Call Cason’ Place Message Phone 9 am to 4 pm: 541 612 0828 and leave a message if you have questions or concerns.
*The Dougy Center Model of Peer Grief Support is used at Cason’s Place.
How much does the program cost?
The program is free of charge. We do accept donations from families and the community to keep the program running.
How often does group meet?
Groups meet twice a month for 90 minutes. 2019-2020 School year: 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 6:30 pm
September 5 and 15 October 3 and 17 November 7 and 21 December 7
January 2 and 16 February 6 and 20 March 5 and 19 April 2 and 16 May 7 and 21
What if I don’t have transportation to attend?
Transportation can be provided for families in Morrow County and West Umatilla Counties utilizing the Oregon Health Plan.
GOBHI provides for families on the Oregon Health Plan: call 24 hours in advance and ask for transportation for your "Mental Health Appointment": 1-800-493-0040 . Clients with OMAP (Oregon Medicare Advantage Plan) must call Safe T Transport office 24 hours in advance : 541-276-6813 or 1-877-564-1134 ext. 101. No paperwork required however must have give the following information: Who is being transported, address of pickup(Hermiston or Stanfield) and a reliable phone number of the family. Irrigon and Umatilla may call Safe T Transportation directly 541-276-6813 or 1-877-564-1134 ext. 101 for pick up locations and times. Transportation leaves at 5:45 pm Hermiston High School main office, bus lane or leaves at 6pm Pilot Station -McDonalds in Stanfield. The families will be returned to transportation stops after the evening sessions.
Can adults participate?
Parents or relatives of children are encouraged to participate in the adult support group to learn more about how children grieve. Adult participation isn’t mandatory but an adult must accompany the children to group and remain on premise at all times.
Is grief sometimes mistaken for something else?
Yes. Each child will grieve differently. Some are quiet, some hide feelings and some act out. That’s why it’s important to let them grieve in their own way and channel the energy in a positive direction.
Is there a time limit to participating in the program?
Cason’s Place asks families to commit to 3-Three consecutive sessions.Length of participation varies depending on individual needs. Some children attend a few sessions while others attend for many years. Children and families are welcome to return to the program whenever they are in need of grief support.
Where did the idea to help grieving children come from?
Cason’s Place is modeled after a nationally recognized bereavement program called the Dougy Center located in Portland, Oregon. The Dougy Center has been in existence since 1981.
When is the right time for my child to participate in the program?
Children and families may attend any time after a significant death has occurred; it may a few weeks, a few months or even a couple of years. There may be life situations that occur that trigger grief responses and peer group support can be very helpful to children and teens during this time. High school age friends who have loss a loved one may also participate in the peer group sessions.
How will participating in this program help my child?
Children at Cason’s Place are with other kids in their age group that have experienced a death. They participate together in activities that support the expression of feelings and emotions that increase their understanding of death, loss and the process of grief, and decrease feelings of isolation associated with grief. This in turn can improve their social, emotional and academic development.
