Westfield Foundation Gift Helps Bring Grief Support to Town Schools

Westfield Public Schools has launched New Jersey's first grief-informed education initiative, funded by a $100,000 grant from The Westfield Foundation. The two-year Bogart Grant supports the district's response to state legislation addressing grief and loss in schools, marking a shift toward how districts recognize and support students experiencing loss.

Grief-informed education is not a single counseling program but a framework. It trains all school staff—particularly counselors—to understand that loss takes many forms beyond death: family separation, relocation, changing friendships, or loss of identity. The entire team of school counselors in Westfield received three-day Loss and Grief Specialist training designed to equip them with tools to recognize and support students coping with these varied experiences. The training will reach all 6,000 students across the district through the counselors' work in classrooms and with individual students.

The training focused on grief-informed support principles: active listening, companioning (simply being present with a grieving person without trying to fix their pain), creating emotionally safe spaces, and helping students feel heard. Falynn Balassone, K-12 Director of Counseling for Westfield Public Schools, reported that counselors described the training as "one of the most meaningful, relevant and impactful trainings they have attended in their careers."

This initiative builds on existing resources in Union County. Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss, is the Mountainside-based partner organization providing the training. Imagine began offering free grief support groups in 2011 at the First United Methodist Church on Broad Street in Westfield before expanding to Mountainside in 2017. The organization now serves Union County and surrounding areas, with over 600 individuals currently using its free year-round peer-support program. More than 25 people from Westfield and 257 from Union County are active participants.

Katie Curran Darcy, executive director of The Westfield Foundation, framed the grant as part of a broader commitment. "This investment marks an ongoing commitment to youth mental health and educational innovation," she said.

The two-year initiative will establish Westfield as a model for how school districts in New Jersey can implement grief-informed approaches district-wide, creating a systematic response to student loss rather than an ad hoc one.

Find more education news, school updates, and community coverage for Westfield on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What is a grief-informed school initiative?
A: Grief-informed education is a framework that trains school staff—especially counselors—to recognize that loss takes many forms beyond death, including family changes, relocation, and friendship changes. Counselors learn to support students through active listening, creating safe spaces, and helping students feel heard rather than trying to "fix" their grief.

Q: Who received the training in Westfield schools?
A: The entire team of school counselors received three-day Loss and Grief Specialist training. These counselors will apply these skills across all 6,000 students in Westfield Public Schools through classroom work and individual student support.

Q: Why did Westfield schools implement this program?
A: The initiative responds to New Jersey legislation about grief and loss in schools. The Westfield Foundation provided a $100,000 Bogart Grant to establish the program over two years, making Westfield the first district in New Jersey to implement a district-wide grief-informed education approach.

Q: What is Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss?
A: Imagine is a Mountainside-based nonprofit organization that has offered free grief support groups since 2011. It started in Westfield at the First United Methodist Church and expanded to serve Union County and surrounding areas. Over 600 people participate in Imagine's free year-round peer-support program.

Q: Are there free grief support resources available for Westfield residents?
A: Yes. Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss offers free peer-support groups year-round for children and families. More than 25 people from Westfield and 257 from Union County currently participate. Learn more at imaginenj.org.

Q: Where can I find more information about Westfield schools and community programs?
A: Union County Life covers Westfield school news, educational initiatives, and community programs. Visit unioncountylife.com to stay updated.