Imagine provides free peer grief support groups for children ages 3-18 who have experienced the death of a parent or sibling. Concurrent English and Spanish speaking adult groups are available for the parents or caregivers of the youth who attend Imagine. We also offer support groups for young adults ages 18-30. All groups are held either in-person or virtually.

Support groups are facilitated by trained adult volunteers who attend a three-day training totaling 24 hours, as well as regular continuing education. Volunteers come from all walks of life and no special background is required 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. No prior experience is necessary. Volunteers must be 21 years or older. Volunteers serve as companions and loving listeners for those who are grieving.

“In order to continue to grow our English and Spanish speaking programs, we need to constantly train new volunteer facilitators,” said Veronica Ortiz, Imagine Program Manager. “Our programs are growing because of the great need in this community, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Over 220 children and adults have been participating in our virtual support groups this year. We are now preparing to launch a new program year that will offer the option of in-person or virtual support for English and Spanish speaking groups. Doing these additional trainings will ensure that no child will ever have to wait to get the support they need.”

Imagine is offering two facilitator training class options this summer. The first training class will take place virtually from August 27-29. The second training will be held in person at Imagine in Mountainside from Sept. 17-19. Vaccination is required for the in-person training. Each training takes place from 9 am–5 pm each day. For more information, please contact Imagine Training Manager, Jamie Saltamachia at jamie@imaginenj.org. If you have questions regarding the trainings, please call us at 908-264-3100.