Would you recommend Good Grief?
Everyone that comes to Good Grief is a part of a unique community in which every member truly cares for one another. The facilitators listen wholeheartedly, are and invested in the growth of each Good Grief family member. I have enjoyed volunteering here during nights of support as well as the grief expressions camp. You sincerely feel the mission of this organization as soon as you step into the center, and each volunteer is greatly appreciated for contributing to this mission.
I have had the privilege of been a volunteer facilitator for the past 6 years.
My initial goal was to help out with the younger children and better understand how they grieve. It never dawned on me that I would personally grow and learn so much.
My first group was with much older children than I was used to. But by trusting the Good Grief process, practising the skills I learned at training and working with co facilitators it turned out to be an empowering experience. In addition, I have always found the Good Grief staff to be very supportive and professional.
What strikes me most about Good Grief is that it is a dynamic organization that is never static. It is continuously growing and evolving. This is evident by the large number of facilitators who return year after year eager to be part of this movement that helps put the 'Good in Grief'.
I highly recommend that you take a tour of the facility in Morristown or Princeton.
Almost 11 years ago, I trained to become a volunteer facilitator at Good Grief after attending a fundraiser for the organization. It changed my life forever! The weekend training was one of the most amazing and insightful experiences of my life. I did not want it to end. I was ambivalent at first, walking into a room full of strangers and revealing some things I had not shared with anyone. The training staff provided a safe and accepting environment for us all. I learned so many wonderful tools that did not just help me as a facilitator but throughout my daily life. Listening and not judging others were the two most important things I learned that weekend. After all my years as a facilitator at Good Grief, I have witnessed the most positive impact it has made on the lives of these children. The reason for these families who participate in the program is a sad one, but Good Grief is a happy place.
I am proud to say that I am in my 4th year as a volunteer here, and I don't know where else to begin in summarizing my experience besides saying it has changed my life.
To begin, the Facilitator Training that Good Grief provides it's volunteers is a powerful & moving wknd of learning that teaches you the art of active listening, and non judgement. Some of my best friends to this day were made during that one weekend.
Because Good Grief supports it's volunteers as much as it's grieving families, you will have the opportunity to express what age group you are most comfortable working with (the ages range from kindergarteners to adults). Some people worry that they will leave their volunteer shifts feeling sad, but the reality is that the love you give and receive at this amazing organization leaves you feeling supported and empowered.
I strongly recommend Good Grief to volunteers who seek an engaging and impactful experience making a true difference and forming real bonds.
You cannot argue with the mission of this organization. And I think the organization adds value to the community. But I also think there is an "in-crowd" in terms of the management, donors, & volunteers. Some people get the assignments of their choice while others don't. They say they want feedback but it is met with a head nod, not a robust discussion. I don't think some of the staff doing the work are trained to the capacity that would be more useful. I also don't know why they keep seeking volunteers when there were always too many for assignments available.
