A peer-grief support group designed specifically for youth in foster care.

Are you a teen who is in foster care and interested in joining a youth-led, youth driven grief support group?

Studies conducted show that the youth’s experiences of death and non-death losses are under-acknowledged in the child welfare system. The L.Y.G.H.T. program was developed to create a trauma-informed and grief-informed program to support the needs of youth. 

Project Lemonade has been selected by Dougy Center to be one of two Portland-based partners to launch the L.Y.G.H.T. Program (Listening and Led by Youth in Foster Care: Grief, Hope and Transitions) in Oregon.

interested?

About L.Y.G.H.T.

The L.Y.G.H.T. Program provides a safe space for youth in foster care to listen, talk, and offer support to one another as they cope with their grief. This may include missing family, friends, and other important people, as well as other losses in their lives.

The program is voluntary and promotes well-being, youth empowerment, and choice.

Eligibility

  • Youth ages 12-16 who have an open ODHS Child Welfare case, who express having at least one loss.

  • Youth will need to reside in Multnomah County.

  • Youth will need to participate in an information session call with L.Y.G.H.T. staff before attending a group.

Trained Project Lemonade staff will be facilitating the group sessions.

When: These meetings will be held every other Wednesday from 6:30 pm - 8:00pm.

Where: Meetings are currently held in SE Portland and will transition to Project Lemonade in July 2026.

For more details about the group calendar and location, please contact lyght@dougy.org or call 503-939-8118.

Looking for additional information about the L.Y.G.H.T program outcomes and research?

Learn More

Interested in L.Y.G.H.T.?

Youth Self Referral
Caseworker/Caregiver Referral

Would you like to speak to a L.Y.G.H.T representative before submitting the referral form? Please call 503-939-8118 or email lyght@dougy.org

L.Y.G.H.T. FAQs

Can’t find answers to your questions? We’re here to help. Contact Kelly Saavedra at kelly@projectlemonadepdx.org

  • After submitting the referral form. The participant will be contacted by a Dougy Center representative for an information session call. This makes sure the program is the right fit for the youth and explains what will happen at the first group session.

  • Adults who drop off or transport participants are welcome to remain on site where groups are offered. However, as this is a peer-led support group, no additional adults beyond the trained facilitators are permitted in the L.Y.G.H.T program space.

  • A licensed mental health professional will remain onsite during program delivery to provide additional support and resources for participants who become emotionally overwhelmed or disclose any safety risks.

  • Participants will have the option to move to the young adult group facilitated by our community partner New Avenues for Youth.

  • Yes. Dougy Center has onsite parking. If the lot is full, free parking is available in adjacent neighborhood streets.