Stepping Stones is a support program specifically designed to help children, teens, and families cope with the terminal illness or death of a loved one. Our support groups (modeled after the renowned Dougy Center in Portland, OR) provide an environment of grief support and education that allows the child to direct his or her own healing with the support and guidance of bereavement specialists and trained volunteers. The on-going, open format allows children and teens to participate as long as they may need. Specialists are also available to work with parents to help them as they support their children through the grief process.
We offer year-round support groups and individual support, and also offer support services to students and schools.
All Stepping Stones support groups take place at Yolo Hospice, 1909 Galileo Ct. Ste A, Davis CA, 95618.
Support Groups
Pre-registration and orientation are required. Please call us at (530) 758-5566 to join.
Ages 4-5
Alternating Thursdays, 4:00-5:00pm
Young children express their grief in the playroom using art, dress-up and play materials that are developmentally appropriate.
Ages 6-11
Alternating Thursdays, 6 to 7:30 pm
Alternating Wednesday, separate groups at 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Children can express themselves through art and play which includes puppets, a sand tray, costumes, drawing, clay work, and construction toys. The tools and toys used are all carefully chosen to enable the children to explore what is most troubling to them.
Teens
Ages 12-18, Alternating Thursdays, 6 to 7:30 pm
Teens express themselves differently and use age-appropriate tools to help process their grief. In addition to group discussions, items such as dry erase boards, art, music, construction projects, journaling, poetry, games, and physical activities are available.
Children and teens are able to give and receive support in these sessions while learning that a wide range of emotions is normal and that they are not alone in their grief.
Note that the Thursday meetings coincide with our adult drop-in support group, for parents who wish to attend.
Bereavement Support is available for the parents and guardians of our Stepping Stones children. This includes the Parents/Guardians Support Group concurrent with the children’s groups and/or individual counseling at other times as well as open invitation to join our regular Thursday day or evening Adult Drop-In Bereavement Support groups.
Grief Support Tools
“I Remember…” Tool for young children.
There are no charges for Yolo Hospice’s Stepping Stones program, but donations are gratefully accepted.