WNY Compassion Connection Center
WNY Compassion Connection Center

Community Outreach

Supporting the WNY Community Through Loss

While WNY Compassion Connection is a physical place that provides solace from the storm of grief, we are equally as committed to creating a powerful and robust outreach effort to make homes, schools, and workplaces more grief sensitive. Through a school-based program, professional trainings, and a speaker series, our mission will be mobilized within the community to meet grievers where they are, and to help those that surround them in their daily lives better support them.

Program PDF

PROGRAM Information

7 Week School-Based Program

WNY Compassion Connection is proud to bring grief support to children in their own schools.

Through WNY Compassion Connection school-based programs, students who have experienced the death of a significant person (parent, sibling, friend, family member, etc.) can discover their innate capacity to help and support each other (and themselves) as they navigate through grief. WNY Compassion Connection offers an 8 week on-site program that works with school counselors to facilitate foundational grief work through a peer-support model.

All necessary supplies are provided, and this service is offered at no charge.

Please contact Katerina Schlabig, School Services Coordinator, for more information at katerina@wnycompassionconnection.org or (716) 713-3587.

Program Structure

Facilitated by a trained WNY Compassion Connection specialist who partners with the school social worker, counselor, or intern.
A school staff member will be an active member of the group. This may include sharing information relating to their personal grief.
7-week curriculum, meetings once a week for 45 minutes or one academic class period, not lunch or recess.
Requires a minimum of six students, maximum of 10 students; for grades K-12.
Utilizes a variety of creative art-, play-, and discussion-based activities to meet the needs of students.
Offers safety and privacy and is held in a dedicated space such as the library, counseling office, meeting room, or classroom that is free from interruptions.
School staff are educated through professional development and workshops regarding grief, and working with the grieving student as requested.

Additional Community Outreach Programs

If you’re ready to join peers with similar grief experiences, we’re here to talk. Get in touch with us and we’ll help you navigate the first step forward.

Camp Erin

Camp Erin, part of the Eluna Network, is a free bereavement camp for children ages 5-18 who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives. Eluna partners with non-profit organizations across the country, including WNY Compassion Connection, to bring joy and hope to grieving children in our communities. WNY’s Camp Erin is an annual, bereavement day camp that combines traditional camp experiences with grief support activities. Camp Erin 2025 took place on Sunday, November 23rd, stay tuned for the 2026 date! Please reach out to barb@wnycompassionconnection.org for more information.

Workplaces

Dealing with loss is always difficult. We offer corporate training to help leadership prepare for or better navigate through the sensitive issue of bereavement. 

Community Groups

If you’re ready to join peers with similar grief experiences, we’re here to talk. Get in touch with us and we’ll help you navigate the first step forward.

FUNDING

Proudly Supported

Our center and diverse program offerings are made possible by the generosity of our partners and donors.

Connect With Us

If you’re ready to join peers with similar grief experiences, we’re here to talk. Get in touch with us and we’ll help you navigate the first step forward.
JOIN US

Volunteer With Us

WNY Compassion Connection is only possible with the help of our trained, compassionate volunteers. Learn more about how you can contribute to the healing journeys of families and join our mission.
VOLUNTEER
WNY Community Compassion Center
3966 Walden Ave. Lancaster, NY 14086
(716) 288-7780‬ Visit P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative
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