For twenty years, Kaleidoscope Grief Support has walked alongside children and families in our community experiencing one of life’s most difficult realities, the death of a loved one.

​

In Oklahoma, one in ten children will experience the death of a parent or sibling before the age of eighteen. Recognizing this need, school counselor Suzie Price founded Kaleidoscope Grief Support, Inc. in 2006 to ensure children and families in Norman had a safe place to grieve together.

​

Through her work in Norman Public Schools, Suzie witnessed firsthand the profound and lasting impact grief has on children. Determined to create meaningful support, she volunteered with an established grief center before receiving specialized training at the Dougy Center Summer Institute in Portland, Oregon. After visiting grief support programs across the country and consulting local leaders, the response was clear:

 

Our community needed this resource.

​

​

Humble Beginnings

 

On March 20, 2006, Kaleidoscope held its very first meeting with three children and two volunteers.

​

What began as a small gathering rooted in compassion has grown into a program serving children ages 3-18 and their caregivers through free peer grief support groups offered each fall and spring semester.

​

Over the past two decades, nearly 800 children and adults have participated in Kaleidoscope programs, supported by trained volunteers who provide consistency, understanding, and care during seasons of deep loss.

 

 

A Safe Place to Be Open About Grief

​

Kaleidoscope’s mission is to provide peer support in a safe and understanding environment for children and families grieving the death of a family member.

​

For many participants, Kaleidoscope is the first place where they realize they are not alone.​

​

“I can choose to be open or closed about my grief. Here at Kaleidoscope I can be open because everybody here has lost somebody.” - High school participant

​​

Groups allow children to share experiences, express emotions, and connect with peers who truly understand their journey.

​​

​​

Growing to Meet Community Needs

​​

As the program expanded, Kaleidoscope responded to the evolving needs of grieving families by adding:

• Middle school groups

• High school groups

• Preschool groups

• Adult caregiver support groups
   

Today, twelve dedicated volunteers lead weekly sessions after completing training, background checks, and a year-long commitment to serving grieving families.

 

Healing Through Connection and Community
 

In addition to weekly support groups, Kaleidoscope provides opportunities for healing beyond the peer support groups.

​

Camp Kaleidoscope, now in its third year, offers a free week-long summer day camp where grieving children experience joy, creativity, and friendship while connecting with others who understand their loss.
 

Each fall, Kaleidoscope also hosts Grief and the Holidays, a community event that helps families navigate one of the most difficult seasons following the death of a loved one.

 

The Wisdom of Children
 

Children often express grief with remarkable honesty and insight.

​

“My life is like this puzzle. There’s a piece missing.” - Fifth grade participant

​

“I want my heart to feel what my head knows.” - 10 year old participant

​

These moments reflect the heart of Kaleidoscope’s work, creating space where grief can be acknowledged rather than hidden.

Looking Ahead
 

As Kaleidoscope celebrates 20 years of supporting grieving children, the organization remains committed to ensuring that all programs remain free and accessible to every family, regardless of financial circumstances.
 

This work continues because of compassionate volunteers, community partners, and generous supporters who believe that no child should have to grieve alone.
 

Together, our community has created space for healing for the past twenty years, and with continued support, Kaleidoscope will continue walking alongside grieving children and families for many years to come.

​

​

​​​​

Help Us Continue the Next 20 Years

 

As we celebrate 20 years of walking alongside grieving families, we’ve created a special “20 Ways to Give” guide that highlights how your generosity directly supports children and caregivers in our community.

 

From sponsoring a child’s grief group session to supporting Camp Kaleidoscope, each gift helps ensure our services remain free and accessible.

​​​

​

​