The Children’s Room

2026–2031 Strategic Plan

For 30 years, The Children’s Room has been a place of connection, comfort, and community for children, teens, and families who are grieving. As we look to the future, we’re building on that legacy with a bold vision: to reach more families, strengthen lifelong connections, and ensure that grief support remains free and accessible for generations to come.

Our 2026–2031 Strategic Plan is guided by three priorities that will shape our work over the next five years.

Our Three Strategic Priorities

1. Expand Direct Services

Our goal: Provide direct grief support to 1,000 children and teens annually by 2031.

We will expand our reach by increasing peer support groups at our Arlington center, bringing grief support to more schools and communities, and establishing satellite locations in areas where access to services is limited.

We’ll also strengthen how families find and connect with our programs, ensuring that more children, teens, and caregivers know where to turn when they need support.

2. Support Lifelong Engagement

Our goal: Build lasting connections that extend beyond active participation in our programs.

Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and neither should connection and support.

We will create more opportunities for former participants and families to reconnect with The Children’s Room through gatherings, workshops, and additional resources that support families as their needs evolve.

3. Build Long-Term Financial Foundation

Our goal: Keep grief support free for every family, forever.

Through our 30th Anniversary Growth Campaign, we aim to raise $4 million over three years to support expanded programs, strengthen our organization, and invest in our future.

We’ll also work toward eliminating our remaining mortgage, growing our endowment, and creating new opportunities for community members to support our mission.

Looking Ahead

Our strategic plan represents a shared commitment from our staff, Board, and community to make grief support more accessible and sustainable across Massachusetts.

Together, we’re building a future where more children, teens, and families can find connection, understanding, and support when someone in their life dies.