Frequently Asked Questions

Kate's Club is a tax-exempt 501c3 nonprofit that operates entirely on donations. We appreciate every gift as it allows us to continue providing a fun, positive, uplifting environment to help grieving children succeed in living healthy lives. Click here to help. Our Tax Identification Number is 16-1646487. You can view our 990 here.

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Kate's Club does not provide individual therapy or counseling. We will be happy to provide referrals to vetted therapists in the community who specialize in grief and work with children and families.

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There are many different ways to get involved and volunteer with Kate's Club. Click here to view our opportunities.

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New experiences can be scary for younger children. Here is a short video to introduce your child to Kate's Club. This video may help your child become more familiar with Kate's Club and what we do.

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We believe in the uniqueness of the intensity and duration of grief for each individual and family. Children/teens choose when to start and when to stop attending. We serve children ages 5-18.

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Kate's Club programs are held in-person and virtually. In-person programs are held at our clubhouse in various locations throughout Georgia. There is also a virtual option once per month. All members regardless of location are welcome to attend virtual programs. To find a program near you, please see our program pages.

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After submitting an application for each eligible child, you will be contacted to schedule a guardian phone interview. Children ages 8 and up will need to complete a Bereavement Needs Assessment with a staff member. The final step is to attend a Family Orientation to learn all about Kate's Club.

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A family can call and start the process for participation as soon as they are ready. Every family and every individual grieve differently. However, the Bereavement Needs Assessment is not administered until at least 2 months after the death. We recognize this and meet families when and where they are ready.

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Kate's Club empowers children and teens, their families, and young adults facing life after the death of a parent, sibling, caregiver or someone important to them. Clubhouse programs are open to children and teens, ages 5-18, who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or caregiver. On the other hand, school-based programs and our young adult program are open to children and young adults who have experienced the death of anyone close to them - this may include a close relative, a partner, a friend or someone else. Please visit our program pages for more information.

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All programs are 100% free of charge to participants and their families.

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While we recognize that students may be grieving other types of loss (such as divorce, incarceration, deployment, or absenteeism), our groups are specific to loss due to death. We can offer a one-time psychoeducational activity for grief of all causes.

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Kate's Club does not provide individual counseling services, but we can provide recommendations of local therapists who we know work well with bereaved children and adolescents.

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Groups are facilitated by Kate's Club staff, graduate level interns, or therapists or other mental health professionals who contract with Kate's Club. All group facilitators have experience and training related to grief and loss.

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Groups meet once per week for six to 10 weeks. We do our best to plan around district-wide holidays and breaks, but please let us know about any additional conflicts to group dates such as early release days, field trips, known fire/safety drills, and school events. For school-based groups, it is best for the group to meet during the school day and not during lunch. Many schools utilize Connections Class blocks. Groups can be offered after-school, but keep in mind that this might be a barrier for some families due to transportation.

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You are not required to co-facilitate the group with your assigned facilitator, but you can participate if you would like! Many school counselors/social workers/staff will sit in on the group or in the same room. If you will not be present in the room with the group, we just ask that you communicate with the facilitator on where you will be or how they can reach you/another staff member for emergencies and students returning to class.

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Getting started is easy. It all starts when you fill out our online form, then our team guides you through next steps, which include a phone conversation, needs assessment, and orientation. Then you'll be ready to join us each month for the programs that best fit your child and family's needs.

Our team will guide you through next steps and answer any questions you have before your first visit.

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Kate's Club is a peer support program, not therapy. While our programs are designed with clinical guidance and supported by licensed professionals, the heart of what we do is peer connection — kids supporting kids who understand loss firsthand. For children who may also need individual therapy, we're happy to help find the right referrals.

Many of our staff are licensed professionals, and they train and support volunteers to create environments where young people feel safe to listen and share, ultimately helping them to understand they are not alone.

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Kate's Club is based in the Atlanta, Georgia area, with our headquarters in Brookhaven, Georgia. Additionally, we have Clubhouse locations in five other cities and counties – Albany, GA, Athens, GA Brunswick, GA, Cobb County, GA, Newnan, GA – and we provide further outreach with the support of our partners at other locations.

If you're outside the range of our Clubhouse locations, contact us and we can connect you with our other programs near you.

