A Volunteer’s Role in Supporting Grieving Families
For Lisa Mahoney, a long-time volunteer facilitator at The Children’s Room, grief support begins with kindness—a simple but profound gesture. Whether it’s offering a word of comfort, a moment of shared silence, or simply being present, Lisa believes kindness can be a lifeline for those navigating grief. Over the years, her commitment has helped build a community at TCR where compassion and active listening are the foundation of every interaction.
“I think kindness is never wrong,” Lisa says. “Whether it’s sending a text, making a call, or just sitting quietly with someone who is grieving, if it comes from a place of care, it’s never wrong.”
Lisa’s approach embodies TCR’s mission. Through her work, she’s learned that the most powerful thing you can offer someone in pain is your presence. “Sometimes, just showing up is enough,” she reflects.
The Power of Listening and Being Present
As a volunteer at TCR, Lisa’s role goes far beyond preparing for and facilitating peer support groups.
It’s about truly being there—being present for those who need it most. One of the most impactful lessons Lisa has learned is that listening without trying to fix or solve is often the greatest gift.
“People worry so much about saying the wrong thing,” she explains. “But what we hear time and time again, from both children and adults, is that it’s more hurtful when people avoid them altogether. They don’t want to be treated as if they’re different because of their loss. They just want to be heard.”
At TCR, the act of listening creates a safe space where grief can be expressed openly, without the pressure to move on too quickly.
Lisa’s ability to be present has been key in helping children and families feel less isolated in their grief. In a world that often expects grief to remain invisible, TCR provides a sanctuary where it can be acknowledged and shared.
“Grief doesn’t make you different; it’s just something you’re living with,” Lisa explains. “At TCR, we create a space where grief isn’t hidden, and that makes all the difference.”
Honoring Those Who Have Died
At TCR, the focus isn’t solely on the loss itself, but on remembering and honoring the life of the person who died. Lisa explains that TCR offers families the space to move beyond the initial pain of the death and focus on celebrating memories of their loved ones.
“The Children’s Room allows families to talk about the person who lived,” Lisa says. “The death is just one moment in time, but the memories are what last. And when people start sharing those memories, it can ease their pain.”
This shift—from the pain of loss to the celebration of life—is a crucial part of the healing process for many families. By creating space to honor and remember their loved ones, TCR helps families move beyond the immediate pain and focus on the love and connection that remain.
Patience as Compassion
Over the years, Lisa has learned that grief follows no timeline. Each person’s experience is different, and one of the greatest gifts a volunteer can offer is patience. Lisa recalls one young girl’s slow, steady progress in the aftermath of losing her sister.
“When she first came, around age 10, she wouldn’t look at us. In the circle, her back was turned, and she’d say ‘pass’ every time it was her turn. Then, after weeks, she said, ‘My sister died.’ And a few weeks after that, she used her sister’s name for the first time. Eventually, she went on to speak publicly about her sister in the teen group,” Lisa recounts.
This gradual progress is a testament to the supportive environment TCR creates, allowing individuals to open up at their own pace. “We don’t rush anyone. It’s about meeting people where they are, and sometimes, that takes time,” Lisa says.
Growth Through Listening
Lisa’s time at TCR hasn’t just helped others—it has shaped her own life. “I’ve learned to be a better listener, not just at TCR, but in my life as a whole,” she reflects. “It’s not about fixing things or trying to take away someone’s pain. It’s about being there, truly present, and letting people be where they need to be.”
This personal growth is something Lisa attributes to her work at TCR, where listening and empathy are central to every interaction. “I’ve realized that listening—really listening—is one of the most powerful things we can do for each other,” she says.
A Lasting Impact Through Kindness
One of the most memorable moments of Lisa’s volunteer journey came when a father shared how TCR had changed his family’s outlook on grief.
“He stood up in front of everyone and said, ‘My daughter came home after meeting you and said, “I know I’m going to be okay because that woman lost her mom too, and she’s okay.”‘ He said, ‘That was the turning point for our family,'” Lisa recalls. “It was the moment they realized they could live through their loss.”
For Lisa, moments like this encapsulate the essence of how anyone can support someone who is grieving.
Kindness as the Foundation of Support
Lisa has witnessed how small gestures—whether listening, offering a word of comfort, or simply being present—can profoundly impact those grieving.
Her work reflects TCR’s mission: support doesn’t need to be complicated. This year, we’ve trained over 60 volunteers, equipping them with tools to remind us all of the power of presence. Whether you’re a friend, family member, or colleague, showing up for someone grieving may seem daunting—but as Lisa and our volunteers show, simply being there can be the most powerful gesture of all.
As TCR continues to grow, it’s the dedication of volunteers like Lisa that ensures grieving families always have a place where they feel supported, understood, and never alone.
This story was originally published in our 2024 Annual Report. To read the full feature, click here.
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Want to Support Families at The Children’s Room?
Whether you apply to become a volunteer facilitator, attend an event, or simply share our work with others, your support helps make sure no child, teen, or family has to grieve alone.
