Resources

One of the major goals of The Stephan Center is to help match needs with the resources available. These resources range from local support groups and faith communities to research programs, books, and training materials. We are constantly updating and adding to this list. If you have a suggestion for a resource or agency to add to the list, please e-mail us.

The Resources provided are grouped by various types of losses. Grieving occurs around many different loss situations beside death. We have organized the resources alphabetically by type of loss for ease in location. While some of the resources are region specific in most cases those organizations are linked to other similar services throughout the country addressing the same loss. Please contact us if you are in need of a support source which is not listed and we will find the appropriate resources for you. Click on a resource in the list below to get more information.

Addiction Support
Bereaved Parents (Support when a child dies)
Children Support
Disaster Preparation Resources
Financial Support
Foster Care Support Services
Illness Support Services
Incarceration Support Services
LGBTQ
Mental Health
Military Deployment and Veteran Support Services
Parenting Support Services
Physical Impairments and Challenges
Senior Support Services/Care giving Support
Special Education/Needs
Widow and Widower Support
Youth and Teens

Addiction Support

Addiction Guide
https://www.addictionguide.com/resources/

Addiction-Recovery Recommended Links
https://www.addictionsandrecovery.org/addiction-recovery-links.htm

Community Resources: The Effects of Addictions on Society
https://www.addictioncenter.com/community-resources/

Education and Resources for Families and Patients
https://www.aaap.org/education/resources/patients/

SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Bereaved Parents (Support when a child dies)

Addiction Guide
https://www.addictionguide.com/resources/

Bereaved Parents USA
https://www.bereavedparentsusa.org/

Healing Heart
http://healingheart.net/

Compassionate Friends
https://www.compassionatefriends.org/

Grieving Parents
https://grievingparents.net/

Children Support

Camp Erin (now part of Eluna Network)
https://elunanetwork.org

Center for Grief Recovery and Therapeutic Services
https://griefcounselor.org/about-the-center/
Phone: (773) 274-4600
Email: info@griefcounselor.org

Dougy Center
https://www.dougy.org

Rainbow Connection Family Resource Center
https://rainbowconnectionfrc.weebly.com
2401 E. Gonzales Rd.
Suite 100
Oxnard, CA 93036
Main phone: (805) 485-9643
En Español: (805) 485-9892
Hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM and 1st Saturday of the month: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

The Elizabeth Hospice
https://elizabethhospice.org
Hospice Care: 800-797-2050 (toll free)
Elizabeth Palliative Care: 833-349-2052 (toll free)
Grief Support: 833-349-2054 (toll free)
Physician Referrals: 833-349-2050 (toll free)

VNAIC Morning Star Center
18169 Bear Valley Rd.
Hesperia, CA 92345
Phone: (760) 948-7249

Disaster Preparation Resources

American Red Cross
Questions, Comments, and other concerns: (800) 733-2767
Southern California: https://www.redcross.org/local/california/southern-california.html
National Website: https://www.redcross.org

Disaster Relief Centers:

  • No-Burn Inc: https://noburn.com Fire protective coating manufacturer: (330) 336-1500
  • No-Burn Inc Northeast PA: https://www.noburnnepa.com (570) 474-5330, Manufacturer inquiries – (800) 989-8577, ask for technical support
  • https://www.disasterassistance.gov – Provides disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a means to access and apply for disaster assistance through joint data-sharing efforts between federal, tribal, state, local, and private sector partners.

Government Offices Emergency Services (Cal OES)
https://www.caloes.ca.gov
California Governor’s Office – Emergency Service: (916) 845-8510
Cal OES contacts: https://www.caloes.ca.gov/Cal-OES-Divisions/About-Cal-OES/Cal-OES-Contacts

Financial Support Resources

California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
https://hcd.ca.gov
3737 Main St. #400
Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (800) 952-8356

Financial Assistance for homes
USA.gov – https://www.usa.gov/#tpcs
Benefits.gov – https://www.benefits.gov/categories/Housing%20and%20Public%20Utilities

Habitat for Humanity
https://www.habitat.org

Local City Redevelopment Departments
Justyn Howard, Program Budget Manager for Department of Finance
915 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 445-1546
Email: Justyn.howard@dof.ca.gov

Local County Office of Aging
https://www.aging.ca.gov

Relief, specific to disasters
https://www.benefits.gov/categories/Disaster%20Relief

USDA Rural Development
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-guaranteed-loan-program
Toll free: 1 (800) 670-6533

