Holding Space for Grief: Reflections from the 2026 Good Grief Spring Institute

On March 14, educators, clinicians, volunteers, and community members gathered at The Pingry School for the 2026 Good Grief Spring Institute: Holding Space for Grief.

It was a day rooted in connection, one that brought together people from different roles and communities, united by a shared belief that grief is not something to fix, but something to be with.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in thoughtful conversations, experiential workshops, and moments of reflection that invited us to slow down and consider what it truly means to hold space for others. 

We were honored to be joined by Donna L. Schuurman, whose keynote grounded us in decades of experience supporting grieving children and families. Her words reminded us that grief is not something to be solved, but something to be witnessed, honored, and held with care.

The day also created space for lived experience. During our panel, participants heard directly from individuals who have navigated grief in the context of school, family, and community; reflecting on what helped, what didn’t, and what they wish others understood. Their honesty and insight were a reminder that the most meaningful support often begins with listening.

One of the most impactful aspects of the Spring Institute each year is the opportunity to learn not only from experts, but from one another. Whether in small group discussions, shared activities, or catching up with facilitators from other nights or centers, there was a palpable sense of community. A recognition that this work, while often heavy, is not something we carry alone.

We are deeply grateful to our presenters from Good Grief, Imagine, and St. Elizabeth University. As well as our panelists, facilitators, and every participant who showed up with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to learn and reflect.

Events like Spring Institute help to strengthen a growing community of people committed to grief-informed practice in schools, in organizations, and in everyday interactions with children and families.

At Good Grief, we believe that grief has a home here — and so do the people who are learning how to support it.

Thank you for being part of this work, and we hope to see you next year.

About Good Grief, Inc.

Good Grief is a non-profit organization whose mission is to build resilience in children, strengthen families, and empower communities to grow from loss and adversity. With centers in Princeton and Morristown, New Jersey, Good Grief provides free, open-ended support to children, teens, and young adults after the death of a parent or sibling. Through school and community programs across the country, Good Grief helps children and their communities build resilience to overcome loss and adversity.

View photos from the day:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/LoYS3BzvrouNP2ub8