Additionally, if you are outside of Georgia, we recommend you visit the National Alliance for Children's Grief's referral network.

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Kate's Club welcomes children and teens grieving the loss of any significant person in their life — a parent, sibling, grandparent, close family member, or caregiver. All forms of grief are valid here.

Kids and teens can participate in our member services at our Clubhouses if they've experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver.

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Not at all. There's no pressure to share anything you're not ready for. Many kids find that just being around others who "get it" helps, even before saying a word. Your comfort always comes first.

Kids have the opportunity to feel understood without judgment, whether they're ready to share or not. Our facilitators are trained to create safe, pressure-free spaces that prioritize peer support and connection.

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At Kate's Club, kids, and teens gather in a safe, fun environment with others who understand what it's like to lose someone important. For kids, activities include games, art, group discussions, and special events — all designed to help young people know they are not alone.

A typical day at the Clubhouse for kids and teens includes a morning activity centered on grief, lunch, and afternoon activities focused on recreation and skill-building. These include improv, music, sports and more.

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Yes — Kate's Club programs are provided at no cost to participating families. We believe every child deserves support regardless of financial circumstances.

Our programs are 100% donor-funded because even outside our doors, there is a committed group of individuals who also believe finances should never be a barrier to community.

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While we recognize that students may be grieving other types of loss (such as divorce, incarceration, deployment, or absenteeism), our groups are specific to loss due to death. We can offer a one-time psychoeducational activity for grief of all causes.

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Absolutely, and we'd love to have you! Young adults who have experienced loss make exceptional mentors and volunteers. Your lived experience is one of the most powerful things you can offer to a child who is walking a path you once walked.

Like attending programs as a member, volunteering is open-ended, meaning you can volunteer as often as you like. Once you complete the application process, background check, and orientation, you can sign up for any of our programs on weeknights and weekends.

We have volunteers who come multiple times a week, once a month, or even quarterly. Our programs are at a variety of times to support your schedule.

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Whether you're looking to connect, heal, or give back, there's a place for you. The LoKate young adult program offers meetings twice a month, both virtual and in-person. Here you will have the chance to center your grief experiences and connect with peers going through the same thing.

Additionally, you will have access to our online platform, Kate's Hub, where we keep the conversations going all month long.

We welcome anyone ages 18 to 30 who have experienced the death of anyone close to them – from immediate family members to close friends. You may also join at any time, no matter how fresh your grief is, because we know grief doesn't operate on a set timeline.

We also know that some people find that supporting kids and teens who are grieving helps them make meaning of their grief. If you want to get more involved in our community, you can fill out the volunteer application. Our team will guide you through the background check and orientation process.

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Most grief support groups serve adults grieving a recent loss. Kate's Club is unique because we specifically serve people who lost a parent, sibling, or loved one during childhood — and we bring together others who share that same foundational experience. Our community is built on the understanding that childhood loss shapes who you become.

We often heard from young adults that grief groups either catered to older widows or to children, but not people in their 20s. LoKate was created to help you find peers who get it. Because even though 1 in 5 young adults will be bereaved by age 25, it can still feel like you're the only one.

Kate's Club is also the largest bereavement organization in Georgia that uses our peer support model, focused on connecting with others and building an understanding community.

We've championed this philosophy for over 20 years, guided by the expertise of our staff and trained professionals. This is long enough that we've seen teens feel confident enough to stop attending programs, then return when grief resurfaces in adulthood. Our members know Kate's Club will always be here and that they will always belong.

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Yes, Kate's Club programs for young adults are provided at no cost to participants – no insurance or proof of income required.

This is thanks to our community of donors who believe that accessibility should never be a barrier to knowing that you are not alone.

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Many college students who are grieving feel isolated — campus counseling centers often aren't equipped for grief specifically, and peers may not understand. Kate's Club offers a community of young adults who share your experience, no matter how long ago your loss occurred.

Grief is the last thing the average college student needs added to a full plate, and it doesn't help that you're often expected to return to class in a short period of time or with proof of death. When it seems like none of your peers can truly understand these struggles, Kate's Club offers a supportive, understanding community.

