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The Center has moved its main site and office from St. Christopher's Hospital for Children to
1139 East Luzerne Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124
215-744-4025.
Find The Help
The Center for Grieving Children, Teens and Families, is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit
organization.
We
offer these services to families in two locations...
(Main Office and Site): 1139 East Luzerne Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124
(Satellite): Rodin Place, 2000 Hamilton Street, Suite 304: |
• | Grief
support groups for children, ages 6 - 18, who have experienced the death of someone
close | • | Educational
programs for families | • | Support
and referral |
| We
offer these services to professionals: | • |
Conferences on grief and loss | • | Workshops
for professionals and volunteers who work with children in schools, social service
agencies, community groups, hospitals and religious congregations | • | Consultation
on crisis intervention related to the grief of children and teens |
We
are supported by donations from individuals and families as well as by the following
foundations:
| Drexel
University College of Medicine |
| Fourjay Foundation |
| Elsie Lee Garthwaite Memorial Foundation |
| Julianna Doherty Fund |
| Junior League of Philadelphia |
| Patricia Kind Family Foundation |
| Philadelphia Foundation |
| Robert Wood Johnson Foundation | | Seybert Institution | | St. Christopher’s Foundation for Children |
| Tenet Healthcare Foundation | | van Ameringen Foundation Inc. | | | | | | |
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Children and Teens Grieve Too...
Children
and teens may face many significant losses as they grow. When someone close to
them dies, it can be traumatic and have a serious impact on their growth and development.
Often their pain is not recognized by others, making them the "forgotten
grievers." In the midst of their own confusion and pain when a death
occurs, adults may be uncertain about how to give the care and support children
need. Some children and teens may develop unhealthy patterns of expressing their
grief, and may experience physical complications, depression, anti-social behavior,
failure in school, or involvement with the judicial system.
About the Center
The Center for Grieving Children,
Teens and Families is a safe and caring place where young people and their families
who are grieving a death can find help to grow through the healing process. Our
work is based on a deep respect for the individual's experience of grief, the
healing potential of peer group support, and the value of adult mentoring. In
addition, our mission includes serving as a training and resource center for professionals
and others who interact with grieving children and teens.
Meet Our Directors
 Rob
Sheesley. M.Div., CT, Executive Director of The Center for Grieving Children,
Teen and Families. Rob brings over 25 years experience working with grieving children and adults, and in consulting with and training professionals. Prior to co-founding the Center, he served for 18 years as Director of Pastoral Care at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. His early training was in pastoral psychotherapy with individuals, couples and families. He has extensive experience in working with critically ill and dying children and their families, and in facilitating peer support groups with both grieving children and adults. He holds certification as a grief counselor and educator from the Association for Death Education and Counseling. | Rob
Sheesley. M.Div., CT |
Judy Daniels, Director of Operations and Special Projects. Judy
has extensive marketing and fundraising experience. She manages the daily operations
and donor relations and orchestrates special fundraising events, public relations,
and related projects. | Judy
Daniels |
 Rebecca Thut Witmer, LCSW. Rebecca brings both direct service experience and administrative skills. She served in dual roles at the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia as a Child and Family Therapist and Director of Counseling Services. She also provided child, adult and family counseling for family members of homicide victims and for children who have endured other traumas, including witnessing domestic violence and other violence in their community.
Rebecca earned her Master of Social Work at Temple University School of Social Administration. She has a Bachelors of Social Work and Bachelor of Fine Arts from Goshen College. She is especially skilled in enlisting therapeutic approaches such as art and play therapy in her work and brings expertise in working with children coping with murder and related trauma. |
Rebecca Thut Witmer, LCSW |
Our
Philosophy
Our work at The Center for Grieving Children, Teens and Families
is based on the following beliefs:
Grief is a natural response to death for
people of any age, including young children. If you are old enough to love, you
are old enough to grieve. A significant death has an impact on both the
inner and outer worlds of the child or teen. The expression, duration, and intensity
of grief will be unique for each individual. Children can grow through grief
when given care and support. Peers can be a valuable part of that process. Adults
can help the healing process by listening to and supporting the many feelings,
thoughts, and meanings, which are part of the loss experience.
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