6 Poquonock Avenue, Windsor, CT 06095 | 860-688-9621 | www.marysplacect.org
Our Mission: Our purpose is to provide an atmosphere of trust in which children and families who are grieving a death share their experiences, receive support and find comfort.
Mary’s Place operates under the principles of The Dougy Center, the first center for grieving children and families in the United States. We offer ongoing peer support groups for children, teens and families who are grieving the death of a loved one. Founded in 1996, by the Carmon Family of Carmon Community Funeral Homes and Bereavement Coordinator, Mary Keane, we have served thousands of children and families over the past 23 years.
Our current program offers the following groups, each of which meet twice a month.
• Children (3-12) who have experienced the death of a parent/guardian or sibling
• Teens who have experienced the death of a parent/guardian, sibling or best friend
• Young widows and widowers
We also provide confidential phone support, educational materials from our library and referrals for other community resources.
Fundraising Events/Opportunities
Mary’s Place hosts events throughout the year that offer opportunities for both individuals and businesses to support. Sponsor, attend or donate to any of our events.
• Have a Heart: Our community wide fundraiser held each February, where local businesses collect monetary donations from patrons by “selling” our pink hearts. Local business owners can support by hosting a campaign. Everyone can support by purchasing a heart in memory of a loved one.
• Wine Tasting: A fun evening featuring fine wines and other spirits, gourmet appetizers and great music, held each year in March.
• Memory Walk: Our family-friendly fundraiser, held on the first Sunday in May. We walk in memory of our loved ones who have passed away.
• Gala: An elegant evening featuring dinner, dancing, auction and spirit pull. The Gala is our largest fundraising event of the year, held each September.
Giving Opportunities
Mary’s Place relies on individual, corporate and foundation support to continue our important work. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our volunteers, we are able to provide all of our programs and services at no charge. There are many ways to support us.
• Make a donation on our website or through our 3x per year newsletter mailing.
• Attend or sponsor one of our many fundraisers throughout the year.
• Hold your own fundraiser to benefit the children and families of Mary’s Place.
• Make an in-kind contribution from our wish list, such as snacks, stamps, office supplies, etc.
• Make a donation in memory of a loved one or designate Mary’s Place as the recipient of obituary donations.
• Ask your employer about giving opportunities in your workplace; company matched gifts/volunteer donation programs.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the heart of our organization. Volunteer opportunities include board member, community ambassador and support group facilitator. We are actively seeking volunteers to apply to join our event/fundraising committees.
