Peer Grief Support Groups for Children, Teens, and Families
At Journey of Hope, we know that grief can feel overwhelming and isolating. You don’t have to go through this alone. Our free peer grief support groups give children, teens, and their families a safe, compassionate place to share and find hope together.
We welcome families who have experienced the death of a loved one, no matter how long ago it happened and the circumstances.
What to Expect at Group Nights
Shared Meal
All families begin the evening with dinner together at 6:30 PM. The meals are provided
by our community partners. We want the meal to be one less thing your family worries about on a group night!
Schedule
Groups meet twice a month during the school year and once a month in the summer. Families can attend for as long as they find it helpful.
Peer Grief Groups
After dinner, children and teens attend a
group based on their grade level and their parents/caregivers attend a group based on the relationship with the person who died. Groups meet from 7pm-8:15pm.
Locations
Groups meet on Wednesday in Frisco and Thursday in Plano. The exact location is provided during the intake process.
Connection and Support
Each group has activities and discussions designed just for that age group and loss type. We use crafts, games, books, movie clips, and discussions. We also offer childcare at both locations for children under 4 years old.
What Happens In Each Group?
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Children (Preschool–5th grade):
Kids use art, play, and storytelling to talk about their person, share feelings, and build healthy coping skills.
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Teens (6th–12th grade):
Teens connect with peers through open conversations, creative projects, and activities that explore grief, identity, and life changes.
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Adults (Caregivers):
Caregivers share experiences, talk about parenting through grief, and learn tools to care for themselves and their children.
How to join Journey of Hope
Contact us by phone 903-751-5255, email kerri@wccplano.org or through the form on our website.
Schedule a virtual intake appointment with a Journey of Hope staff member. This is required for all family members before joining.
Complete online paperwork to provide more information about your family.
During your intake we will:
Get to know your family and the person who died.
Share details about group nights (dates, times, locations, what to expect).
Answer any questions you have.
Once intake is complete, you’re ready to start groups! Families may attend for as long as they find it supportive.
All groups are free to families, thanks to generous community support.
FAQs
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A peer group is a safe place to talk about your loss with others who understand. It’s not therapy! It’s sharing, listening, activities, and connection. Groups are guided by trained facilitators and supported by our staff.
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Each group is led by trained volunteers. Many have personal experience with loss or work with children and families. Every facilitator is background-checked and trained in grief, trauma-informed care, and our group curriculum. Licensed staff are always present for support.
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There’s no “right time” to start. Some families come weeks after a loss, others wait months or years. If you’re wondering if you’re ready, schedule an intake and we’ll talk it through together.
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Nothing. Groups are always free.
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As long as you’d like. Some families come for a short season, others for years. You decide what’s best for your family.
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Our main program is for families with children and teens. We also offer a young adult group (ages 18–25) for individuals. If you fall outside these options, we’ll connect you with other trusted resources in North Texas.
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If you’re not local, we can help connect you with other grief centers. You can also search the national directories at www.dougy.org or www.nacg.org.
You Are Not Alone
Grief is hard and we’re here to walk alongside you and your family. Journey of Hope is a place where you and your family can remember, share, and find hope together.
Common Concerns Before Joining
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That’s okay. Children and teens are never forced to share. Every group reviews the “I Pass” rule at the start of session. Some like to talk, others prefer to listen or join in through play, art, or activities. Being present in the group is healing in itself.
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Tears are welcome here. Grief brings big feelings, and this is a safe place to let them out. Crying, laughing, anger, sitting quietly, and more are all part of the process.
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No one is required to speak. Sharing is always an invitation, never an expectation. Many participants find comfort simply by being in the room with others who understand.
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It’s very common for kids and teens to feel unsure at first. We encourage families to try at least three group nights before deciding. Often, once kids meet peers who truly “get it,” they feel more comfortable and want to come back.
It’s also normal to feel nervous about joining a support group for the first time! Families are often surprised to learn that groups aren’t always about sitting in a circle talking and crying. Instead, children and teens are active, through games, art, projects, and conversations, because kids process grief best when they can move, create, and express in different ways.
Our trained facilitators also make sure the conversations flow naturally between remembering their person, talking about feelings, and sharing everyday life. This balance helps kids feel safe, supported, and connected.
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Every story matters. Families join us after many kinds of deaths, sudden, expected, accident, illness, suicide, homicide, and more. All are honored here.
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You are still welcome. Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and support can help at any point in life.
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That’s okay too. You can reach out anytime for an intake, and we’ll help you decide if now feels right and provide other community resources.