At Gabby’s Grief Center, we understand that grief affects everyone differently—whether you're a child, teen, caregiver, or grieving adult. We offer a range of resources designed to support youth, their families, and our broader adult community through the emotional, social, and psychological challenges of loss. Our goal is to provide practical tools, compassionate guidance, and trusted information to help foster understanding and healing at every stage of the grief journey.
As a proud member of the National Alliance for Children’s Grief, Gabby’s Grief Center offers access to a wide variety of high-quality resources, including educational toolkits, recommended books, websites, and more. We are honored to have contributed to three national toolkits: Creating Space in a Funeral Home, Children and End-of-Life Memorials and Funerals, Best Practices for Facilitating Grief Support Groups for Grieving Children in Schools, and the upcoming Homicide Toolkit. These materials are available below and are intended to support both children and adults as they navigate life after loss.
Grieving children need support that meets them where they are. This section offers helpful toolkits, online resources, and age-appropriate guidance to help youth and teens understand and express their grief. Whether you are a caregiver, educator, or a grieving child yourself, you'll find compassionate support and practical tools here.
Los niños en duelo necesitan apoyo que se adapte a lo que están viviendo. Esta sección ofrece recursos útiles, herramientas en línea y orientación apropiada para su edad, para ayudar a niños y adolescentes a comprender y expresar su dolor. Ya seas un cuidador, educador o un niño en duelo, aquí encontrarás apoyo compasivo y herramientas prácticas.
Looking for more support? Explore trusted books, videos, websites, and community organizations that offer comfort and tools for navigating grief, together. These resources are here to help children and the adults who care for them feel informed, supported, and less alone.
National Alliance for Children’s Grief
Offers national resources, articles, and webinars.
The Dougy Center
A leading resource in grief support for children and families.
Winston’s Wish
Support for children up through the age of 25 after a death loss.
Kids Health
Offers information on children's mental and emotional health, including grief.
Sesame Street Workshop
Provides resources for young children experiencing loss or trauma.
Compassionate Friends
Support Groups, both Virtual and In-Person, searchable by location. Some locations include a sibling group for children under 12 during the regular group for everyone else.
Deaf Community Advocacy Network (DEAF C.A.N)
We offer outpatient services for Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing children, adolescents, and adults in Southeastern Michigan, as well as for individuals who are primary caregivers of someone in their household who is Deaf, Deaf-Blind, or Hard of Hearing. Clients will receive services from therapists fluent in American Sign Language (ASL).
Wayne Youth and Family Services
Free comprehensive services for youth 9-16 and their families: Educational Learning Lab with tutors, Youth Support Groups, Parent Support, Individual Case Management, Anger Management Groups, Behavioral Interventions, School-Based Truancy Prevention and Diversion, Girls Group, Diversion programs to keep youth out of the formal justice system, Assessments & Referrals
Winston’s Wish
Offers support for parents and children with educational developmental needs grieving after a death loss.
Boggs Center (Rutgers) – Grief & Loss for IDD
The Boggs Center prepares students through interdisciplinary programs, provides community training and technical assistance, conducts research, and disseminates information and educational materials.
Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network
DWIHN supports and serves individuals in Wayne County with serious mental illness, children with serious emotional disturbance, people with autism, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and those with substance use disorder. Mobile Crisis Units are available. LGBTQ+ Services for youth 10-21+. Children aged 14 and above can have up to 12 sessions or 3 months without requiring permission from their parents, provided the child requests it.
Pickles Group
Pickles Group’s mission is to provide free peer-to-peer support and resources for kids and teens impacted by their parent or guardian’s cancer.
Wonders & Worries
Delivers in-home and virtual support for children whose parent lives with serious illness (e.g., cancer, MS, Alzheimer’s). Offers age-appropriate services in English and Spanish via trained child life specialists
Inheritance of Hope- Legacy Retreats
Provides all-expense-paid retreats for families with a terminally ill parent. Supports children and their caregivers both before and after loss, emphasizing memory building and emotional preparation.
A Kid Again
Adventures are fun, accessible, stress-free outings for families raising a child with a life-threatening condition. They are held at destinations such as theme parks, sporting events, entertainment centers, and museums, and everything is provided: admission, food, and parking—chapters are available in several states, including Michigan.
Gilda's Club Detroit
Gilda's Club Detroit provides a social and emotional support program for men, women, teens, and children living with cancer in a nonresidential setting.
Grief doesn’t look the same for everyone, especially when it comes to who you’ve lost and how they died.
Whether the death was sudden, expected, traumatic, or after a long illness, each experience brings its own emotions and challenges. Losing a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or close friend can affect you in deeply personal ways. This section offers resources tailored to different types of loss, helping you feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.
Compassionate Friends
Offers support to families after a child dies.
Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support
Provides support following the death of a baby.
