Loss touches more children than we often realize. And while grief is never easy, experiencing it at a young age can be especially overwhelming. When the loss of a loved one comes far too early, having the right support can make all the difference. And that's why The Grief Club of Minnesota, which provides a space for grieving children, teens, young adults, and their caregivers to share, connect, and heal, isn't just meaningful but essential. It's a reminder that no one has to navigate grief alone.
For co-founders Sarah Kroenke and Cara Mearns-Thompson, this work is deeply personal. As a teen, Sarah experienced the death of her mother, which changed the course of her life and influenced her professional career. Cara’s own experiences with the death of her sister and father by the age of 20 left an equally lasting mark on her journey and led her to this work with the same depth of commitment. Throughout their careers as licensed mental health counselors—nearly 55 years combined working in hospice care, schools, private practices, and crisis teams—they’ve witnessed the same heartbreaking reality: families navigating death were often left without consistent, specialized support.
By leading national speaking engagements and trainings on childhood bereavement, Sarah and Cara traveled across the country, giving them the opportunity to visit many grief centers along the way. Through these experiences, they saw what was possible and knew Minnesota needed something similar. From this vision, The Grief Club of Minnesota was born, grounded in a mission to create a space where grief isn’t carried alone, but navigated with support, compassion, and community.
In its first year—just five years ago—The Grief Club provided 397 visits through a whole-family approach to care. By 2025, that number had grown to 4,000 visits in a single year—reflecting both the increasing need and the deep trust families place in this space for healing.
The organization supports children, teens, and young adults up to age 25 following the death of a parent or sibling. It also serves adults who are grieving the death of a child, or a spouse or partner, while raising children within that same age range. The Grief Club offers a full continuum of grief support, including individual and family counseling, peer groups, family grief series, therapeutic camps, special events, crisis and trauma support, and community education.
Sarah goes on to explain that every service is delivered by licensed mental health practitioners with specialized expertise in grief and trauma. What truly sets them apart, however, is their commitment to making care accessible. All services are provided at no cost to families, and insurance is not billed—ensuring that support is available without financial burden.
“Grief has a way of making people feel deeply alone,” but not at The Grief Club. Here, there’s calm, compassion, and hope for families who have experienced an out-of-order death. Stories are shared, lives are honored, and individuals feel seen and understood. Those who have experienced the death of a loved one can process their feelings with a licensed counselor, through different modalities, alongside others who understand. Here, families can work through their grief, develop coping skills, and find a path forward. When grief is carried without support, it can take a lasting toll—both immediately and over time—on emotional well-being. Having a place to turn to, like The Grief Club, can make all the difference.
Building this healing space has become one of the most meaningful chapters in Cara and Sarah’s lives. They share a deep commitment to supporting families after the death of a loved one, bringing together complementary strengths, decades of experience, and a unified vision for the work. What began as an idea has grown into a trusted resource serving countless families across Minnesota.
"Starting a nonprofit is a journey of deep commitment, reflected in the remarkable growth The Grief Club has experienced. Witnessing the impact of this work on families across the state is both a gift and a profound privilege—grounded in the trust families place in us during their most tender moments." As The Grief Club continues to expand its reach, it remains guided by a simple belief: every child and family in Minnesota navigating grief deserves a place to turn—where they are met with compassion, understanding, and ultimately, feel less alone.
To learn more about services, upcoming events, or ways to support the mission, visit griefclubmn.org.
You can also follow The Grief Club on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay connected, share resources, and help spread awareness.