Currently, we offer in-person meetings and outings in the Atlanta area. We also offer fully virtual meetings twice a month on Zoom, bringing you closer to people all over the world who are walking in your shoes.

Whether your grief is recent or resurfacing, whether you're missing a parent, sibling, partner, friend, or someone else close to you, Kate's Club is where you can feel like you truly belong.

You can even talk about grief's hard feelings. People don't always understand how grief can make you feel angry, jealous, guilty, relieved, or anything other than sad. At Kate's Club, we hold space for all of the good and bad that comes with grief.

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Grief doesn't have an expiration date. Young adults who lost a parent or sibling during childhood often experience what's called 'grief bursts,' or waves of grief triggered by milestones like graduation, first jobs, relationships, or starting a family. Kate's Club understands this ongoing journey.

Grief bursts happen at any age, but young adults are experiencing so much change, which can be difficult to cope with before throwing grief in the mix. It's common for changes in lifestyles and routines to cause stress, anxiety, or even resurfaced grief. If you find yourself wishing your person was there for your college graduation or to give you financial advice or to help you raise a child, then you are not alone.

However, as common as they are, it's uncommon for people to acknowledge and talk about grief bursts, leaving those experiencing them to feel alone in them. At Kate's Club, we know that grief has no timeline and are prepared to help you connect with others and feel understood.

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Yes. Kate's Club serves young adults who experienced the loss of a parent or loved one as a child or teenager, and who continue to carry that grief into adulthood. Our young adult programming is specifically designed for this unique experience.

Our young adult program, LoKate, is open to anyone ages 18 to 30 grieving the death of any person – parent, sibling, friend, partner, or another individual – close to them.

LoKate members meet twice a month in virtual and in-person settings. They may do activities like art and games, or they may just talk and connect. The programming is chosen by members, so everyone is comfortable and excited to share time and space with others who get it.

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Yes. All Kate's Club programs are designed by professionals who specialize in childhood grief and are facilitated in a safe, structured environment. Children are grouped by age to ensure conversations and activities are developmentally appropriate.

Staff and volunteers undergo background checks, and volunteers receive in-depth training on supporting children in general, as well as through grief. Additionally, staff continually monitor and support volunteers as they work with kids and teens.

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Enrolling your child is simple. It all starts when you fill out our online form. Within one business week, you should hear from a member of our team who will guide you through next steps, which include a phone conversation, needs assessment, and orientation. Then you'll be ready to join us each month for the programs that best fit your child and family's needs.

Our team is here to answer any questions and help your family take the first step.

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You don't have to have it all together to be a good support for your child. In fact, modeling that grief is real and that it's okay to feel sad can be one of the most powerful ways to support your child.

Most often, they are seeking validation, and your grief lets them know they aren't alone in their feelings. Together, you can create new routines, reflect on memories, and build a supportive network that includes Kate's Club.

Grief can be heavy, but you don't have to carry it alone. Kate's Club is your shoulder to lean on.

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There's no perfect script. What matters most is honesty, simplicity, and being present. Use clear language appropriate to your child's age and avoid euphemisms like 'passed away' or 'went to sleep,' especially with young children. They can cause confusion and fear. At all ages, let your child lead with questions.

Children ages two to four lack understanding about death and related concepts. You may have to explain repeatedly what happened and that dying means someone's body stopped working and they will not come back. Routine and reassurance are helpful at this age.

Children ages four to seven may still see death as reversible. They may begin to fixate on death, or alternatively they may pretend as if nothing happened. Encourage them to express themselves through play, drawing and stories, and let them share at their own pace.

From ages seven to 11, kids begin to understand death. They may begin to have behavior problems or disturbed sleeping or eating patterns. Encourage them to express their feelings by making time to talk about the loss, but also allow alone time. Choices in daily life are also helpful.

Preteens and teens understand death on a deeper level. They may experience sadness, denial, anger or jealousy, and they may even engage in risk-taking. Continue to allow choices and be available to listen when they need it. Encourage them to make meaning of the death through positive activities like art, sports, music and more.

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Kate's Club programs are designed primarily for children and teens. However, we also know that the #1 indicator of a child's grief coping is how their surviving caregiver copes with grief.

