“Common Ground has played a significant role in both my personal healing and professional journey. After losing both of my parents, Common Ground provided me with a safe and supportive environment where I felt understood, connected, and less alone in my grief. After completing my undergraduate degree, I returned to Common Ground as a volunteer, which became a meaningful full-circle experience. Supporting children and families through their own grief deepened my passion for this work and ultimately inspired me to pursue graduate school for counseling. Common Ground not only helped me navigate my own loss, but also helped shape the path I am on today. I will always be grateful for the healing, connection, and sense of purpose it has given me.”

“People kept telling me how amazing your center is and I kept thinking how wonderful could it possibly be?? But they were right, it was amazing. It feels almost magical being in there. So peaceful. It is giving me hope at a time where I feel completely drained and exhausted. I am so grateful that we got there today. And I am feeling hopeful this will help our family so much. 

Thank you for all of this.”

“Volunteering at Common Ground Grief Center has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences. Every other week, I have the privilege of running a group and watching children begin to understand and process their grief in ways that are both honest and deeply moving. Through the activities, conversations, and shared moments, they open up in ways that many of them cannot elsewhere.

What stands out most is the powerful sense of connection they find here. A common theme I hear again and again from the children is how comforting it is to be surrounded by others who truly understand what they’re going through. In their everyday lives, many of their friends simply don’t “get it,” which can feel isolating. But at Common Ground, they don’t have to explain their pain—it’s already understood.

Seeing them share their stories, support one another, and find laughter amidst their grief is incredibly inspiring. It’s a reminder of how important it is to provide them with a safe, compassionate space to heal.  I am truly grateful to be a part of such an impactful community.”

“Supporting families who are in the throes of grief and despair following the death of a parent/sibling is an overwhelming and challenging part of my work.  Common Ground has become my trusted partner helping families navigate the complexities of loss.   Knowing my students will be held with empathy and love, supported spiritually, emotionally and mentally has been the greatest asset in my career.  I am forever grateful.” 

“Thank you so much for coming to our school and sharing your incredible knowledge about the very difficult topic of grief; your thoughtful explanations made a sensitive subject more accessible for our staff. Thank you for providing valuable resources and creating a safe space for us to discuss our thoughts and feelings on how to address this important issue with care and compassion.”

“The Grief Bill training provided a meaningful and practical framework for supporting grieving children and families within schools and communities. The presentation was engaging, informative, and helped strengthen our understanding of grief informed practices and the importance of compassionate response systems. Lynn Snyder with Common Ground presented the material in a clear and effective manner, while remaining sensitive to participants’ individual needs and comfort levels surrounding grief. As a school-based counselor with extensive knowledge and experience in grief counseling, I still walked away with practical strategies and valuable insight on how to thoughtfully integrate grief support into school settings.”