Social Service.com Job Board
https://www.socialservice.com

Foster Care Support

AARP/Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
https://www.aarp.org
Articles related to Grandparents raising grandchildren: https://www.aarp.org/search/?q=Grandparents%20raising%20grandchildren&c=everywhere

California Children’s Services
General Website: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Services/CCS
Sacramento County: https://dhs.saccounty.net/PUB/Pages/California-Childrens-Services/SP-California-Childrens-Services.aspx
Phone: 916-445-4171 (Sacramento, CA)
Business hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 AM-5 PM

CASA/GAL Association for Children
https://nationalcasagal.org

County Offices – California Department of Social Services
https://cdss.ca.gov/county-offices

Foster and Kinship Care EducationGeneral Website:
https://www.cccco.edu
Direct Page: https://www.cccco.edu/About-Us/Chancellors-Office/Divisions/Educational-Services-and-Support/Student-Service/What-we-do/Foster-and-Kinship-Care-Education

Foster Parent Association
http://www.fosterparents.com

Inspire Life Skills: For youth leaving the foster care system
https://inspirelifeskills.org
Riverside and San Bernardino County: (951) 316-0011

Local County Departments of Social Services:

National Foster Parent Association
https://nfpaonline.org

The Stephan Center
https://www.thestephancenter.org
Phone: (951) 310-4944
Email: thestephancenter@juno.com

Volunteers of America
https://www.voa.org

Illness Support Resources

American Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.org

American Parkinson Disease Association
https://www.apdaparkinson.org/resources-support/

American Lung Association
https://www.lung.org
Phone: 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872)

American Heart Association
https://www.heart.org

Assistance Dogs International – Results for Members who Serve California
https://assistancedogsinternational.org/member-search/california/

Assisted Living Options for People with Disabilities
https://www.assistedliving.org/assisted-living-options-for-people-with-disabilities/

Caring Bridge
https://www.caringbridge.org
Phone: (651) 452-7940
Customer Care: (651) 789-2300
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM Central Standard Time (CST)

Center for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov

City of Hope
https://www.cityofhope.org

Department of Public Health (DPH) – State and Local

Housing and Health | Hiv.Gov
https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/living-well-with-hiv/taking-care-of-yourself/housing-and-health

Life with Cancer
https://www.lifewithcancer.org

Medical Alert Service Dogs
http://www.perfectfitcanines.org/medical-alert-and-response-service-dogs/

Mesothelioma Center
https://www.mesothelioma.com

Mesothelioma Center (Asbestos)
https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/

MS Society
https://www.nationalmssociety.org

National Resource Center on Lupus
https://www.lupus.org/resources

Parkinson’s Foundation
https://www.parkinson.org/Living-with-Parkinsons/Resources-and-Support

Pediatric Cancer Foundation
https://pcrf-kids.org

Pediatric Oncology Resource Center
http://www.ped-onc.org
Email: porcwebmaster@pfeist.net

Resource Library | HIV/AIDS
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/library/index.html

St Jude Hospital
https://www.stjude.org

Support for Families When a Child Has Cancer
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/caregiver-support/parents

Incarceration Support Resources

Center for Restorative Justice Works
https://crjw.us

Department of Mental Health – Local County of Mental Health

Family Express Bus
https://familyexpress.us

Fellowship of Reconciliation
https://forusa.org
Email: for@forusa.org
Phone: (845) 358-4601

Get on the Bus (California)
https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/visitors/get-on%20the-bus/

Support and Resources for Families and Victims
https://www.californiacrimevictims.org/files/2014/03/Victim-Resources-NGO.pdf

LGTBQ

Housing and Health | Hiv.Gov
https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/living-well-with-hiv/taking-care-of-yourself/housing-and-health

Info and Resources for LGBTQ Teens and Allies
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/lgbtq/info-and-resources-lgbtq-teens-and-allies

LGBTQ Resource List | GLAAD
https://www.glaad.org/resourcelist

Resource Library | HIV/AIDS
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/library/index.html

Resources for families of LGBTQ Youth
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/diverse-populations/lgbtq/lgbt-families/

The Safe Zone Project
https://thesafezoneproject.com

Support Resources for LGBTQ Individuals and Families
https://www.ncfr.org/resources/resource-collections/support-resources-lgbtq-individuals-and-families

