Grief Resources
At Big Heart Big Smile Foundation, we understand the profound impact of loss and the journey of healing that follows. Grief touches everyone differently, and through these resources, we aim to support children and families navigating the challenges of loss.
What We Offer
Grief can feel confusing, overwhelming, and lonely — especially for kids.
Our Kids’ Grief Peer Support Group provides a safe space for children to process grief mentally, emotionally, and physically in healthy, age-appropriate ways.
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In our group, children will:
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Connect with peers who understand what they’re going through
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Explore feelings through play, art, stories, and movement
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Learn tools to manage big emotions
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Feel seen, heard, and supported in a judgment-free zone
Why Peer Support?
Children often feel isolated in their grief.
Our peer-based model reminds them:​
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They are not alone
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Their feelings are valid
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Grief looks different for everyone — and that’s okay
By being with others who "get it," kids can begin to rebuild their sense of safety and belonging.
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This is a place to:
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Feel
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Talk
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Cry
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Laugh
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Create
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Remember
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Heal
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Process
Our Approach to Healing
We support the whole child by creating space for:
Mental Healing
Helping children understand what grief is and normalize their thoughts and experiences.
Emotional Healing
Allowing safe expression of feelings — from sadness and anger to guilt and confusion — in a compassionate environment.
Physical Healing
Engaging the body through activities that release stress, restore calm, and promote self-regulation (movement, breathwork, mindfulness).
​Let your child find comfort, connection, and hope — one gentle step at a time.​
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Each session is led by trained facilitators. Our kids’ grief peer support group provides support—not therapy or counseling.
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No Child Should Grieve Alone
​For peer grief support, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Kaci’s mom, Joni Edelbrock. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone — we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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Joni Edelbrock
Grief Educator
Call: (425) 359-5616
Email: joni@bigheartbigsmile.org
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Whether you're seeking guidance, comfort, or a connection to others who understand, we hope these resources bring you a sense of healing and hope, just as Kaci's radiant smile continues to inspire us all.
Resources
The Compassionate Friends
The mission of The Compassionate Friends: When a child dies, at any age, the family suffers intense pain and may feel hopeless and isolated. The Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope, and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister, or a grandchild, and helps others better assist the grieving family.
The Dougy Center
The mission of Dougy Center is to provide grief support in a safe place where children, teens, young adults, and their families can share their experiences before and after a death. We provide support and training locally, nationally, and internationally to individuals and organizations seeking to assist children who are grieving.
National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG)
Share Your Support
Grief touches many young lives, with 1 in 12 children experiencing the loss of a loved one. At Big Heart Big Smile, we are dedicated to addressing the profound impact of childhood grief by bringing comfort and hope to kids in need. By combining community initiatives and heartfelt care, Big Heart Big Smile ensures that Kaci’s legacy continues to bring comfort and smiles to kids in need.