The holidays often bring a unique challenge for those dealing with the loss of a loved one. For children, this time of year can be especially heavy. In Portland, one organization stands out in providing crucial support to grieving kids – The Dougy Center. A Safe Haven for Grieving Children in Portland
Emotional Wisdom in Middle School
At 11 years old, Talullah Olavarria-Poore showcases an emotional maturity beyond her years. "Don't sweat the small stuff. In middle school, there are a lot of little dramas that cause big emotions. But I know how to handle them appropriately," she shares. Her journey with grief has evolved as she's grown. "A few years ago, I didn't fully understand. Now I realize it's okay to process my feelings in my own way. My dad died of leukemia when I was six, and that's a part of life," she says.A Safe Space for Grieving Kids
Olavarria-Poore is one of the six million US children who face the loss of a parent or sibling before graduating. At The Dougy Center in southeast Portland, these kids and their families find a haven. "It's an amazing place where I can talk about anything related to grief. It's warm and welcoming, especially for kids like me," she remarks.A Safe Haven for Healing
"At school, I don't have many people to relate to. But here, everyone has gone through similar things, and I can freely express myself without censorship," she continues. The center follows a peer support model with a mix of professional staff and trained volunteer facilitators. Children are encouraged to interact and share their experiences. Olavarria-Poore has been able to offer comfort to younger and older kids in the thick of grief. "If they want to talk, we can. I don't force them," she says.The Power of Play
The Dougy Center's circular hallway connects playrooms designed for different age groups and emotions. One room has musical instruments, another a child-sized theater, and the volcano room allows for the expression of more explosive feelings. When Olavarria-Poore first visited five years ago, she was drawn to the hospital room. "My friend and I used to pretend one of us was the patient and the other the doctor because our dads were often in the hospital. It's comforting to have a safe space like this," she recalls.Ongoing Impact
"The Dougy Center will always be a part of my life. It helped me get through one of the hardest times," she emphasizes. It serves as a refuge for grief in Portland, fulfilling its mission of being the right place when everything feels wrong. To learn more about The Dougy Center, click here.Copyright 2024 KPTV-KPDX. All rights reserved.
