Frequently Asked Questions

Families with children between the ages of 4 and 18 who have experienced the death or serious illness of a relative or friend are welcome to attend.

Our support groups are free of charge and available to all, regardless of economic status, religion or geographic area. Language interpreters (including interpreters for sign language) are available to help families participate.

There is no cost for attending our support groups. We do welcome donations.

First, staff welcome families as they arrive. Then the Bridges coordinator disperses the children, teens and adults to their respective groups. These groups are led by trained facilitators.

During the group meetings, participants may share memories, express feelings and connect with others who share their grief experiences. Groups follow a curriculum of grief topics that incorporate a number of activities including creative projects, games, memory reflections and play with puppets, all while encouraging members to make connections and understand they are not alone.

We respect all faiths. Our support groups do not have a religious orientation. We encourage families to talk together about issues of faith outside our sessions.

Our staff members are master’s level practitioners trained to help those experiencing grief. A Bridges staff member is always present to oversee the support group meetings.

Some of our facilitators are professionals from the human services field. Others are concerned members of the community who want to help children and their parents.

All facilitators have completed 30 hours of training which includes info regarding education on grief support, developmental considerations, family systems, training on Bridges grief support model, fostering listening and self awareness skills.  Our facilitators also participate in continuing education.

To respect the privacy of our participants, visitors cannot attend support group meetings. Prospective families learn about our services through literature, meetings with the staff and a tour of the facility.

Call 253-403-1966 to set up an intake. Bridges and Discoveries groups are held at the Mary Bridge Children’s Health Center, 311 S. L St., Tacoma WA 98415.

Call our office at 253-403-1966 to obtain brochures or other materials. We like to talk directly with those who’d like to participate. When a family calls to request services, we set up an intake and ask all family members to attend. Children will complete some get to know you activities while the adult completes other necessary paperwork.