Sands
Offers diverse support opportunities and resources for those affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.
Anchors Perinatal Program
Through Arbor Hospice, The Anchors Perinatal Program provides emotional, social, and clinical support to expectant parents as they anticipate and prepare for the birth of their child while also grieving the anticipated loss of the child during pregnancy, childbirth, or shortly after. The program also assists parents with birth planning during this most difficult time.
March of Dimes
Will send resources to families directly impacted by perinatal losses due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, or neonatal death.
The Tears Foundation
Programs include: Pregnancy and Infant Loss, Angel of Hope Monuments, Emotional Support, Center for Child Loss, and Funeral Assistance.
Seleni Institue
While focused broadly on maternal mental health, Seleni offers grief and loss support groups and educational workshops for women who've experienced pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or child loss.
MISS Foundation
Offering global peer-to-peer support for families after the death of a child, infant, or sibling. They provide forums, 24/7 online support, local groups, and peer mentors through their C.A.R.E. (Counseling, Advocacy, Research, Education) center.
TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)
Focused on supporting those who have lost a military loved one, including children, TAPS provides peer support, national conferences, and resources through its Institute for Hope and Healing.
Grieving Dads Project
Focuses on men who have lost a child, but is widely read by men dealing with any profound grief. Offers raw, honest stories and community support.
Kinship Care Resource Center
The KCRC serves kinship care families across the state by providing information and referrals to resources and services for caregivers and the children they are raising. KCRC also offers support to professionals serving kinship families.
Hilarity for Charity
Support for caregivers of those with Alzheimer's.
Universal Dementia Caregivers
Educating caregivers, families, and communities supporting loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. As a trusted resource for caregivers, we strive to offer genuine benefits to those managing the social, spiritual, emotional, and practical needs of individuals affected by the disease, particularly in communities in need.
Michigan Cancer Support Network
Cancer exercise, non-emergency rides, expense assistance, caregiver counseling, and patient counseling.
DUET: Partners in Health and Aging
Offers free virtual caregiver support groups.
Modern Widows Club
Modern Widows Club® The Movement for Widow Care™ (MWC) is a women’s health organization that provides compassionate support to widows, empowering them to thrive as they move from grief to growth.
Men’s Grief Network
Sponsored by the National Widowers’ Organization. A resource hub specifically for men grieving a spouse or partner, offering information, videos, and links to support groups.
Soaring Spirits International – Widower Community
Provides online and in-person communities for widowed people, including groups and events specifically for widowers. Their "Widower’s Camp Widow®" is a national event designed for widowed men to connect, reflect, and heal.
The Good Men Project – Grief & Loss
While not a grief-specific site, it includes powerful essays and real-life stories from men navigating grief, fatherhood, and identity after loss.
Widowed Parents
Support for parents raising children while grieving the loss of a spouse.
Widowed & Young
A community dedicated to supporting young widows and widowers.
Widow Retreat
Joyful Again! Offers a weekend retreat for those widowed by those widowed.
National Widowers Organization
Provides in-person and online support group offerings for those widowed.
Facebook Group: “The Sounds of Siblings”
Private group on Facebook to support siblings.
Compassionate Friends for Siblings
Support group options for parents, grandparents, and siblings.
National Center for Traumatic Stress — Sibling Death Resource
A resource for parents and caregivers that details grief reactions specific to sibling loss, along with guidance and tips for supporting siblings after a death
Survivor Resources
Adult/Child survivors of Suicide, Homicide, Overdose, and Accidental Death.
National Center for Victims of Crime
Provides resources for crime victim support, including grief counseling referrals and homicide survivor information packets.
Six Feet Over
Envisions a world free of suicide loss – one where people from diverse backgrounds have access to the resources and tools they need to live peacefully and support their family and peers around issues of mental health.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
Provides education and resources for suicide prevention and support.
Yellow Ribbon
A suicide prevention organization dedicated to empowering individuals to seek support.
Homicide Survivors Inc.
Offers families of murder victims support, advocacy and assistance through workshops, in-person and virtual options.
Mothers of Murdered Offspring (MoMO)
A support network founded by mothers of crime victims, offering peer support, group meetings, and healing events for moms who’ve lost a child to homicide.
Parents of Murdered Children (POMC)
A national organization offering support, education, and advocacy for families and friends of homicide victims. • Local chapters across the U.S. • Court accompaniment, memorial events, and peer support • Open to all ages and relationships
Survivors of Homicide
Provides trauma-informed services for people affected by homicide, including individual support, legal advocacy, and survivor resources. • Offers phone and peer support • Hosts educational events and remembrance ceremonies
Grief Recovery after Substance Passing
Supports grievers after the death of a substance-related passing.
Partnership to End Addiction
Provides support for families affected by addiction and loss.
