Uplift Center for Grieving Children’s 2024–2027 strategic plan is the result of a community coming together to pause, reflect, and plan the future after an organizational transition. In some ways, this is a metaphor for what Uplift does daily. Clinicians facilitate peer-to-peer grief groups by providing the time and space for introspection, sharing, and learning so that youth and caregivers can take steps toward a future changed by the present.
As Uplift looks toward supporting and strengthening emotionally resilient communities, it is poised for significant growth. There is a considerable need for professional grief services, and it is vital for Uplift to be more present and more pervasive in communities.
Uplift intends to expand in a managed, mission, and values-driven way. Growth Without Compromise means to hold fast to providing high-quality services, acting as a trusted partner, and being driven by core values. Uplift will proceed methodically and creatively, remaining responsive to the changing needs of youth and caregivers and retaining the attributes that make its services effective.
“No child should grieve alone” is a refrain that Uplift shares with other grief services providers across the country. The following goals frame strategies for how Uplift will pursue that imperative over the next several years:
Responsive Grief Services
Greater capacity to respond to the needs of more youth and caregivers who are grieving in more communities.
Shared Understanding and Collective Action
Greater capacity to share knowledge and spark community-wide engagement.
A Culture of Mutual Accountability
Greater capacity to share knowledge and spark community-wide engagement.
Throughout implementing the strategic plan, Uplift Center for Grieving Children will be guided by the following Core Values:
To best serve and support youth, caregivers, and communities – love and compassion – is at the center of all we do.
We dedicate ourselves to holding space and providing access to healing through shared experiences of grief and loss. In doing so, we establish lasting bonds with our families, partners, and communities.
We strive to foster an atmosphere that is tailored to the needs of our communities, honoring the unique histories, cultures, identities, and systems of marginalization. We start by doing this essential work internally to achieve the co-creation of healing spaces where all are heard and valued.
We act thoughtfully, meaningfully, and intentionally to respect all and to create equitable opportunities for all, to nurture relationships, to strengthen our connections and our work in service to families.
Everyone belongs.
When we intentionally foster a belonging environment, one of psychological safety and trust, we are empowered to contribute to our very best.