Counseling Resources

Highmark Caring Place

A Center for Grieving Children, Adolescents and Their Families

The Highmark Caring Place provides peer support to children, adolescents and families grieving the death of a parent or primary caregiver, or a brother or sister. The Highmark Caring Place exists to help children work together to overcome their fears, to know they are not alone, to share their broken-heartedness.

The Highmark Caring Place takes its inspiration from Fred Rogers, who held that sharing the difficult things in life is the necessary first step in managing them. We work to provide a safe place, a caring and supportive atmosphere, and a strong and accepting adult presence.

Highmark Caring Place services are offered free of charge to grieving families.

The children and parents who attend the Highmark Caring Place sessions receive support and encouragement from other members in their groups—other children and adults who have experienced similar losses—and from trained adult group leaders. Each session is made up of approximately 15 - 20 families that come together for 8 - 10 evening meetings.

For more information online go to: www.highmarkcaringfoundation.com

For information by phone, please call:

In Harrisburg 1-866-613-4673
In Pittsburgh 1-888-224-4673
In Erie 1-866-212-4673

Compassionate Friends                                                                                    827-3686

"Compassionate Friends" is a support group for bereaved parents. Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Second Presbyterian Church, Reed Street, Oil City, PA. All are welcome. For more details, contact Steve or Diane Coleman, 827-3686. 

Good Grief                                                                                                             678-1111

This is a bereavement program for children and teenagers. If you would like additional information regarding any of the support groups, please contact the Visiting Nurses Association of Venango County at the number listed. 

Additional Resources