PETE’S PLACE GRIEF SUPPORT CENTER FOR CHILDREN, TEENS AND FAMILIES

Pete’s Place Grief Support Center is a Wentworth-Douglass Hospital sponsored children’s community project. Modeled after the Dougy Center in Portland, Oregon, Pete’s Place is named in honor of Pete Gabarro, a 12-year old Dover boy who died in 1994 after a courageous battle with cancer. Pete impressed all of those around him with his strength, dignity and humor.

During this sad time, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital became aware of the limited resources available in our community to support children, teens and families who are coping with cancer or a life-threatening illness, or grieving the death of a loved one. WDH began plans to develop such a resource, and out of this, Pete’s Place was born.

Since 1999, Pete’s Place has grown to offer comprehensive coping grief support services and in September 2001, was relocated to a separate facility at 1 Webb Place in Dover. The environment is designed for the comfort of children and families and includes group discussion rooms and activity/play areas. Pete’s Place also provides training and consultation to community schools and organizations regarding loss, coping with illness and grief.

Pete’s Place is a non-profit project funded by Wentworth-Douglass Hospital and the annual Pete Gabarro Memorial Golf Tournament and gratefully accepts other donations. Services are offered to the community at no charge. For more information on Pete’s Place, call (603) 740-2689.