We provide support for just kids and teens, just parents and caregivers, and for the entire family together. All of them are designed for people to find peers, whether that's elementary schoolers who have lost a sibling or grandparents raising grandkids.

Parents and caregivers can participate in Park Bench while kids are at Clubhouse Days and workshops during Outings. Additionally, families can attend H.U.G.S. programs around specific holidays or monthly Family Nights to bond as a family and to learn how best to support each other.

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Yes, completely. Children often protect themselves and the adults around them by avoiding the subject of loss. In particular, if a parent or caregiver dies, they may not want to burden their surviving caregiver. This doesn't mean they aren't grieving; it often means they need a safe place away from home to process it, which is exactly what Kate's Club provides.

It's normal that kids may not want to talk to strangers, or even trusted adults, about how they are feeling. Childhood bereavement affects 10% of kids in the U.S., yet it is still uncommon enough that many people don't talk about it.

Thus, kids may be hesitant to talk about how they feel, or they might not know how. They aren't born with the language or skills, and it can seem intimidating before building it. However, Kate's Club provides a safe space to learn those tools and ways to use them well into adulthood.

It all starts when a grieving child or teen realizes they are not alone, and they have a safe community who can truly understand them.

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There's no single sign that a child needs grief support. Some children show their grief openly, and others internalize it, but all children can benefit from support after experiencing the death of someone close to them.

Changes in behavior, school performance, sleep, or social withdrawal can happen when a child is grieving. Teens may exhibit risky behavior, or younger kids might experience regression. No matter your child's age, don't dismiss behavior changes as something kids will "grow out of it" or expect that they will "move on" without support.

We all experience behavioral changes from grief, even as young as infants, and support can improve social-emotional intelligence, develop resilience, and lead to lifelong wellbeing.

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Kate's Club is based in the Atlanta, Georgia area, with our headquarters in Brookhaven, Georgia. Additionally, we have Clubhouse locations in five other cities and counties – Albany, GA, Athens, GA Brunswick, GA, Cobb County, GA, Newnan, GA – and we provide further outreach with the support of our partners at other locations.

If you're outside the range of our Clubhouse locations, contact us and we can connect you with our other programs near you.

Additionally, if you are outside of Georgia, we recommend you visit the National Alliance for Children's Grief's referral network.

Yes, and many therapists actively recommend Kate's Club alongside individual therapy because the two approaches are complementary, not competing. Therapy addresses individual emotional processing; Kate's Club adds peer connection and community belonging, which therapy alone can't replicate.

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Yes, and many therapists actively recommend Kate's Club alongside individual therapy because the two approaches are complementary, not competing. Therapy addresses individual emotional processing; Kate's Club adds peer connection and community belonging, which therapy alone can't replicate.

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Research consistently shows that peer support programs for bereaved children improve emotional regulation, academic engagement, and long-term wellbeing. 92% of children can benefit from the recreational peer-support model we provide at Kate's Club.

Since 2003, we've served more than 15,000 children and our program participants consistently report feeling less alone and more hopeful.

Our internal data indicates that our members see reduced circumstance, identity and separation distress. We also see decreased risk of PTSD, depression, suicide, and avoidant coping for our members.

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Kate's Club provides a wide variety of training, workshops and development opportunities to help professionals become more grief-informed.

We are flexible to your company's or organization's needs and can provide specific topics, tailor training lengths, and schedule in-person or virtual training sessions as best fits.

We cover a wide range of topics that can benefit any educators, counselors, social workers, therapists, or other professionals who work with children, families and young adults. Some topics include such as Child Bereavement 101, Grief and Family Dynamics, Supporting the Young Adult Griever, and more.

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The most important thing you can do is acknowledge the loss — don't avoid the topic out of fear of saying the wrong thing. Simple, honest language works best: 'I'm sorry about your [mom/dad/brother]. I'm here if you ever want to talk.' Give the student permission to feel however they feel.

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Referrals from school counselors, teachers, pediatricians, therapists, and social workers are one of the most common ways children find Kate's Club.

If you know a child or family who could benefit from free grief support, just fill out this form, and we'll contact them to guide them through the application process.

However, we ask that you let the family know you are referring them to Kate's Club before you do. We do not want to contact families without their consent, or if they aren't ready for our services.

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