The Trevor Project
https://www.thetrevorproject.org

Mental Health

Assistance Dogs International – Results for Members who Serve California
https://assistancedogsinternational.org/member-search/california/

California Institute for Mental Health Solutions
https://www.cibhs.org/

Healing Companions
https://healing-companions.org/

Local Departments of Mental Health

Mental Health Resources – Mental Health California
https://www.mentalhealthca.org/resources

Mental Health Strategies for High School Students
https://study.com/resources/mental-health-strategies-for-teens#0117

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
https://www.nami.org/Home

National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) Mental Health Links
https://www.nasmhpd.org/content/mental-health-links

Postpartum Support International (PSI)
https://www.postpartum.net/

Suicide Prevention Resources | AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-resources

Military Deployment and Veteran Support Services

American Widow Project
http://americanwidowproject.org

Armed Forces YMCAs
https://www.asymca.org

Military Spouse Support
https://www.militaryspouseadvocacynetwork.org/new-military-spouse-support-program

Military Once Source: Military Spouse Support
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/spouse/military-life-for-spouses/military-spouse-support

Military and Veteran Benefit
https://www.military.com/benefits
https://militarybenefits.info/benefits/

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)
https://www.moaa.org

Office of Survivors Assistance
https://www.va.gov/survivors/osa_links.asp

Operation We are Here
https://www.operationwearehere.com/FallenWarriorsGrief.html

Resources for Veterans – Get the Help You Need
https://www.maketheconnection.net/resources

Society of Military Widows
http://www.militarywidows.org/

Veterans Benefits Administration
https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/

VA Benefits for Service Members | Veteran Affairs
https://www.va.gov/service-member-benefits/

Vet Support Center – Aid and Attendance Benefits
https://vetsupportcenter.com

Parenting Support Services

Families First Center 
Parent Education: https://familiesfirstcenter.org/additional-info/parent-education

Dr. Jane Nelson – About Positive Discipline
https://www.positivediscipline.com/about-positive-discipline

Mental Health Strategies for High School Students
https://study.com/resources/mental-health-strategies-for-teens#0117

National Parent Helpline
https://www.nationalparenthelpline.org
Phone: 1-855-4APARENT (1-855-427-2736)

One Parent Foundation
https://oneparent.org

Parent Education
http://www.solutionsforamerica.org

Parent Education Programs – Child Welfare Information Gateway
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/prevention-programs/parented/

Parents as Teachers
https://parentsasteachers.org
Phone: (314) 432-4330
Toll free: 1-(866) 728-4968

Parents Without Partners (Local Chapters)
Bellflower, CA: (562) 630-6275
Arcadia, CA: (626) 294-3211
Riverside, CA: (951) 353-0797
Torrance, CA: (310) 484-9153
San Diego, CA: (858) 597-9313
Valencia, CA: (661) 253-4785

Programs for Early Parenting
https://www.peps.org

Programs for Parents: Comprehensive Services for Families and Children
Parent Education: https://programsforparents.org/parent-education/

Shared Parenting for divorced or separated parents
http://www.shared-parenting.com
Contact: Carol N. Greenfield, MA, MFT
Phone: (916) 924-1202
Email: cngmft@gmail.com

Single Mothers Outreach
https://singlemothersoutreach.org/parents/

Single Parent Support Network
https://supportforsingleparents.org

The Stephan Center
https://www.thestephancenter.org
Phone: (951) 310-4944
Email: thestephancenter@juno.com

Teacher crafted learning activities
https://www.education.com

Physical Impairments and Challenges

Internet Navigation for the Visually Impaired
https://www.nvisioncenters.com/internet-accessibility-guide/

Vision Center
https://www.visioncenter.org/

Senior Support Services and Care Giving Support

AARP
https://www.aarp.org

Aging in Place
https://aginginplace.org/

Alzheimer Society
https://www.alz.org

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resources | Alzheimer’s Association
https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources

American Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.org

American Lung Association
https://www.lung.org

Elder Law 101
https://www.elderlawanswers.com/elder-law-basics

Elder Law and Disability Rights Center
https://eldrcenter.org

Elder Law: Disability and Asset Protection Planning
https://corporate.findlaw.com/law-library/elder-law-disability-amp-asset-protection-planning.html

Kisco Retirement Communities
https://www.kiscoseniorliving.com

Local County Office of Aging
https://www.aging.ca.gov

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
https://www.naela.org

Senior Law, Elder Abuse, Disability Rights Project
https://www.apilegaloutreach.org/programs/senior-law-elder-abuse-disability-rights-project/

