February 13, 2026, received a $2,000 Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative Grant from the New York Life Foundation, which will help the schools to develop or enhance a bereavement support plan and encourage ongoing staff development.

Schools confront issues of grief and loss every day: 1 in 11 US children* will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. Studies show that unresolved grief can have a social and emotional impact on children, leading to behavioral issues and poor performance in school. Yet educators often feel underprepared to lend support to their students, with the vast majority of teachers reporting they have never received bereavement training of any kind.

The Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative – a pioneering effort that utilizes New York Life’s workforce to help equip local schools to care for the grieving students – is an extension of the work of the Coalition to Support Grieving Students, a collaboration among leading K-12 professional organizations to develop and deliver best-in-class grief support resources to educators.

(Photo by: Booker Harvey for CMG) 

Pictured: Registered Representative and Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative Ambassador Joseph Johnson of New York Life’s Mississippi General Office, presents a $2,000 Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative grant check to Counselors Aimee Kohne, Ann-Claire Westmoreland, Amanda Gray, and Macy Worthem (Jennifer Roberts and Inda Linzay not picture). The grants will be used to support bereaved students and their families in the school community.

*Results from the Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM) developed by Judi’s House/JAG Institute www.judishouse.org/CBEM *-