The mission of The Compassionate Friends is to assist families toward the positive resolution of grief following the death of a child of any age and provide information to help others be supportive.

The secret of TCF’s success is simple: As seasoned grievers reach out to the newly bereaved, energy that has been directed inward begins to flow outward, and both are helped to heal. The vision of The Compassionate Friends is that everyone who needs us will find us, and everyone who finds us will be helped.

Come and join with others who understand much of what you’re feeling—indeed not everything—but a lot more than most people, simply because we’ve been there. Know that there will be sadness and tears as we talk about our loss, but there will also be joy and laughter as we remember special times with our children. You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to, but you will undoubtedly be given that opportunity.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

When your child has died, suddenly it seems like all meaning has been drained from your life. When you wake in the morning, it’s difficult to get out of bed, much less live a “normal” life. All that was right with the world now seems wrong and you’re wondering when, or if, you’ll ever feel better.

We’ve been there ourselves and understand some of the pain you are feeling right now. We are truly glad that you have found us but profoundly saddened by the reason. We know that you are trying to find your way in a bewildering experience for which no one can truly be prepared.

When you’re newly bereaved, suddenly you find yourself on an emotional roller-coaster where you have no idea what to expect next.