Coming up is National Children’s Grief Awareness Day, a day that is very important to Exton nonprofit family grief center, A Haven, and that all of Chester County should recognize. 

1 in 14 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling before they turn 18. On Nov. 17, A Haven seeks to bring attention back to the core of their mission: to partner with grieving families by providing grief support, community outreach, education, and hope.  

Grief will impact everyone over the course of their lives, and it affects each person differently. Yet, it often affects children in ways that require alternative methods of healing. 

Knowing that supporting grieving children requires a collaborative effort, A Haven is using Children’s Grief Awareness Day and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday to recognize and express their gratitude for the partners and members of the community who have helped them weave together a stronger network of grief support. This year, they aim to recognize partners who go above and beyond in “doing grief work well.” 

“Despite all that we’ve accomplished, we’re still a new organization,” said Liz Dreibelbis, A Haven co-founder and Clinical Director. “We’re using this day to spread awareness about A Haven and the people around us who are aiding our mission. I think we’re finally heading towards a place where we are known thanks to our partners.” 

The nonprofit seeks to remind the community that not only are there multitudes of children grieving in Chester County, but there a community of support in place to stand with these families. A Haven serves as a reminder that no matter where you grieve, you do not need to grieve alone. 

“We want people to know that as a community there are people around them that get it. Grief can be isolating, but we have created a safe place to grieve so that it doesn’t have to be,” said Dreibelbis. 

To further recognize National Children’s Grief Awareness Day, A Haven will hold an Open House on Nov. 16 with times available from 8 AM — 10 AM and 4:30 PM — 6 PM at 623 North Pottstown Pike in Exton. 

Learn more about National Children’s Grief Awareness Day at A Haven.