Our programs are designed to provide support in several ways; academically, financially, professionally, and psychosocially.  Some are still being structured around suggestions brought forth from focus groups, and some rely on funding but ALL are meant to bring families the continual care and support they deserve. Please click on the program titles for specific details or contact us at info@bdgc.us to request more information.

Embrace-A-Family

How often do you hear yourself saying...I wish I could do something to help? Now you can!

When a loved one dies, there is so much more than just the overwhelming grief. The logistics of a death can be grueling; the legalities, the financial worry, and the strain of changing social circles, personal health and family dynamics.

A newly widowed person may need help with lawn care, groceries, finances, or legal issues. Youth may need extra help in school, activity to stay engaged, and access to others their age that understand. Newly bereaved parents may need time away from work to re-gain strength and help with the overwhelming logistics. These are just some of the ways we help grieving families, and we would love to have YOU be a part of it.

Brighter Days signature program, Embrace-A-Family, addresses these needs by providing grieving families continual care and support from compassionate organizations and individuals. Our goal is to ensure that each family reaching out for help feels fully EMBRACED by the support of their community in tangible and meaningful ways. We invite you to participate in the way that works best for you, your group or your organization.

Learn more HERE.

Youth

Tutoring

According to a nationwide survey conducted by New York Life Foundation and American Federation of Teachers (2012), classroom teachers report that students who have lost a parent, guardian or sibling typically exhibit the following signs: difficulty concentrating in class, withdrawal/disengagement, less class participation, absenteeism, decrease in quality of work, and less reliability in turning in assignments.

At Brighter Days Grief Center, we understand the great need for strong academic support to make sure these numbers are reduced on a local and national level. By partnering with Academic All Star Tutoring, we will offer qualifying youth the ability to get the extra help they need at our center, in the home, or at a designated meeting spot determined by the parent.

Activity

Aside from the peer-based events and activities, our partnership with local fitness, daycare, and community centers provides an array of opportunities. Whether it is before/after school care, special events, summer activities or camps, together we are committed to providing healthy and positive engagement for the families of Brighter Days Grief Center.

 

 Special Events

We received our approval for an incredible program that allows children and their families to enjoy free tickets to significant events and activities. This partnership with Tickets for Kids gives the staff at Brighter Days a wonderful opportunity to give our special families a night to remember. Events include Timberwolves and Gopher basketball, hockey games, Twins games, concerts, Disney on Ice, theater performances, and much more.

Young Adults

Scholarships

When it comes to being eligible for a scholarship, the specifics are important. You may be able to find scholarships by searching for organizations related to your parent's cause of death; you may also be eligible for need-based scholarships. Please contact us to learn more!

 

 

Internships

Our pay it forward mentality with our volunteers blends with our internship program offering young adults the opportunity to build their resume while working for a great cause! If you are interested in peer-based mentoring, marketing, fundraising, social media, public speaking, or web design please let us know!

 

Young Adult Connections

Young adults are often overlooked when it comes to losing a parent or sibling at this stage in life. We are looking for passionate ambassadors to spread our message, and to create peer-based support groups throughout college campuses. Please email info@bdgc.us to learn more.

Another opportunity to connect with others that have lost a parent or sibling is the Children's Grief Connection camp for emerging adults (ages 18-24). Participants spend the weekend speaking to the issues and concerns that have developed since their loved one died.

Adults

Men’s Program

Our Men's Program helps develop a support system by participation in group events like sports outings, coffee groups, dinners out, or just getting together to help another grieving family with lawn care, snow removal or minor home repair projects. We hope by providing a less formal environment men will find a healthy outlet for their grief while connecting to others.

 

 

Women’s Program

Our Women's program provides the opportunity to bond with others who have gone through something similar. By providing events at our center and within the community, we hope that women will develop a natural support system that gives the ability to draw upon the strength and experiences of others. We encourage ideas; running club, potlucks, and retreats are just a few!

 

 

Volunteer

While we know that our volunteers will consist of many different types and ages of people, we believe that the majority will consist of others that have gone through a painful loss. Many have found by paying it forward and helping others that it can be a rewarding and healthy outlet. Please see our Get Involved section to learn about our many volunteer opportunities.