Since its founding in 1995 in loving memory of Samantha (12) and Jessica (10) Ramey—whose lives were tragically cut short in a car crash—Seasons Centre for Grieving Children has provided a safe, supportive environment for families navigating grief. For 30 years, the Centre’s peer grief support programs have helped children, teens, young adults, and caregivers process their loss, rebuild their lives, and find connection with others who understand their journey.
With grief becoming increasingly complex due to social isolation and rising mental health challenges, Seasons Centre has adapted by offering virtual programs to ensure broader accessibility. Over the past five years, the Centre has supported over 100 children, youth, and families from Innisfil, including students from Goodfellow Public School and Nantyr Shores Secondary School.
Thanks to a $25,150 grant from the Innisfil Community Foundation and Kyle Brandon Traves Foundation, Seasons Centre can now sustain and expand its critical programs for children and families after the death of a loved one.
“This $25,150 grant will empower Seasons Centre for Grieving Children to sustain and expand its critical peer grief support programs for local children and families,” said Sandra Rizzardo, Chair of the Innisfil Community Foundation. “By investing in these vital programs, the Innisfil Community Foundation is ensuring that no child or family in our community faces the heartbreaking loss of a loved one in isolation. This grant will provide much-needed comfort, hope, and healing during some of life’s most challenging moments.”
Seasons Centre’s bereavement programs also address the unique challenges of grief resulting from stigmatized deaths, such as those caused by suicide or substance use. These children often face additional layers of shame, guilt, and trauma, making support even more essential.
Kelly Hubbard, Executive Director of Hospice Simcoe-Seasons Centre, emphasized the importance of this funding: “This generous grant from the Innisfil Community Foundation will allow us to extend a lifeline to grieving children and families in the Innisfil area. With their support, we can continue to provide specialized programs to help children not only cope with their loss but also build resilience for the future. No child should have to grieve alone, and this partnership helps ensure they won’t.”
To further raise awareness, Seasons Centre is enhancing its outreach efforts. Plans include engaging local schools with resources for administrators, collaborating with the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library to connect families with services, and strengthening partnerships with local providers for seamless referrals. This November, Seasons Centre will host activities in Innisfil for Children’s Grief Awareness Month and inspire community involvement.
By investing in grief support programs, Seasons Centre and the Innisfil Community Foundation are working together to ensure no grieving family is left without the care and compassion they need.
About Seasons Centre for Grieving Children
Seasons Centre for Grieving Children provides peer support groups for children, teens, young adults, and caregivers grieving the death of a loved one. Our programs are designed to help participants adjust emotionally, rebuild their sense of self, and navigate the complexities of grief. We offer both in-person and virtual programs to ensure accessibility for all.
www.grievingchildren.com
About the Innisfil Community Foundation
Innisfil Community Foundation is here to strengthen the common good. The foundation makes trust-based community grants to empower the organizations that work tirelessly in our community. Innisfil Community Foundation is passionate about connecting our community because we know that, together, we will create positive change beyond our wildest dreams.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact: Lisa Spinks, Development Director Seasons Centre for Grieving Children 705-321-7086 | [email protected] Website: www.grievingchildren.com
