Evidence-Based peer grief support designed specifically for youth in foster care.

Project Lemonade has been selected by The 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.

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. 

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.

We offer biweekly meetings that promote youth empowerment, voice and choice.

Eligibility

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

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

Additional Information

L.Y.G.H.T. is a youth-led and youth-driven program facilitated by supportive adults. The program is facilitated by professionals in the child welfare system who have successfully completed the L.Y.G.H.T. Facilitation training and is implemented at organizations in the youth’s local community.

Oversight and guidance of the L.Y.G.H.T. program is provided by Dougy Center program staff and on-site organizational clinical support staff.

L.Y.G.H.T. was developed by Dr. Monique Mitchell, a nationally recognized expert in the field of child welfare, and Dr. Donna Schuurman, a nationally recognized expert in the field of thanatology. L.Y.G.H.T. is an evidence-based intervention and is listed in the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare.

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

Youth Self Referral
Caseworker/Caregiver Referral

L.Y.G.H.T. FAQs

Can’t find answers to your questions? We’re here to help. Contact Julia Dressler at schedule@projectlemonadepdx.org

  • After check-in, shoppers will receive a checklist of items they can shop for during their visit. The list will include shoes, pants, tops, outerwear, underwear, socks, accessories, a backpack and more. We have changing rooms onsite.

  • Shoppers under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

  • We are staffed with youth interns and trained volunteers who are able to answer questions or serve as a personal shopping assistant if desired.

  • For any special requests please contact us in advance at schedule@projectlemonadepdx.org.

  • The closest parking garage is the one on the corner of NE 9th Ave and NE Halsey St, near Barnes and Noble. It’s best to park on Level 2, near column DD. We are located at the west end of the mall.