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Our For Caregivers Program
Helping Adults Who Care for Children
Four weeks. A small group for adults. The Grief Recovery Method, adapted to help you walk alongside the grieving children in your life — with confidence and the right tools.
What to Expect
How the Cohort Unfolds
Each session builds on the last. Week one orients you to how children grieve. By week four, you have a practical toolkit and a plan.
You’re welcomed in
Holly leads a brief opening that grounds the group, sets expectations for confidentiality, and reminds everyone that grief is normal — and that you’re not alone.
This week’s teaching
Holly walks the whole group through this week’s chapter from When Children Grieve — new concepts, examples, and the action you’ll take this week.
Small-group reflection
You break into smaller pairs or threes to discuss the chapter, share what came up, and start the homework with someone alongside you.
Homework you actually do
Each week ends with one specific assignment to complete before the next session — small, doable, and the part of the method that actually moves you forward.
Is This the Right Fit?
Who This Program Serves
This program is for you if…
- You’re a parent, guardian, or grandparent of a child who has experienced a loss — death, divorce, deployment, illness, moving, or another meaningful change.
- You’re a teacher, school counselor, nurse, coach, or youth leader who works with grieving children.
- You’re a pastor, ministry leader, or faith-based volunteer working with families.
- You can commit to attending all 4 weeks and doing small assignments between sessions.
- You’ve felt unequipped when a child in your life experienced loss — and want practical tools you can use right away.
You may want a different fit if…
- You’re currently in acute crisis — please reach out to a licensed therapist or call 988 first.
- You’d prefer total privacy. Consider one-on-one sessions instead.
- You’re grieving a pet specifically. Our Pet Loss Recovery program is built for that.
- You can’t commit to the full 4 weeks right now. That’s okay — contact Holly about a future cohort.
After my dad passed, my daughter shut down. I didn’t know what to say to her. This program gave me language and tools — and the confidence that I wasn’t going to make it worse.
What We Know About Children & Grief
Three things to remember
Children model what they see \u2014 if adults avoid feelings, children often do too.
For children, loss often disrupts routine, safety, and identity \u2014 not just relationships.
Children don\u2019t get over grief \u2014 they grow with it. What they need is permission, language, and safety to express what they feel.
Practical Details
Logistics
Format
In-person, weekly. Held at Holly’s gathering space serving Ocala, The Villages, and surrounding Central Florida.
Schedule
New cohorts begin on a regular cadence throughout the year. Contact Holly for the next start date.
Cost
Restoring Hearts Outreach is a nonprofit. Fees are kept accessible and scholarships are available. Reach out for current pricing.
What you’ll need
When Children Grieve by John W. James, Russell Friedman, and Dr. Leslie Landon Matthews (we’ll point you to it once you’re enrolled).
Ready to join the next cohort?
Reach out and Holly will share the next start date and what each session covers. The program is for the adults around children — children don’t attend.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Do I share my own grief in this cohort?
You’re welcome to share what you’re experiencing, but the focus stays on supporting the children in your life. Holly creates a space where caregivers can ask hard questions, name what feels stuck, and build practical skills together — without pressure to disclose your own grief.
What ages does this program cover?
The book and method work for early childhood through teens. The principles adapt to developmental stages, and Holly will help you tailor what you learn to the specific children in your life.
Is this program for the children themselves?
No. The book and program are designed for the adults around children — parents, teachers, faith leaders, social workers — to learn how to support grieving children. Children don’t read the book or attend the cohort. The tools you learn are what you use directly with the children in your care.
Do I need to have read the book before starting?
Recommended but not required. When Children Grieve by John W. James, Russell Friedman, and Dr. Leslie Landon Matthews is the core text — each session corresponds to a chapter. Holly will guide you whether or not you arrive having read it ahead.
What kinds of loss does this address for children?
Any meaningful loss a child experiences — the death of a parent, grandparent, sibling, friend, or pet; divorce or separation; moving away; deployment; serious illness in the family; loss of safety or stability. Children grieve change as deeply as adults grieve death.
Is this confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is a core part of the method. What participants share in the group stays in the group, and Holly takes that seriously.
How much does it cost?
Restoring Hearts Outreach is a nonprofit and we keep fees as accessible as possible. Scholarships are available. Reach out to Holly for current pricing and any sponsorship options.
Service Area
Serving Central Florida
Where Holly Serves
Central Florida — in person across the region
Holly leads in-person Helping Adults Who Care for Children cohorts in Ocala and The Villages, with participants traveling from across Marion County, Sumter County, Lake County. Cohorts have included people from:
- Ocala
- The Villages
- Lady Lake
- Belleview
- Wildwood
- Summerfield
- Oxford
- Leesburg
- Fruitland Park
Outside this area? Contact Holly to talk about virtual options or community partnerships in your region.
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