FAQs

Imagine provides grief support for NJ children age 3-18 who are coping with loss due to the death of a parent or sibling. We also provide grief support for young adults age 18-30. Grief Support Groups for parents and guardians run concurrently with the children’s grief support groups.

Imagine peer support groups are free for all children and families for as long as they need. Because the death of a family member often brings financial instability, Imagine does not charge a fee to families. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact us at 908-264-3100 or info@imaginenj.org.

Imagine is a peer-support group program, not counseling or therapy. Groups are facilitated by trained adult volunteers and overseen by Imagine clinical staff. Imagine support groups are a wonderful complement for adults, teens or children who also see a therapist.

Imagine peer support groups run year-round except in July and August. (Summer Nights of Support are offered in the summer months.) Families can join Imagine at any time and stay as long as needed.

Children meet in small groups no larger than ten per group with other children their same age. Parent groups run concurrently and meet separately from the children and teen support groups.

Children meet in small groups no larger than ten per group with other children their same age. Parent groups run concurrently and meet separately from the children and teen support groups.

Volunteers make a yearlong commitment to volunteering every other week from 5:45 PM – 9:30 PM. Learn more by emailing Imagine at info@imagine.org or calling 908-264-3100.

Volunteers come from all walks of life and need no special background other than a willingness to listen, a heart inclined to serve, and the ability to be with children and adults in pain without trying to fix, solve or give advice.

We ask that it be at least six months to a year since you have suffered a significant loss of your own before you volunteer. All volunteers will attend an orientation and interview with Imagine clinical staff to determine the best fit and time to volunteer after a loss.

The training is 32 hours held over four days – typically Thursday through Sunday or Friday through Monday from 9 AM – 5 PM. If you’re interested in training to become an Imagine facilitator, we recommend you start by attending a tour.

Please share information about Imagine with any family you know who would benefit from participation in Imagine. Imagine does not contact families directly.

Imagine provides child loss support groups for adults who have had a child die.  For more information, please email us at info@imaginenj.org or call us at 908-264-3100.  For additional support contact Compassionate Friends for child loss, and The Center for Life Transition in Chatham who offer support for adults who have had an adult child die, or who are coping with any type of loss due to death.