Good Grief has been an incredible resource and support to many families in my community and surrounding ones in NJ. It brings families together who are experiencing loss. They provide support groups for the children and the surviving parent/caregiver that are facilitated by trained volunteers.They support children as young as age 3 thru young adults (18-30yr olds). The program brings the community together through various volunteer roles. Good Grief helps families to being the process of rebuilding their lives after their loss. My personal experience with the organization has been amazing. The staff is very dedicated and committed to supporting families at the most difficult time in their lives. They can also act as advocates for the children in their schools and activities as well. This is an area that has helped my family as 'it takes a village' to support a grieving child and we would have been lost without Good grief.
Although it is difficult to come in and talk about your grief, it is so helpful to vocalize your experience in such a supportive environment. When I come here I am a part of a community in which all of our feelings are normalized and understood. Everyone here truly cares for one another, and the facilitators listen wholeheartedly. Good Grief is a simply inspiring place.
A good concept that unfortunately doesn't live up to its potential. Good Grief has difficulty separating the administrative aspects of its organization from its support group services. This gives Good Grief a corporate vibe during times when it is inappropriate. Staff is helpful some days and appear disinterested the next. Closed off to new ideas and feedback prevents it from reaching goals its perfectly capable of achieving. Where Good Grief shines is in its ability to provide a meeting place for people who have been through similar situations or tragedies. For those with little to no resources Good Grief can be a good starting point.
Review from Guidestar
The work of this organization is very good and very important. But there is a corporate, cliquish overtone that can get in the way of the work itself. Volunteers are very committed and supportive, for the most part, of each other. I just wish the staff was more open to new ideas and appeared a little happier.