Yorktown Family Services - Growing With Grief Program

06/20/2025

On June 12th, the Growing with Grief program held their annual Father’s Day event in honour of the fathers, step-fathers, and father figures that our community is grieving. Families came together and engaged in arts-based activities to give space to feelings that are coming up at this time of year. Families planted Kalanchoe flowers that were generously donated to the GWG Program by Home Depot Caledonia location. Families planted not only flowers, but a memory garden with paper messages to their person. Families also decorated planters with pictures, words, stickers, and other symbols that reminded them of their person. There is no right or wrong way for grievers to approach Father’s Day. Giving space to talk and share allows families opportunity to reflect on what makes most sense for them in this season. And being in community with other grievers can make the harder days a little bit lighter. Growing with Grief is here to journey with you in your grief. Special thanks to Home Depot Caledonia for supplying the materials for the memory garden activity.

05/29/2025

On May 8th, the Growing with Grief program held their annual Mother’s Day event in honour of the mothers, step-mothers, and mother figures that our community is grieving. Families came together to share a meal, and engage in therapeutic arts-based activities to give space to feelings that are coming up at this time of year.

The main activity of the evening involved planting beautiful Hydrangeas that were generously donated to the GWG Program by Home Depot Caledonia location. Families planted not only flowers🌸, but a memory garden with paper messages to their person, and decorated their pots symbolically. Folks also created “Everlasting Candles” 🕯️and memory bracelets as other ways to pay tribute to their mother figures, and bring in meaningful ways to carry them with them through life.
We know that grief comes in waves🌊, and some days are harder than others. Sometimes being in community with others who have gone through something similar can make the hard moments feels a little bit lighter. Our Growing with Grief community is here to walk alongside you in your grief❤️

Special thanks to for their creative activity “Everlasting Candles” which we incorporated into our event! 💛Another heartfelt thank you to Home Depot Caledonia for donating supplies and recognizing the value of bereavement programming 💛. Scroll to see a glimpse of our evening and some of the free resources we offer families!

04/17/2025

04/15/2025

NEW START DATE! 🚨 Registration is now open for Growing With Grief’s Youth Group! 🚨 This 10-week bereavement program is for high school-aged youth (14-18) who have experienced the death of a sibling, parent, or custodial caregiver.

📅 Tuesdays: Starting April 29th
🕠 5:30 – 7:30 PM
📍 Mixed indoor/outdoor programming

This group provides a space to connect with others who understand, express feelings of grief and loss, and learn healthy coping strategies through art, journaling, nature, and discussion.

TTC tokens are available, and snacks will be provided.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, please visit https://www.yorktownfamilyservices.com/programs/grief-and-bereavement/ or contact chantalf@yorktownfamilyservices.com or preston@yorktownfamilyservices.com

Yorktown Grief and Bereavement- Previously Dr. Jay Children's Grief Centre

04/04/2025

🚨 Registration is now open for Growing With Grief’s Youth Group! 🚨 This 10-week bereavement program is for high school-aged youth (14-18) who have experienced the death of a sibling, parent, or custodial caregiver.

📅 Tuesdays: April 22 – June 24
🕠 5:30 – 7:30 PM
📍 Mixed indoor/outdoor programming

This group provides a space to connect with others who understand, express feelings of grief and loss, and learn healthy coping strategies through art, journaling, nature, and discussion.

TTC tokens are available, and snacks will be provided.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, please visit https://www.yorktownfamilyservices.com/programs/grief-and-bereavement/ or contact chantalf@yorktownfamilyservices.com or preston@yorktownfamilyservices.com

Yorktown Grief and Bereavement- Previously Dr. Jay Children's Grief Centre

04/04/2025

💙 Grief is an experience we all face, yet it can feel so isolating.

At Yorktown Family Services, we support children, youth, and families through the toughest moments of loss—helping them find connection, healing, and hope.

In our latest blog, our Growing with Grief clients share their stories of navigating grief, finding support, and rebuilding after loss. Their words remind us that no one should grieve alone.

📖 Read their stories now. 🔗 https://www.yorktownfamilyservices.com/blogposts/how-yorktowns-growing-with-grief-provides-support/

Yorktown Grief and Bereavement- Previously Dr. Jay Children's Grief Centre

11/13/2024

As we recognize Children’s Grief Awareness Month this November, Yorktown Family Services’ Growing with Grief Youth Advisory Council shares their invaluable insights on supporting grieving children and youth on our blog!

These young members, all of whom have experienced bereavement firsthand, provide a unique perspective on what grieving children need from the adults around them. Their advice aims to foster empathy, understanding, and actionable support for those navigating the complex emotions of grief.

Yorktown Grief and Bereavement- Previously Dr. Jay Children's Grief Centre
https://www.yorktownfamilyservices.com/blogposts/supporting-grieving-children-advice-from-yorktowns-growing-with-grief-youth-advisory-council/

11/05/2024

Children's Grief Awareness Month Data At a Glance Series. 1 in 14 children will experience the death of a significant person in their lives before they are 18. Source: Canadian Alliance for Children's Grief, Children and Youth Grief Network (link in bio for series resources)

11/05/2024

10/11/2024

The Growing With Grief team is delaying the start of the ‘Middles’ Bereavement Support Group, which will now begin on October 22nd and running for 8 weekly sessions on Tuesday evenings. Group starts at 6pm. Registration closes October 16th.

This is an 8 week indoor program for bereaved children between the ages of 10-13 and takes place in the West End of Toronto at Yorktown. “Middles” participate in expressive arts activities, games, and conversations to explore grief feelings, build connections, learn coping strategies and ways to continue their bond with the person in their life who has died.

Children must be aware of how their person died prior to the start of this program. If you need support with a conversation disclosing the cause of death, please let us know. For more information and to begin the registration process, please contact Danielle or Preston at the email listed on the flyer! Registration closes on Oct. 16th.

http://www.yorktownfamilyservices.com/programs/grief-and-bereavement/

To register please contact:
DanielleC@yorktownfamilyservices.com
Preston@yorktownfamilyservices.com

Please feel free to share or circulate this post to anyone who may be interested.

Yorktown Grief and Bereavement- Previously Dr. Jay Children's Grief Centre