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Imagine

@imaginenj

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Imagine provides free year-round grief support to children, teens, and families coping with loss due to death.

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In the wake of the recent tragedy in Oregon, families may be navigating difficult emotions and questions about how to talk with children about frightening events.

The Dougy Center, The National Grief Center for Children & Families, offers guidance on approaching these conversations with care and compassion. We’re sharing some of their recommendations for anyone who may need them.

Our hearts are with the families, staff, and community affected. 💙

For additional support and resources, visit dougy.org or njgriefcollaborative.org.

#griefsupport #childgriefawareness #supportingchildren #njgriefsupport #newjerseygriefcollaborative

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The school year is in full swing! As students and educators settle into their everyday routines between school, work, home life, and everything in between, it’s important to remember that grief doesn’t take a break based on where you are or what your day looks like.

Since September, New Jersey schools have been required to incorporate grief education into health instruction. The NJ Grief Collaborative is here to help educators navigate this responsibility and create supportive environments for grieving students.

Because every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and understood. 💙

#NJGriefCollaborative #GriefEducation #NJSchools

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Grief often shows up in the moments no one else notices.

Sometimes the most meaningful support isn't knowing exactly what to say. It's simply making sure a student doesn't have to face those moments alone.

Being grief-informed starts with noticing.

#njgrief #njgriefcollaborative #griefsupport #griefsupportforkids #griefjourney

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THE WAIT IS OVER, NJ DECA!

We are proud to officially announce our 2026–2027 NJ DECA Community Service Project: Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss.

This year, NJ DECA is coming together to support an organization dedicated to helping children, young adults, and families navigate grief and loss—reminding us that no one should have to face difficult moments alone.

With 14,000+ NJ DECA members across our state, our collective impact can be extraordinary. Every fundraiser, donation, and act of service brings us one step closer to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

This year, we’re not just learning to lead.
We’re Shore to Shine.✨

NJ DECA, let’s make this year count!

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"At least you got to say goodbye." Any sentence that starts with "at least" is nothing a griever wants to hear. Real healing doesn't come from rushing to the silver lining, it comes from finally having space to say the hardest, most honest parts out loud. 🐘 That's what "the elephant in the room" means at Imagine NJ.

FOLLOW @letstalkkids for more!

Link to Full Podcast in Bio

#GriefSupport #GriefJourney #GriefAndLoss #ImagineNJ #BereavementSupport

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Winter. The final wall for @imaginenj’s new space in Newark. Such a phenomenal project to work on.

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1 out of every 13 kids in New Jersey will lose a parent or sibling before they turn 18. By age 25, that number jumps to 1 out of 8. Grief that goes unaddressed doesn't just disappear, it can lead to substance abuse and mental health struggles, which is exactly why Imagine NJ exists: a place for kids and families to actually process it.

FOLLOW @letstalkkids for more!

Link to Full Podcast in Bio

#GriefJourney #GriefAndLoss #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheStigma #ChildhoodGrief

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"I knew my children would only be as okay as I am." Lindsay Schambach, Executive Director at Imagine NJ, opens up about losing her grandfather, father, and then facing her husband's stage 4 cancer diagnosis — and the peer network that helped her survive it. 🕊️ Grief isn't taboo here — bringing it up doesn't make someone sadder, it makes them feel seen.

FOLLOW @letstalkkids for more!

Link to Full Podcast in Bio

#GriefSupport #ImagineNJ #ChildhoodGrief #WidowSupport #NewarkNJ

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Sometimes the most meaningful support comes from another student.

When young people understand that grief can look different for everyone, they're better equipped to respond with empathy instead of assumptions.

Grief-informed schools don't just prepare educators. They help students show up for one another, too.

#njgrief #njgriefsupport #njgriefbill #griefsupport #griefandhealing

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Big news! Our cousin and Uncle Matt’s nephew, John Vincent, will be one of @imaginenj newest teen facilitators this year! We know Uncle Matt is smiling down with pride. ❤️ Check out our story!!!

AND…Ryan Basta, one of the teen facilitators in Uncle Matt’s Room last year, recently published a children’s book about grief, Finding Uncle Marko! Check out the link in our bio to learn more about this special project 📚

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“Spring” - a mural wall for @imaginenj in Newark. Four walls depicting the changing of the seasons. This is deeply meaningful & important work for Imagine ❤️❤️❤️

Their mission is “To support children and families coping with loss and to foster resiliency and emotional well-being for all those who grieve.”

@amyyino says “You have created beautiful murals that will help people honor the people they are mourning, and you’ve captured lovely scenes from the city of Newark. Thank you for sharing your talents with ImaguneNJ!”

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Building grief-informed schools takes all of us.

Whether you’re an educator, parent, caregiver, school leader, or community partner, you have a role to play in creating spaces where grieving students feel seen, supported, and understood.

Together, we can help ensure no child has to navigate grief alone.

#njgriefcollaborative #griefsupport #njgriefsupport #griefjourney #education

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