Supporting Kidds

Supporting Kidds is a nonprofit organization in Hockessin, Delaware, dedicated to providing compassionate support to children and families navigating the loss of a parent or sibling. The organization offers grief groups in schools, individual counseling sessions, and community-based programs designed to help children build resilience and develop coping skills. Serving over 590 children and 170 caregivers in 2025, Supporting Kidds operates grief groups at its dedicated center and in local schools across Delaware. It is the only nonprofit in the state focused exclusively on childhood bereavement, with a mission to ensure no child grieves alone. The organization is recognized for its strong community presence and is rated 4.90 by its clients.

Founded in 1989 as a grassroots initiative modeled after the Dougy Center in Oregon, Supporting Kidds began offering peer support groups in leased and donated community spaces. In 2006, the organization opened its own free-standing center in Hockessin, enabling expanded services and long-term stability. The center now hosts grief groups, individual counseling, and family events, including annual programs like the Hearts That Heal Gala and the Highmark 5K. The team includes licensed clinical professionals such as Alexa Ujlaky, the Center-Focused Clinical Director, and Kathleen D. Koontz, the Clinical Director for Schools and Community Engagement, both committed to fostering healing through trauma-informed care.

The organization is located on Old Lancaster Pike, a short distance from several key local landmarks. It sits about a tenth of a mile from Lancaster Pike, a major highway, and is similarly close to the Hockessin Fire Company and Yorklyn Road. The site is within a quarter-mile of Mill Creek, Swift Memorial Park, and the Hockessin Public Library, all within a half-mile radius.

Supporting Kidds is known for its deep commitment to childhood bereavement, its well-documented presence online, and its ability to deliver consistent, high-quality services across Delaware. Its reputation is built on trust, accessibility, and a proven track record of helping grieving children and families find healing. The organization stands as a vital community resource in Hockessin, where it continues to lead in supporting children through one of life’s most difficult challenges.