The Sharing Place Expands Grief Support Services for Children in Utah

The Sharing Place, a statewide non-profit organization providing grief support to children and families, has expanded its services into Washington County, southern Utah, to better serve grieving children, teens, and their caregivers. The organization also announced it has reached a milestone, assisting more than 10,000 children and youth across Utah.

"One in 15 children in Utah will experience the death of a parent or sibling before age 18," said John Gold, Executive Director of The Sharing Place. "For over 30 years, we've supported Salt Lake County families, and in recent years expanded to serve Utah County with our Pleasant Grove location. We are now honored to be able to expand our services of healing and hope to families in Washington County."

The organization's services are structured to help children and teens navigate grief through age-appropriate groups. These groups emphasize acknowledging feelings, connecting with peers who are grieving, and expressing emotions through art, play, and guided discussion. Simultaneously, parents and guardians meet for support, to share their experiences, and to learn how grief can affect a child's behavior and school life.

Since 2019, The Sharing Place has expanded to include four locations: Millcreek, Taylorsville, Utah County, and now Washington County. The organization stresses that no family is turned away for financial reasons. A consultation appointment is the first step to joining a group. The organization also relies on volunteers and donations to support its operations.