For Adults Age 18 and up, join our waitlist for the next training!
Imagine could not exist without our amazing facilitators. We are able to offer free peer support groups to children, youth and adults who are grieving because of the wonderful community of volunteers who facilitate those groups.
The path to becoming an Imagine facilitator begins with several days of training that’s been described as ‘life changing’. Often, participants walk away with a new understanding of themselves, and a new capacity for supporting the people in their lives.
Imagine’s volunteer facilitators 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 grief without trying to fix, solve or give advice. No prior experience is necessary.
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and must attend all 3 days of our facilitator training. Spanish speaking volunteers are needed as well. All potential volunteers are interviewed prior to registering for the training. Completion of the training is not a guarantee you will be accepted as a facilitator.
The training is followed by an individual placement interview. Placements are made after considering schedules and the volunteer needs in the groups. After the training and if you are selected to be a facilitator, a background check will be performed before you begin volunteering. For more information, please fill out the inquiry form or contact val@imaginenj.org.
Here’s what some of our facilitators have shared about their experience volunteering at Imagine:
“Being an Imagine volunteer has been the most fulfilling and worthwhile volunteer experience I’ve ever had. I feel that the model is just what it should be, and I love being a part of it. I think being an imagine volunteer helps me fulfill my desire to be a good person.” —Aimee, 7+ years as Imagine Facilitator
“In my role as a facilitator at Imagine over the last ten years, I have witnessed profound strength and resilience among families who arrived broken by loss. Watching families find hope and light as they heal when given the opportunity to share their stories of life, loss and love has been a truly inspiring experience.” —Kathy, 11+ years as Imagine Facilitator
My evenings at Imagine are so meaningful and rewarding. I am honored to stand by and support the families we share the evening with. Unlike any professional experience I’ve had, the evenings are filled with such compassion, empathy, care, smiles with the children and heartfelt moments. I treasure my time with the kids in my group and hope for a moment of peace for them and their caregivers. —Lyn, 2+ years facilitating
I’ve stayed at Imagine because it’s been the most meaningful volunteering experience I’ve ever done. It has taught me so much about myself and has taught me how to be a better person and listener, and I also love getting to be a part of something that makes such a positive impact on people’s lives. —Lily, 3 years as youth facilitator
“This training gave me skills that I didn’t even know I needed. What I gained from taking part in this facilitator training will assist me in every relationship I have. I’ve already learned how to be a better listener to my children, to my husband, and to my friends. It may be cliche to say, but it’s true that this training was life-changing!”
—Imagine Facilitator