• Facebook Group- “After the Storm: Grief Support from Loss through Addiction
Copline - An Officer's Lifeline
Peer-Lead Crisis Hotline for Police Officers (active, previous, or retired) and their family members. Run entirely by Police Officers and their Family Members.
The Wounded Blue
For wounded and disabled Law Enforcement Officers (active or retired) and their families. Crisis Line, Peer Support, Assistance, Advocacy, Community Outreach & Education.
First Responders Bridge
Free 3-Day Retreats for First Responders and their Significant Other. Participants provide their own transportation. (Retreats are in Ohio)
Blue H.E.L.P.
Support for Families of First Responders who died by Suicide
NAMI Michigan Director
Mental Health Training for Police Officers
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
Support to those grieving the loss of a military loved one— Adults and Children (5-year-old Kindergarteners and up).
For many, faith can be a source of comfort, strength, and meaning during times of grief. Whether you're embracing your spiritual beliefs, questioning them, or seeking peace, this section provides faith-based resources to support you. We’ve gathered tools from various traditions to help you explore grief through a spiritual lens, at your own pace and in your own way.
Griefshare
Faith-based bereavement supports for all death loss types. Offers Surviving the Holidays and specific loss of spouse workshops.
Stephen’s Ministry
Provides resources covering care ministry, assertive relating, spiritual gifts discovery, grief support, spiritual growth, and more.
Jewish Family Services of Metro Detroit
While our primary focus is on meeting the needs of the metro Detroit Jewish community, we are honored to serve all who come through our doors.
Grief is deeply personal, and sometimes the support that helps most doesn’t fit into one category. This section features a variety of additional resources that may offer comfort, perspective, or practical guidance as you navigate life after loss. Whether you're looking for podcasts, books, articles, or general resources on grief, we invite you to explore and find what resonates with you.
The following websites provide a wealth of information, support networks, and interactive tools designed to help children and caregivers cope with loss:
NY Life Foundation
A dedicated online resource offering articles, expert tips, and personal stories for grieving individuals and those who serve them.
The Center for Loss & Life Transition
Offers education and support, both to grievers and bereavement caregivers.
What's Your Grief
An online community offering resources, articles, and support for those grieving.
Inspire
A health and wellness community offering peer support for grief.
Open to Hope
A platform where individuals share stories of loss and healing.
Refuge in Grief
Megan Devine: author, human, therapist... probably has the words you're looking for.
The United States Social Security Administration
The SSA assigns Social Security numbers, administers retirement, survivors, and disability insurance, as well as the Supplemental Security Income program.
State Bar of Michigan, Legal Resource
Contact information for legal aid, law-related organizations, community services, and dispute resolution programs that offer services in your area can be found using the search below.
Are you outside Gabby's Grief Center's Service Area and looking for grief support? Please see a list of trusted bereavement providers located around Michigan.
Grief Support for Children, Teens & Families in Michigan
Children’s Grief Center of the Great Lakes Bay Region
Locations: Midland, Saginaw, Bay City
Provides peer-based support groups for grieving children, teens, and their families. Programs include in-person support, education, and community outreach.
Ele’s Place
Locations: Ann Arbor, Lansing, & Grand Rapids
A healing center offering no-cost peer support groups for children and teens who have experienced the death of someone close. Family-centered programs and school-based grief services available.
Good Grief of Northwest Ohio
Locations: Toledo, OH (serving Southeast Michigan & Northwest Ohio)
Offers peer-based grief support groups for children, teens, and their families in a safe and welcoming environment. Services are free and available to families regardless of when or how the death occurred.
Lory’s Place
Locations: St. Joseph, Southwest Michigan
Peer support groups and community programs for children, teens, and families grieving a death. Hosts Camp Lifetimes for grieving children.
Michael’s Place
Locations: Traverse City (serving northern lower Michigan)
Grief support services for youth and families through peer groups, school programs, and personalized support.
SandCastles (Henry Ford Health)
Locations: Metro Detroit
Offers free grief support groups for children and teens ages 3–18. Includes Camp Erin Detroit, a weekend bereavement camp.
The JOeY Foundation
Location: Downriver, Metro-Detroit
The JOeY Foundation exists to support people navigating the pain of grief — especially those facing the devastating loss of a loved one.
Grief Support in Southeast Michigan (Adults & Families)
New Hope Center for Grief Support
Locations: Northville (serving Southeast Michigan)
Offers peer-led grief support groups for all types of loss, including spouse, parent, and child loss. Features men's groups, family programs, and workshops.
Arbor Hospice – Grief Support
Locations: Washtenaw County & surrounding areas
Free individual counseling, group support, and grief workshops for adults and families. Services offered both in-person and virtually.
Angela Hospice – Bereavement Services
Locations: Livonia
Provides grief counseling and specialized support groups, including those for men, spouses, and caregivers. Community-based and open to all.
