Evening Program
Fernside began in 1986 by offering a single grief support group for 16 kids. Today more than 800 children, teens and adults participate in Fernside support groups annually.We offer groups for children ages 3 - 18, who are grieving the death of a family member or friend. In the groups, children and teens meet with others their age grieving a similar death. Trained facilitators address a theme each meeting. These themes include feelings, telling our story, memories, changes and many others. Facilitators address these themes through a variety of mediums including expressive arts, games, music, puppetry and group discussion.
Parents and guardians of the children attending groups also meet in their own support group where they receive support in addressing their own grief as well as support and education to help their grieving children.
A young adult support group is offered to young adults ages 18 (out of high school) to 26 who are grieving the death of a family member or close friend.
Fernside collaborates with community agencies to provide groups to meet their specific needs. This year we have collaborated with both Hamilton County MR/DD and the Children’s Home of Cincinnati.
We hold our support groups at several locations: