Seasons Centre for Grieving Children
The Seasons Centre for Grieving Children is a Canadian charitable organization (registration number 898498142RR0001) established in 1995 to provide peer-to-peer grief support for children, youth, and families coping with the death or life-threatening illness of an immediate family member. Headquartered in Barrie, Ontario, the centre serves Simcoe County and surrounding regions, offering structured programs in a home-like environment to foster emotional resilience and healthy grieving practices.

Mission and Programs

The organization’s mission centers on ensuring no child grieves alone by providing age-appropriate support through group sessions that encourage emotional expression and peer connection. Programs are tailored for children (5–12 years), teens (13–18), young adults (19–24), and parents or caregivers, with a focus on skill-building and communal healing. Sessions incorporate play, art, and discussion to help participants process grief while reducing feelings of isolation[1][2][4].

Approach

Seasons Centre emphasizes a non-judgmental, child-directed model, prioritizing safety and peer solidarity. Participants engage in activities designed to articulate emotions, explore coping strategies, and rebuild a sense of stability after loss. The organization reports that many participants describe feeling understood and less alone after attending group sessions[2][4].

Funding and Impact

Operating without government funding, the centre relies on donations, corporate sponsorships, grants, and fundraising initiatives such as the annual Tender Hearts Gala and community events like the Honda Fun Run. Testimonials highlight long-term positive outcomes, including improved emotional resilience and family cohesion[1][2][5]. Since its inception, the organization has supported thousands of families, adapting its programs to evolving community needs while maintaining a focus on peer-based, grief-informed care[2][3].