Understanding Childhood Grief in the U.S.
Long overlooked, childhood bereavement is a prevalent and critical public health issue that can have a profound impact on future well-being. According to the 2021 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM), an estimated 1 in 14, or 5.3 million, children in the U.S. will experience the death of a parent or sibling before they reach the age of 18. By age 25, this number more than doubles to 13.3 million.
In Illinois, 1 in 15 children will become bereaved due to the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. Childhood bereavement affects 6.8% of youth in our community. Experiencing a significant death loss during childhood often results in profound stress and adversity and, without appropriate support, can derail a child’s development. For the 196,000 grieving youth in Illinois, access to comprehensive grief-focused, trauma-informed care and resources is essential. We must invest in awareness and prevention to ensure a compassionate response that promotes healthy growth for all grieving children. (Source: Judi’s House. (2021). Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model. Retrieved from www.judishouse.org/CBEM.)
WHAT WE DO
Helping bereaved teens and their families thrive
Grow Through What You Go Through
Founders Blog & Grief Resources
“Grow Through What You Go Through” Video (2021)
"Grow Through What You Go Through" Video (2021) Learn More about One Million Monarchs and how we provide a safe place for grieving teens to heal.
Getting “Unstuck” From Grief
It’s no secret: I’m a huge “sucker” for animals. I’ve volunteered in animal rescue efforts for several years and earned my soft-hearted reputation among friends, family and neighbors. (And, frankly, I’m proud of it). So it was no surprise in the summer of 2020 when a neighbor thought to ask for my help in attempting to save a newborn bunny — a bunny whose littermates had been killed by a dog and whose mama had disappeared. Boogie, as this tiny rabbit came to be known, was the only survivor of the suburban backyard massacre. When I picked him up, even I was shocked at just how tiny and helpless he was. He barely had any fur, his eyes were shut tight, and all he could do was scoot around the little box he’d been placed in. No hopping, no blinking, no nibbling on carrots. I knew I was in over my head but I wasn’t going to say “no” to this challenge. This little guy was in dire straits and badly needed a mommy bunny or an animal-loving “sucker” who was willing to try her hand at wildlife rehabilitation. And there I was...
Founders Blog
It's completely surreal to find myself typing my first blog on my new website for my newly formed Not-for-Profit organization. I've either completely lost my mind, or I'm about to embark on an amazing new journey. I'm not gonna lie....I'm terrified. Probably not as terrified as my family (see: Mom's lost her mind). You see, I had a great career in Sales Leadership for the last 20 years. I learned a TON. I never worried about money. However...
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