Special Needs Planning
https://www.elderlawanswers.com/special-needs-planning

Special Needs Trusts
https://elderlawcalifornia.com/estate-planning/special-needs-trusts/

What does an Elder Law Attorney Do?
https://elder.findlaw.com/what-is-elder-law/what-does-an-elder-law-attorney-do-.html

What To Expect in a Memory Care Facility
https://www.memorycare.com/what-to-expect-in-memory-care/

When To Consider Memory Care
https://www.memorycare.com/when-to-consider-memory-care/

Special Education Needs

Americans with Disabilities Act
https://www.ada.gov

The ARC
https://thearc.org

Assistance Dogs International – Results for Members who Serve California
https://assistancedogsinternational.org/member-search/california/

Autism Society
https://autismsociety.org/
Phone: (800) 328-8476

Autism Speaks
https://www.autismspeaks.org

Autism Therapy Dogs – 10 Ways They Can Help Your Child with Autism
https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/therapy-dog-can-help/

Bethesda Lutheran Communities
https://bethesdalc.org

Best Online Tutoring of 2018
https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/#tutoring_disabilities

The Best Scholarship Search Platforms of 2018
https://www.bestcolleges.com/financial-aid/online-colleges/

California Department of Education
https://www.cde.ca.gov

California Independent Living Centers Locator
https://calsilc.ca.gov/independent-locator/

Cerebral Palsy Resources for Patients and Consumers
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/cerebral-palsy/resources/patients

Down Syndrome: Center for Parent Information and Resources
https://Parentcenterhub.org/downsyndrome

Foundation for Autism Care, Education, and Services
https://facesautism.org

Guide to Living Arrangements for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
https://www.rcocdd.com/consumers/description-of-services/residential-services/its-all-about-options/guide-to-living-arrangements-for-adults-with-developmental-disabilities-2/

How to Decide Between Autism Service Dogs & Autism Therapy Dogs
https://www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/service-dog-or-therapy-dog-which-best-child-autism

Independent Living Centers – CA Department of Rehabilitation
https://dor.ca.gov/Home/IndependentLiving

Inland Regional Center
https://www.inlandrc.org

Service Dogs for Children with Autism or Other Developmental Disabilities
https://neads.org/service-dog-programs/children-autism/

The Autism Community in Action (TACA)
Toll Free: (855) 726-7810
Local: (949) 640-4401

The Help Group (Autism support)
https://www.thehelpgroup.org

L’Arche USA
https://www.larcheusa.org
Phone: (503) 282-6231

Local School District Special Education Departments:

National Association for Down Syndrome
https://www.nads.org

National Down Syndrome Society
https://www.ndss.org

Pacific Autism Center for Education
https://www.pacificautism.org/programs/behavioral-services/

United Parents of Down Syndrome
https://www.upsfordowns.org

Widow/Widower Support

AARP
https://www.aarp.org

California Hospice and Palliative Care Association (CHAPCA)
https://www.calhospice.org

California State list; Hospice Care Services
http://careforcalifornia.net/list04_ca_hospice_care.htm

Hospice Analytics: National Hospice Locator
http://www.nationalhospicelocator.com

Hot Young Widows Club (for men and women)
https://www.hotyoungwidowsclub.com

National Widowers Organization
https://nationalwidowers.org/reference_material/

Resources and Support for Widows
https://www.alightersoul.com/widow-resources-support

The Sisterhood of Widows
https://sisterhoodofwidows.com

Soaring Spirits International
https://soaringspirits.org
Email: contact@soaringspirits.org
Phone: 877-671-4071

Society of Military Widows
http://www.militarywidows.org/donations.aspx

Widow NetBereavement Support for Men and Women
http://www.widownet.org

Youth/Teen

Info and Resources for LGBTQ Teens and Allies
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/lgbtq/info-and-resources-lgbtq-teens-and-allies

The Trevor Project
https://www.thetrevorproject.org

Mental Health Strategies for High School Students
https://study.com/resources/mental-health-strategies-for-teens#0117

The Dougy Center, Grief Support for Teens
https://www.dougy.org

The Jed Foundation
https://jedfoundation.org

Teen Mental Health
http://teenmentalhealth.org/

Erika’s Lighthouse, Teen Toolbox
https://www.erikaslighthouse.org

Teen Help.com
https://www.teenhelp.com