The Compassionate Friends of Brattleboro

Meetings currently held every other Sunday with one Sunday in person and the other online via Zoom

Online meetings are held from 3:00 to 5:00 PM

In-person meetings are held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at
The West Village Meetinghouse

29 South Street

West Brattleboro, VT

The Compassionate Friends (TCF) of Brattleboro, a local chapter of the national self-help organization for families that have endured the death of a child, currently holds an online bi-monthly meeting every other Sunday.

“A bereavement organization like TCF where families can talk about their loss publicly without feeling out-of-place is invaluable to those of us whose children have passed over,” said chapter leader Beverly Miller. “After your child passes away, most people do not want to talk with you about your child probably because they are afraid of making you feel bad. The irony is that talking about our children, sharing our stories and tears, brings us what I have come to call “a terrible comfort.”

The Compassionate Friends is a national non-profit organization with more than 650 chapters in the United States and locations in every state. Chapters welcome immediate family members to attend including adult siblings. Meetings are for all families regardless of race, religious orientation, economic background, or the cause and age of the child at passing, from pre-birth up.

“The passing of a child alters us as nothing else ever has,” added Miller. “Through our shared experience, we are able to talk about our loss and learn what each of us are doing to cope with this new way of being in the world, a world without our children.”

Meetings last two hours in general, and all those attending are invited to discuss their child’s life and anything related to their grieving and living with the passing of their children. We encourage the sharing of readings, poetry, music, artwork and photographs. Occasionally, we may include a special topic, speaker or activity. The chapter has a selection of brochures on many topics related to the passing of a child. Members are not charged fees or dues to attend. Donations or “Love Gifts” from the community are accepted in memory of the children of the chapter and may be used to publish a chapter newsletter, further outreach in the community, and/or cover other expenses.

For more information about local chapter meetings call Beverly Miller at 802-251-5598 or email her at For information about the national organization, call toll-free 877-969-0010, or visit www.compassionatefriends.org and  www.facebook.com/TCFUSA on the web.