Volunteers are essential to our mission.
For 30 years, volunteers have been at the heart of our Family Peer Support program. Each year, we rely on a dedicated group of volunteers whose time and presence make a lasting difference for children, teens, and families who are grieving.
Our programs depend on caring, consistent, and well-trained volunteers who support families directly. With guidance from our clinical staff, volunteer facilitators lead groups for children and adults every other week throughout the school year.
We are committed to building a volunteer community that reflects the diversity of the families we serve and welcome individuals from all backgrounds.
To apply, please complete our Volunteer Facilitator Training Application here.
Upcoming Volunteer Facilitator Training: September 2026
- Friday, September 18 — In person
- Saturday, September 19 — In person
- Sunday, September 20 — In person
- Tuesday, September 22 — Virtual
- Friday, September 25 — In person
- Saturday, September 26 — In person
If you would like additional information or have questions, please CONTACT US.
Important things to know
Before applying, please review the following:
- Application process: All interested individuals must submit an application. Applying does not guarantee a spot in training. TCR staff will follow up with next steps.
- Training requirement: A free, 35-hour training (two full weekends) is required to become a volunteer facilitator. This training is typically offered twice per year.
- Commitment: You must complete the full training and, if placed, commit to one group for one year (3.5 hours every other week).
- Next steps: After training, participants meet with staff to discuss placement and must complete a CORI (background check). Placement is based on group needs and availability and is not guaranteed.
- Applications: Accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
- Timing of loss: If you have experienced the death of someone significant within the past year, we encourage you to connect with us before applying, as the training can be an intensive experience and we want to ensure participants are well supported.
About Your Role As A Volunteer
Volunteers are assigned to a specific group that meets every other week from October to June at our Center in Arlington, MA.
Groups meet:
- Monday or Thursday evenings (5:30–9:00 PM)
- Sunday afternoons (2:00–5:30 PM)
Groups do not meet during the summer.
About Our Family Peer Support Groups
Families come to The Children’s Room after the death of a parent or sibling. Children and teens (ages 3½–18), along with their parents or caregivers, attend on the same day and time, meeting in separate peer groups.
Children and teen groups engage in age-appropriate activities using art, music, play, and other creative methods to support connection, self-expression, and memory sharing.
Adult groups offer a space for parents and caregivers to connect with others who understand their experience, reflect on their grief, and navigate parenting while supporting children who are grieving.
