Providing Grief Support Services to Children and Families since 2017
Donors 2018-19
Peer Grief Center in Eastern Oregon
ages served
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Call: 541.612.0828
Leave a message and we'll get back to you.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE?
The program is free of charge. We accept donations from families (thought it is not expected) and the community to keep the program running.
WHAT IF I NEED TRANSPORTATION TO ATTEND
Transportation can be provided for families in Morrow County and West Umatilla Counties utilizing the Oregon Health Plan.
GOBHI provides for families on the Oregon Health Plan: call 24 hours in advance and ask for transportation for your "Mental Health Appointment" 1.800.493.0040.
Clients with OMAP (Oregon Medicare Advantage Plan) must call Safe T Transport office, 24 hours in advance : 541.276.6813 or 1.877.564.1134 ext. 101. No paperwork required, however must give the following information: Who is being transported, address of pickup (Hermiston or Stanfield) and a reliable phone number of the family.
Irrigon and Umatilla may call Safe T Transportation directly 541.276.6813 or 1.877.564.1134 ext. 101 for pick up locations and times.
Transportation leaves Hermiston High School main officeat 5:45pm, bus lane and leaves at 6:00pm Pilot Station - McDonalds in Stanfield.
Families will be returned to transportation stops after the evening sessions.
IS GRIEF SOMETIMES MISTAKEN FOR SOMETHING ELSE?
Yes. Each child will grieve differently. Some are quiet, some hide feelings and some act out. That’s why it’s important to let them grieve in their own way and channel the energy in a positive direction.
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME FOR MY CHILD TO PARTICIPATE?
Children and families may attend any time after a significant death has occurred. A few weeks, a few months or even a couple of years - whatever the time, just come. There may be life situations that occur that trigger grief responses and peer group support can be very helpful to children and teens during this time. High school age friends who have loss a loved one may also participate in the peer group sessions.
WHERE DID THE IDEA TO HELP GRIEVING CHILDREN COME FROM?
Cason’s Place is modeled after a nationally recognized bereavement program called the Dougy Center located in Portland, Oregon. The Dougy Center has been in existence since 1981.
HOW OFTEN DO GROUPS MEET?
Groups meet twice a month for 90 minutes. 2020 School year: 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 6:30pm.
January 2 and 16
February 6 and 20
March 5 and 19
April 2 and 16
May 7 and 21
CAN ADULTS PARTICIPATE?
Parents and/or relatives of children are encouraged to participate in the adult support group to learn more about how children grieve. Adult participation isn’t mandatory, but an adult must accompany the children to group and remain on premise at all times.
IS THERE A TIME LIMIT TO PARTICIPATE?
Cason’s Place asks families to commit to three consecutive sessions at the beginning. This allows for families and children to understand the process and get healthy support. After that, the length of participation varies depending on individual needs. Some children attend a few sessions while others attend for many years. Children and families are welcome to return to the program whenever they are in need of grief support.
HOW WILL PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM HELP MY CHILD?
Children at Cason’s Place are with other kids in their age group that have experienced a death. They participate together in activities that support the expression of feelings and emotions that increase their understanding of death, loss and the process of grief, and decrease feelings of isolation associated with grief. This in turn can improve their social, emotional and academic development. Our hope is that your child finds joy and comfort again.
IS THE PROGRAM AVAILABLE IN SPANISH?
Yes. We do have bilingual peer groups and adult groups. Just let us know what you and your family's needs are.