Hospice of Michigan – Grief Journey Program
Locations: Statewide, including Southeast Michigan
Comprehensive grief support for individuals and families, with options for online or in-person participation. Support groups include those for widowers, parents, and general loss.
Gentiva- Palliative Care and Hospice Care
38 States, including Michigan
Compassionate Home Care — We Offer Emotional, Spiritual & Physical Support So You Can Make The Most Of Every Moment. Our Care Focuses on Pain and Symptom Management, Ensuring Your Loved One's Comfort.
Navigating grief is challenging at any age. Books can offer comfort, understanding, and tools for coping. Below is a curated list of books for different age groups, addressing various types of grief and loss.
Ages 3-6
"The Goodbye Book" by Todd Parr
A simple and heartfelt book about saying goodbye and the emotions that come with it.
"When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death" by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown
Explains death and the emotions it brings in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
"Ida, Always" by Caron Levis and Charles Santoso
A touching story about friendship, loss, and remembering loved ones.
"Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children" by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen
Explores the natural cycle of life and death with gentle illustrations and language.
"God Gave Us Heaven" by Lisa Tawn Bergren
A faith-based story that introduces the concept of heaven to young children.
Ages 7-12
"The Invisible String" by Patrice Karst
Offers reassurance that love connects us to those we care about, even when they’re not physically present.
"The Memory Box: A Book About Grief" by Joanna Rowland
Encourages children to create a memory box to honor and remember a loved one.
"Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss" by Pat Schwiebert and Chuck DeKlyen
A metaphorical story about processing grief that resonates with both children and adults.
"Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Paterson
A story of friendship and coping with the loss of a close friend.
"Heaven for Kids" by Randy Alcorn
A Christian book explaining heaven in a way that children can understand.
Ages 13-18
"The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green
Explores themes of love, loss, and resilience through the journey of teens facing terminal illness.
"You Are Not Alone: Teens Talk About Life After the Loss of a Parent" by Lynne B. Hughes
Real stories from teens about navigating the loss of a parent.
"The Thing About Jellyfish" by Ali Benjamin
A heartfelt novel about grief, friendship, and understanding loss.
"When a Friend Dies: A Book for Teens About Grieving & Healing" by Marilyn E. Gootman
Offers practical advice and reassurance for teens coping with the death of a peer.
"Can I Ask That? 2: More Hard Questions About God and Faith" by Jim Candy, Brad Griffin, and Kara Powell
A faith-based resource addressing tough questions about God and loss.
Young Adults
"It’s OK That You’re Not OK" by Megan Devine
A compassionate guide to navigating grief and finding support.
"We Are Okay" by Nina LaCour
A poignant novel about loss, loneliness, and rebuilding connections.
"A Monster Calls" by Patrick Ness
A moving story about a young boy coping with his mother’s terminal illness and the emotions it brings.
"Everything I Never Told You" by Celeste Ng
A deep exploration of family, loss, and the ripple effects of grief.
"Grieving the Loss of a Loved One: A Devotional of Comfort as You Mourn" by Kathe Wunnenberg
A devotional offering spiritual comfort for those grieving.
Adults
"Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy" by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
A mix of personal stories and research-backed advice for coping with loss.
"The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion
A memoir about the author’s experience with grief after losing her husband.
"Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief" by Joanne Cacciatore
A compassionate and practical guide for grieving individuals.
"Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations for Working Through Grief" by Martha Whitmore Hickman
Offers daily reflections and encouragement for those in mourning.
"Grieving Mindfully: A Compassionate and Spiritual Guide to Coping with Loss" by Sameet M. Kumar
Combines mindfulness practices with tools for healing and self-care.
"Jesus Wept: Trusting the God Who Mourns with You" by Barbara R. Duguid and Chad Van Dixhoorn
A Christian perspective on grief, offering comfort and hope.
These books can serve as valuable companions for those processing grief, providing comfort, understanding, and hope at every stage of life. Gabby's Grief Center offers a year-around book club to support social wellness and connection. Please inquire by calling 734-242-8773, emailing info@gabbysgriefcenter.org. or like and follow our facebook page for all the latest details.
If you have a book or music suggestion to help support others who are grieving, please click on the link below and join our community of grievers helping other grievers.
We collaborate with various community organizations to ensure that families have access to additional support, whether through school-based programs, grief camps, military families, first responder families or one-on-one counseling. Please contact our staff for more information on local services available in your area.
Because each person’s grief journey is different, we invite you to contact Gabby’s Grief Center staff with any questions you may have or to further explore the information provided. We are here to guide you through additional resources and to discuss the best way to support your child’s unique needs.
For more information or to reach out to our team, please contact us at:
Phone: 734-242-8773
Email: info@gabbysgriefcenter.org.