Youth Grief Services is part of the Fairview Health System.  Helping families struggling with the death of a loved one is an integral part of Fairview’s commitment to improve the health of the communities we serve by addressing the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and their families.  Youth Grief Services has been serving grieving families since 1999.

Our program is managed by a master level counselor and a master level educator who both have special training in grief work. Our program relies on a trained and dedicated pool of caring volunteers.

Program coordinators
Lisa Hansen has worked with our program since 2000.  Lisa’s strength as a program leader lies in her extensive knowledge of childhood grief, coupled with her warm and caring nature. 

Jenny Simmonds joined the Youth Grief Services staff in 2007. Jenny brings a wealth of experience as a facilitator for both educational and support groups with kids and families. Jenny is an accomplished writer and has published a curriculum on children in change. She has also written other curriculum activities on grief and loss.

Group volunteers
Our program’s success is largely based on the quality of our volunteers.  Though they come from all walks of life, many have had personal experience with grief that has led them to their work with Youth Grief Services - some have even become volunteers after participating in our support programs.  In addition to having a desire to help, our volunteers pass a background check with the state of Minnesota and our intensive training program. 

At Youth Grief Services, our staff and volunteer team work together to ensure that grieving youth and their families find the support and education they need.  This work creates a community where needs of grieving children and teens are understood and met.

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