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The main office:
1139 East Luzerne Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124
215-744-4025.
Formerly on the campus of St. Christopher's Hospital for Children
Satellite:
Rodin Place, 2000 Hamilton Street, Suite 304
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
related to the grief of children and teens |
We
are supported by donations from corporations, individuals, and families as well as by the following
foundations:
| Drexel
University College of Medicine |
| Capmark Foundation |
| Fourjay Foundation |
| Elsie Lee Garthwaite Memorial Foundation |
| Julianna Doherty Fund |
| Patricia Kind Family Foundation |
| Philadelphia Foundation |
| Robert Wood Johnson Foundation |
| Seybert Institution |
| St. Christopher’s Foundation for Children |
van Ameringen Foundation
Henrietta Wurtz Memorial Fund |
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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, we are a training and resource center for professionals
and others who interact with grieving children and teens.
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.
Meet Our Staff
 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 |
|
Beth Jellinek, M.Phil.Ed., M.S.Ed.
Staff Therapist / Program Coordinator
Beth brings a combination of clinical training and teaching experience to her role as Program Coordinator/Staff Therapist for The Center for Grieving Children, Teens and Families. As a former elementary school teacher, she saw first-hand the impact of loss on her students’ personal, social and academic lives. Beth shifted career paths, returned to her psychology roots and earned an M.S.Ed and M.Phil.Ed. in Professional Counseling. Much of her research during her studies focused on bereavement and loss in children, young adults, and families. Beth is dedicated to the philosophy of The Center for Grieving Children, Teens and Families and believes strongly in the potential for healing & growth through the peer support model.
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Beth Jellinek, M.Phil.Ed., M.S.Ed. |
| Eileen Glass
Outreach Coordinator
As the Community Outreach Coordinator for The Center for Grieving Children, Teens and Families, Eileen Glass acts as a liaison between school personnel and our counseling staff. Eileen is a licensed social worker who has devoted her entire career to working with families who have suffered traumatic losses. Additionally, her years spent as an elementary school teacher have shown her how important the school environment is in identifying and helping children deal with grief.
Eileen is available to make short presentations to school counselors, nurses, and/or teachers so that they can better understand how The Center can help the children in their schools deal with grief and loss. |
Eileen Glass |
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