Dustin’s Place offers many programs for those in need
Dustin’s Place provides support in a safe place where grieving children, teens, and their families can find connection and healing through sharing their experience of the death of a loved one throughout their healing process. According to their website, “Dustin’s Place believes that no child or family should grieve the death of a loved one alone.”
Dustin’s Place is named in memory of Dustin Cullen. Dustin was the husband of Viki (Cullen) Brown and father of Caythan, Liliana, and Dean. In 2016, Dustin was involved in a single car fatal accident. “While they were surrounded with love from their family and friends the need for grief support and care was evident,” states Dustin’s Place’s website. “Viki and her children attended a children’s grief support group together and immediately felt the connection with other grieving families.”
In October of 2018, Viki and some of Dustin’s closest friends started the process of opening a children’s grief center. Dustin’s Place was founded on Feb. 18, 2019.
The website states that, “The mission of Dustin’s Place is to provide support in a safe place where grieving children, teens, and their families can find connection and healing through sharing their experience of the death of a loved one throughout their healing process. Dustin’s Place believes that no child or family should grieve the death of a loved one alone.”
Programs range from ages 4 to adults. The Kids Groups include Littles ( ages 4 to 6) and Mids (ages 7 to 9). Tweens include ages 10 to 13. The Teens programs include Ages 14 to 18 and Traumatic Teen Loss. The Adult programs include Spousal Bereavement, Parent of a Child Loss, Suicide Bereavement, Family Support, Overdose Bereavement. Meetings are biweekly.
Because Dustin’s Place offers their services free of charge, they are always looking for passionate adults to volunteer as program facilitators. Visit www. dustinsplace.org to find out more on how you can apply to be a volunteer.
Dustin’s Place will be holding its 2nd Annual Dustin’s Place Giving Hope Gala on Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. The gala will be held at The Wooded Knot in Tippecanoe. Doors open and silent auction bidding begins at 5:30 p.m. The event will to benefit Dustin’s Place. Formal attire is encouraged and reservations are required. Gala tickets include appetizers, dinner, dessert, and drinks. There are several ticket levels. For more information about the gala and Dustin’s Place, contact 574-529-0528 or email info@dustinsplace.org with questions.