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Adult Grief Support Group

Joel’s Place for Children offers a support group for the caregivers of the children who attend our grief support sessions. This facilitated adult group meets numerous needs of its members as they share in a caring environment their own grief as well as that of their children.

The group members experience the healing aspect of being with each other; with compassion they understand the gravity of their loss and the value of participating together in the process of moving through such profound grief. They walk a deeply meaningful path as they move forward with their lives that must now incorporate their loss. The adult sessions are held at the same time as the children’s sessions.

Sessions take place from 7:00 – 8:15 pm. For more information on group sessions, support groups, or to register,
please email info@joelsplaceforchildren.org or call us at 440-248-4412.

The adult grief support group is facilitated by
Olivia Schwartz
She has led the group since 2009.
She has been a volunteer with Joel’s Place since 2007.

Learn more about Olivia

"We're surrounded by other families
who understand what we're going through."

- One of our parents

"The people are incredible. The activities
really help my son open up."

- One of our parents

Learn More About Children Grief Support Group

Contact us!

Olivia Schwartz

Olivia was working on a second graduate degree in Clinical Counseling at John Carroll University when the cofounders of Joel’s Place for Children, Kathy Stellato and Mary Willhite, came to her class to speak about the bereavement work that takes place at Joel’s Place for Children. Olivia immediately knew she wanted to be a part of this remarkable organization, trained to be a facilitator, and officially began working with its children’s groups in 2007. A few years later, an adult group was created for the caregivers of the children in attendance and Olivia became the official facilitator for this group of adults.

Olivia passionately continues to facilitate this group at the same time the children meet in their groups. She experiences the privilege of her role each time she meets with her adult group as she witnesses the loving connection made among the group’s members, the profound grief work that takes place, and the remarkable support members offer each other on their grief journey. 

Her favorite aspect of being the facilitator is knowing that the healing work that takes place profoundly impacts the lives of the group’s grieving members.  

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Save The Date for our 20th Anniversary Celebration Saturday October 7, 2023 1-4pm at Forest City Brewery!

Celebrate 20 Years of Grief Support!

Joel's Place for Children celebrates 20 years of grief support this year! Come join us for an afternoon fundraiser featuring delicious Italian food catered by Bucci's Rocky River and highlights from our two decades serving grieving families in Northeast Ohio. Tickets are available to purchase online or by mail. If you would like to purchase tickets by mail to avoid online fees, please email info@joelsplaceforchildren.org to let us know, and send your check to PO Box 180 Avon Ohio 44011.

Joel's Place for Children provides grief support for school-aged children and their families who have experienced the death of someone special. Our programs are always free to the families we serve.

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