Compassionate Friends, Inc.

Compassionate Friends, Inc., also known as The Compassionate Friends (TCF), is a national non-profit organization in the United States that provides support to families who have experienced the death of a child. This mutual assistance, self-help organization is dedicated to assisting in the positive resolution of grief following such a loss, supporting the efforts of families or individuals to achieve physical and emotional health.

History

The organization was established in the U.S. after the publication of a story in Time Magazine in 1971, titled "Therapeutic Friendship," which detailed the experience of a mother whose daughter had died from cancer. The U.S. chapter of The Compassionate Friends developed from this momentum, inspired by similar initiatives in the UK.

Mission and Activities

TCF offers various support services to bereaved family members, including parents, siblings, and grandparents. It operates through a network of over 500 chapters across all 50 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The organization provides a range of resources, including support groups, online forums, and a pen pal program for children who have lost siblings. TCF also maintains a resource department with extensive materials such as books, brochures, and fact sheets to help families navigate grief.

Governance and Operations

Compassionate Friends, Inc. is governed by a board of directors that ensures effective leadership and management practices. The organization's financial operations are managed to support its mission, with all donations used to assist families in their grief journey. Additionally, The Compassionate Friends Foundation supports the ongoing activities of TCF by soliciting gifts and building an endowment fund.

Impact and Global Reach

While Compassionate Friends, Inc. is a U.S.-based organization, the concept of The Compassionate Friends has expanded globally, with sister organizations established in several countries including the UK, Canada, Australia, and others. This global network provides a unified approach to supporting bereaved families across different cultures and regions.

See Also

• The Compassionate Friends (UK)
• Grief Support Organizations
• Bereavement Services

References

References for this article are not listed due to specific formatting instructions. However, further information can be accessed through general resources on non-profit organizations and bereavement support services.