Support for the Whole Family
Gilda’s Club is here to support youth of all ages on a cancer or grief journey. Our Youth Program has a wide range of opportunities specifically designed for kids and teens impacted by grief or cancer, whether they are living with cancer themselves, know someone living with cancer or know someone who died due to any cause. We utilize age-appropriate support and educational activities to meet youth where they are. Our Support Groups are facilitated by masters level professionals and include:
Youth Support Programs
- Youth Grief New Member Meeting: Please call to join one of these informational meetings to learn more about the Children’s Grief Program. This is for children who have experienced the death of a family member or friend due to any type of death.
- Youth Cancer New Member Meeting: Please call to join one of these informational meetings to learn more about the Children’s Cancer Program. This is for children who are impacted by any type of cancer (whether their own diagnosis or that of someone in their life).
- Noogieland: Noogieland offers fun activities including arts and crafts, drama, games and more for youth in kindergarten and younger. Supervised by a professional staff with the help of many dedicated volunteers, Noogieland provides a safe environment for kids to share their feelings and build support. Noogieland is scheduled at the same time as many of Gilda’s Club’s activities for adults, including support groups, lectures and workshops, so that support is available for the whole family.
- Currently offered in-person on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6-7 p.m. in our Grand Rapids Clubhouse
- Kids Support: Weekly support groups for youth in first through fifth grade impacted by cancer (whether their own diagnosis or that of someone in their life) or who have experienced the death of someone in their life due to any cause. These support groups incorporate age specific curriculum-based activities and discussion..
- Kids Grief Support is currently offered in-person on Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m. in our Grand Rapids Clubhouse
- Kids Cancer Support is currently offered in-person on Thursdays, 6-7 p.m. in our Grand Rapids Clubhouse
- Teen & Tween Support: Weekly support groups for youth grades six through 12 impacted by cancer (whether their own diagnosis or that of someone in their life) or who have experienced the death of someone in their life due to any cause. These support groups incorporate age specific curriculum-based activities and discussion.
- Teen & Tween Grief Support is currently offered in-person on Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m. in our Grand Rapids Clubhouse
- Teen & Tween Cancer Support is currently offered in-person on Thursdays, 6-7 p.m. in our Grand Rapids Clubhouse
- Lowell Program: If you are interested in learning more about youth support available in Gilda’s Club Lowell, please call Gilda’s Club for more information 616-897-8600
- School Partnership Programs
- Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids offers cancer and grief emotional health support and educational programs in schools throughout West Michigan for students of all ages, parents and education professionals. If you are interested in learning more about getting support started in your district, please contact Phil Dezern, Program Staff at [email protected] or 616.453.8300, ext. 133.
Take a look at what our in-school program has to offer!
Impact made during the 24-25 school year
1685
Unique Students
6480
Hour’s students spent in a cancer, grief,
or tough stuff school program
37
Schools our cancer, grief, or
tough stuff program is in
Youth Community Events
To raise awareness for our support community each year and welcome the community through our red doors, we host numerous events that celebrate our members, educate the community, showcase the unique support services we provide. One of the ways we do this is through community events for youth:
Halloween NoogieFest
Calling all ghosts and ghouls! Halloween NoogieFest is an opportunity for children of all ages and their families to visit Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids for a spooktacular afternoon of fun! NoogieFest features special guests, games and snacks. Learn more
Camp Sparkle
Camp Sparkle is an annual summer favorite! A day camp for children entering kindergarten through fifth grades who have been impacted by cancer or grief. Together we learn, share and laugh as we explore healthy ways to deal with life’s tough stuff and support overall emotional health. Learn more
