It maintains office hours Monday to Thursday and provides services free of charge to eligible families, with eligibility focusing on those who have lost a child[2]. The organization’s office is located in Oshawa, Ontario, and it operates under the leadership of an executive director, overseeing its volunteer and professional staff.

Affiliations

BFO Durham is part of a network of Bereaved Families of Ontario affiliates, serving different regions across the province, each committed to offering specialized grief support services to local communities[3].

This article reflects the organization's role as a vital community resource providing compassionate support to families in grief within Durham Region, contributing to the wider network of bereavement services in Ontario.