New Song Center Inspires College Students To Help Grieving Children
Student volunteers have an unique opportunity to support children through their grief journey.
City Sun Times
October 2025
by Lin Sue Flood
Volunteering is all about making a positive impact in someone’s life. Thanks to a unique initiative called the College Grief Support Program, even busy college students are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children mourning the death of a loved one.
The new volunteer program is offered by New Song Center for Grieving Children, which provides a safe, supportive place for children and families to heal from loss. Staff and specially trained volunteers help them grieve in a healthy way through art, play, games and other age-appropriate activities for kids 5 and older — all at no cost.
New Song is now recruiting college students to work with youngsters, helping to guide special activities at gatherings held Valley-wide, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert and Peoria. Training is provided along with incentives like gas or uber cards and scholarship opportunities, based on eligibility. Students also receive a letter of recommendation to use when applying to advanced education programs that require specialized volunteer experience.
Arizona State University students Stephanie Beers and Kathryn Villegas love having one-on-one interaction with children and helping them navigate a difficult time in their lives.
“I want to be more involved in the community,” Stephanie says. “I value empathy and compassion and wish to help others have a positive experience.”
Kathryn also appreciates learning more about the grief process. “I have an empathetic nature and really try to listen to people with an open mind. It’s about creating a welcoming environment for healthy conversations about the grief that they’re feeling.”
New Song is Arizona’s first and largest child and family grief support program. Since combining bereavement programs with nonprofit Hospice of the Valley in 2009, the center has served thousands of families.
To join New Song’s College Grief Support Program, contact Eileen Dullum at edullum@ hov.org or call (480) 844-5486. Lin Sue Flood is community engagement director at Hospice of the Valley.