About BRIDGES
BRIDGES: A Center for Grieving Children was established in 1988 in recognition of a need that existed 
within our community. Bereaved children were struggling to understand and reconcile the serious illness and death of a family member. A way to support the special concerns of bereaved children was needed. Unresolved grief due to lack of support and isolation often finds expression in ways that adversely affect the health and emotional well being of the bereaved child. It is BRIDGES’ aim that no child will grieve alone.
As part of the continuum of care offered by Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Center, the BRIDGES program is a family grief support center for children between the ages of 4-18 years who have experienced the serious illness or death of a parent or sibling. BRIDGES provides a supportive, creative, and understanding environment for bereaved children and their families. It is a safe place where children can work and play at healing the losses that trouble them.
Since BRIDGES opened its doors in 1988, we have served over 1,000 children from over 850 families.
BRIDGES Staff
Melissa Porter, M Ed., Family Support Coordinator - Melissa.Porter@multicare.org
Darren Wenz, MSW, BRIDGES Coordinator - Darren.Wenz@multicare.org
Heather Neal, MSW, CT, Supervisor Grief and Loss Services - Heather.Neal@multicare.org
In 2007 BRIDGES Provided:
- 8,000 volunteer hours
- 3,500 client hours of support group service
- 1,000 client hours of in-service and community education
- Grief support to 178 children from 127 families