Grief Support for Connecticut’s Children
Offering grief education and peer support in a home-like setting. A safe, healing place for families as they go through an 8-week grief journey.
Our Mission
Adam’s House is dedicated to providing free grief education and peer support in a comforting environment, empowering families and children to navigate their grief journey with strength and resilience as they rebuild their lives.
1 in 12 kids will experience the death of a parent or sibling before age 18.
We’re on a mission to heal their hearts. Here’s how:
Grief Program Services
All programs are offered at NO-COST to participating families to empower our program participants to cope with their loss so they may live their lives to the fullest.
Volunteer Opportunities
Ways to Donate
You can give every child a voice to be heard in the chaos of grief. Donations help us provide support services at no-cost to Connecticut’s families.
Upcoming Events
We host an array of supportive workshops and activities designed to foster healing and resilience in the young hearts navigating loss.
A Safe, Healing Place
Adam’s House is dedicated to providing grief education and peer support in a nurturing, home-like environment. Situated in the heart of Shelton, CT, our carefully restored space serves as a sanctuary for families embarking on their 8-week grief journey. Within Adam’s House, children and their families find solace and strength as they connect with peers and learn effective strategies for navigating loss. We offer support to adults, as well as, children grappling with various types of loss, whether it be the passing of a parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt/uncle, or friend. Most of our programs are provided free of charge to participating families. Our ultimate mission is to empower program participants to confront their grief, improve resilience and embrace life to its fullest potential.
Helping Hearts Heal Program sessions forming now!
Our 8-week grief education program is called “Helping Hearts Heal”. Children are placed into age-appropriate groups. Children groups include “Littles”(5-7yrs), “Middles”(8-13 yrs) and “Teens”(13-18 yrs).
All programs are offered at NO-COST to participating families to empower our program participants to cope with their loss so they may live their lives to the fullest.
Book Club - Courageous Chapters: Navigating Grief Together
Calling all adults in our community who have faced profound loss and find themselves grappling with grief: We invite you to participate in our Book of the Month club! Our gatherings will take place on Monday evenings from 5pm to 6:30pm. Each month, we’ll delve into a new book starting on the first Monday.
Hosted by Adam’s House, these discussions offer a space for you to connect with others navigating feelings of hopelessness, despair, and isolation. Together, we can lean on one another for support. Our chosen book topics are designed to explore strategies, problem-solving techniques, and ways to cultivate resilience as we navigate the journey of rebuilding after loss.
“Meeting other families that were going through the same situation made us feel we were not alone and how everyone was so supportive of one another. We felt like we gained a whole new family.”
Bob Jaekle
Program participant explains how your donation can help to heal grieving families.
Maya
Explaining why donations are so important to Adam’s House mission.
Vicky
Talks about the “Helping Hearts Heal” program
Frequently Asked Questions
For families ready to start “Helping Hearts Heal”.
What services does Adam's House provide?
Adam’s House provides a variety of grief support services, including peer support groups, book club for bereaved adults, and children’s programs. We also offer counseling referrals and educational resources to help individuals and families cope with grief and loss.
Who can attend Adam's House programs?
Adam’s House programs are open to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. Our programs are designed to provide emotional support and education to help individuals and families navigate the grieving process.
How is Adam's House funded?
Adam’s House is funded through donations from individuals and businesses, as well as grants from foundations and other organizations. We also rely on the support of our volunteers and community partners.
How can my family and I sign - up?
Families can call to schedule an initial intake appointment with the office
at (203) 513-2808 or online.
When are groups offered?
Group dates are fluid. We aim to offer a group each season. Our groups are closed so there is no drop-in option. Families commit to the 8-week session. We don’t run programs over the Thanksgiving/Christmas time period.
What happens while in a group at Adam's House?
Families begin each program night with dinner as a time to get to know their fellow program members. Family members are then split up into groups – Littles, Middles, and Teens. Children’s rooms are located on the 2nd floor of our home. Adults remain downstairs in their own group. Each group is facilitated by two, sometimes three trained “FIGS” which stands for a “Friend In Grief.” Each week is a theme which you will be given once when you enter the program. Our FIGs plan creative activities that include games, art, music, and play to encourage sharing of thoughts and emotions related to grief. While verbal sharing is encouraged, children are also empowered with the ability to “pass” if they so choose. We don’t pressure children to participate but we always strive to provide a safe, open environment.
Who facilitates all the support groups?
All groups are led by trained volunteers who are supervised by our program staff member. All of our FIGs must have completed a 20-hour training on tenets of companioning, bereavement process, reflective practice, and group work. Many of our volunteers are parents who raised bereaved children, work in health care, social services, or educational fields. Many have been drawn to help children at Adam’s House due to their own childhood experience. We are blessed with many compassionate, kind, and empathetic volunteers.
Is there a charge for the program?
There is currently no charge for our program. We do welcome and invite families to make voluntary donations if they can so we may keep our program free to all CT families.
Join our community of monthly donors
Consider giving to Adam’s House and help aid kids through their grieving process. Your donation will fund our “Helping Hearts Heal” program, which transforms a child’s life from sadness, isolation and grief into one where happiness, resilience and hope prevail. Every contribution extends a lifeline of support, providing a safe haven where young hearts can heal and grow amidst challenging times.