Life can throw unexpected challenges our way, and Carrie Tate’s life took an unexpected turn when she was just 11 years old. A tragic helicopter accident claimed her father’s life, leaving her and her family stricken by grief. At the time, Carrie’s mother, Sherry, turned to a local peer support group for help. Still, the program could only accommodate her. Her children, including Carrie and her older siblings, had to wait. Despite the limitations, this experience gave Carrie a glimpse into the power of peer support.
In 2010, Carrie relocated to Boston. Having previously worked with educational nonprofits, she was eager to get involved with a cause close to her heart. She was browsing the internet when she stumbled upon The Children’s Room. A volunteer facilitator training was set to begin. With just a week to spare, Carrie reached out and made a last-minute decision to apply.
Reflecting on her initial motivations, Carrie shared, “I never really talked at all about my experience with my grief. When I found The Children’s Room, I was interested in a place that equips kids to express their feelings, understand, develop coping skills, and identify people in their lives that they can talk to. It normalizes the conversation on death, loss, and grief by having other kids in the community who they could talk to about their experiences.”
Sherry Tate and her children Melissa, Christopher, Andrew, and Carrie
Becoming a volunteer at The Children’s Room opened a new chapter in Carrie’s life. Although she wasn’t directly participating in the programs, she got back more than she gave. It became a personal growth and healing process as she processed her memories and emotions.
Sherry reflected on her daughter’s journey, saying, “I remember as Carrie was undergoing the initial training, she was uncertain whether she could do it.“She expressed that many emotions were coming up and leaned into them. Carrie was so passionate, and the best thing I could do was be supportive in any way I could. I remember when we had our loss, she didn’t have any place to go, and I felt helpless. That became a reason, too, why I wanted to become a donor and support the mission of The Children’s Room. It was also for the kids for whom she was holding space.”
At The Children’s Room, the community extends beyond borders. Carrie emphasized, “The volunteers are a community within. The group I have worked with has known me for years and has witnessed many milestones in my personal life. They have witnessed my grief journey, and they have been a witness to my evolution as a person.”
“What I appreciate about The Children’s Room is that even though it is about the families and the children, I have felt a lot of support and intentionality as a volunteer in making space to honor all the reasons why people come. Much as it is for the families, it also creates the opportunity to hold space together for the volunteers,” said Carrie. Her journey through grief and involvement with TCR is a testament to the program’s profound impact on individuals and communities. Through shared experiences and support, The Children’s Room provides a safe and supportive space for those who have experienced loss and grief, fostering growth, healing, and resilience.
This story was originally published in our Annual Report, CLICK HERE to view it.
