Fernside Programs & Services

Fernside Programs & Services offers Family Program support groups for children and their parent or guardian, School Program time-limited, on-site support groups for students at area schools, and Crisis Program support for schools and other organizations following a death. The program also includes Special Collaboration Program support groups for those with special needs, a Camp Program with outdoor experiences for children, teens, adults and families, and Community Outreach & Education presentations on grief-related topics and services. Families and helping professionals can also access phone consultations for grief-related questions or concerns, along with resources and reading materials.

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Price: Fernside provides all services free of charge.

Fernside Programs & Services is part of Fernside, established in 1986 as the nation’s second oldest children’s grief center. In the fall of 1986, Fernside opened its doors to 16 children and 12 adults, and it affiliated with Hospice of Cincinnati in 2002. Fernside is described as a national leader in providing grief support services and was selected as a Childhood Bereavement Changemaker. Fernside is an affiliate of Hospice of Cincinnati, a non-profit hospice sponsored by Bethesda Inc. in a collaborative community partnership with TriHealth and Bon Secours Mercy Health. Fernside participates in the Childhood Bereavement Changemaker Program conceived by Judi’s House/JAG Institute with philanthropic support from New York Life Foundation in collaboration with the National Alliance for Children’s Grief, and bi3 awarded $1.3 million to the Fernside Center for Grieving Children to expand capacity and youth mental wellness services into area schools. Fernside services complement Hospice of Cincinnati’s comprehensive bereavement program by addressing the unique needs of children, and Fernside provides all services free of charge with the help of donors who support its mission.

Last updated June 28, 2026.