Support in a Safe Place
The Dougy Center provides support in a safe place where children, teens, young adults, and their families grieving a death can share their experiences.
We provide support and training locally, nationally and internationally to individuals and organizations seeking to assist children in grief. We are supported solely through private support from individuals, foundations and companies. The Dougy Center does not charge a fee for its services.
News & Events
Memorial Day Appeal 2013
05/22/13
Help Grieving Families like the Palmars

Rick and LaDeane Palmar met on December 1, 1999, both members of the U.S. Air Force. After Rick served five tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Qatar, LaDeane could finally breathe a sigh of relief. TSgt Rick Earl Mathew Palmar had earned a Bronze Star and was now a training instructor in Explosive Ordnance Disposal at Eglin AFB in Florida. They had a two-year-old daughter, Makayla. Life was good.
Nothing, however, could have prepared her for what was ahead. Rick suffered a sudden brain aneurysm just a week before Christmas.
When does a broken heart become a mental disorder?
05/22/13
This statement was developed by a workgroup at the meeting of the International Work Group on Death, Dying and Bereavement in Victoria, British Columbia on April 28 – May 3, 2013. You have full permission to translate the document into other languages, and to distribute it via websites, blogs, the media, and other venues. It is our intention that the message be shared widely.
When does a broken heart become a mental disorder? Rarely, if ever.
But don’t tell that to the American Psychiatric Association, which has just released its fifth version of the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The DSM is a catalogue of mental disorders,
hundreds of them, each trailing a listing of symptoms. The manual informs selection of a diagnosis,
which is required by U.S. insurance companies for reimbursement for mental health care.
2013 International Summer Institute
05/21/13

Register now for our 27th Annual International Summer Institute
July 22 - 26, 2013
Portland, Oregon
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily
Tuition: $1,400
(5% discount for two or more attendees or payment in full at registration)
27.5 Continuing Education Credits
Join The Dougy Center’s experienced and knowledgeable staff for an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of running a successful grief support program.
2013 Reflection Benefit
05/22/13
2013 Reflection Benefit Gala
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in our event on Friday, May 10, at the Portland Art Museum. It was a great success and a wonderful evening!
Event details and photos coming soon…
Thank you to our 2013 Event Sponsors
And…Congratulations to ticket number #1902 for winning the 2013 Porsche Boxster Raffle!
View the 2013 Reflection Benefit Catalog here

books & dvds
Resources for parents, teachers, and others helping children in grief. Plus activity books for children grieving a death. Learn More 







