Jeff's Place Children's Bereavement

Overview

Jeff's Place Children's Bereavement is a nonprofit organization located in Framingham, Massachusetts, dedicated to providing grief support services to children, teens, families, and individuals. Founded in 2010 by Jenny Kaplan, the organization is named in memory of her brother, who tragically died in a drowning accident just before his 18th birthday.

Services

Jeff's Place offers a variety of support services to help individuals cope with the loss of a loved one. These include in-person and virtual support groups tailored for different age groups and types of loss, such as a substance use loss group and a sibling/child loss group. Additional offerings include after-school groups and specialized support for young adults and grandparents.

One of the organization's significant contributions is its approach to addressing the unique challenges faced by children who have lost family members to substance use. The Substance Use Loss Group provides a supportive environment where participants can share their experiences and grief through discussions, creative activities, and rituals. This program aims to counter stigma associated with substance-related deaths by offering a space for open and honest communication.

Mission and Impact

The mission of Jeff's Place is to create a supportive community that fosters connection, reduces isolation, and encourages candid discussions about grief. By providing these services, the organization helps families and individuals navigate the complex and often overwhelming process of grieving.

Jeff's Place also engages in broader community outreach through professional development workshops and research initiatives. It is involved in a national research study using the IYAL (Incredible Years Assessment and Learning) outcome measure, which helps providers of grief support demonstrate the impact of their services.

Community Recognition

Jeff's Place has received positive feedback from both volunteers and participants, who praise the organization for its warm and welcoming environment. Local schools have also recognized the critical role it plays in supporting grieving students by offering free services.

The organization's work is crucial in helping communities deal with loss, especially in cases where traditional support systems may be insufficient or unavailable. By offering specialized services and a supportive community, Jeff's Place continues to make a difference in the lives of those affected by grief.