Background

The Mourning Star Center is a nonprofit support center for grieving children and families. The Center was incorporated as a California Public Benefit Corporation and received its IRS 501(c)(3) determination in May of 1996. It opened its doors to the public in September 1996.

After extensive research, the internationally known Dougy Center of Portland, Oregon, was selected as the model for The Mourning Star Center. The Founders of The Mourning Star Center attended the Dougy Centers week-long national training in the summer of 1995. The Mourning Star Center is part of The Dougy Centers National Children's Grief Network.

The Mourning Star Center serves children between the ages of 3 and 18, and their parents or other adult caregivers in ongoing grief support groups. We also receive numerous phone calls each week from parents, teachers, school counselors or other family members in Riverside County and San Bernardino County seeking help or advice in dealing with a grieving child or children.

Since its inception, The Mourning Star Center has served more than 1000 individuals in direct and indirect grief support services.

Research has demonstrated that children who participate in group sessions, when compared to those who do not, exhibit better classroom behavior, less anxiety and depression, improved self-esteem, and fewer maladaptive attitudes and behaviors. Many single parents cannot afford private therapy or group sessions for their children. Because The Mourning Star Center charges no fees, these children are able to receive much needed help at a critical time in their lives.

As the only organization in the Coachella Valley and High Desert dedicated solely to providing grief support to children and families, The Mourning Star Center serves as an important and unique community resource. The medical and mental health, school and justice communities have an awareness and respect for the work done by The Mourning Star Center.

Referrals to The Mourning Star Center are received primarily from mental health workers, school counselors and teachers, hospice programs, hospitals, physicians and pediatricians, and previous participants or volunteers.

The Mourning Star Centers work is supported through the contributions of caring individuals, foundations, clubs, and corporations. We are not a United Way agency and do not receive federal funding. All of our funds are raised through grant requests, special events, and other activities. The average cost to provide services to a child for one year is $2,000.