About

The late Sandra Elder, Ph.D., was a respected academic researcher in the field of grief and loss and a Hospice practitioner. She recognized the need for accessible and supportive programs for youth experiencing loss and in 1988 developed a group program for young people, thus creating Learning Through Loss. In 1994, the Friends of Living and Learning Through Loss Society was formed to raise funds to support the group programs.

Through our group programs, we have reached hundreds of young people over the past 25 years, providing life-changing support and healing. The program’s success is built on understanding the strength of youth peer support, belonging, and learning as guided by a qualified clinical counsellor.

In 2010, Learning Through Loss realized a significant need for a life-skills approach to understanding grief and created educational workshops to deliver to young people in schools and community organizations. These workshops enhance awareness and knowledge about grief, teach healthy tools to cope with loss, and connect youth with resources. We speak to more than 4000 young people a year.

Since 2010, Learning Through Loss programs continues to expand in reach. Community education and training workshops are now offered to professionals and individuals supporting youth who want to expand their understanding and approaches to supporting youth through grief and loss.

Grief, when it comes, is nothing like we expect it to be.

Joan Didion

Our Mission

Learning Through Loss (LTL) designs and delivers grief education and loss support programs to youth, and provides training to other youth-serving community to increase capacity and well being through difficult times.

Our Vision

We envision a community where all youth, and those that support them, have access to education, support, and resources relating to grief, loss and healthy strategies for healing.

Our Values

Hope
Providing hope to youth, their families, and community members who are
experiencing grief and loss.

Healing Education
Providing professional resources to youth, their families, and community members to live,
learn, and heal through their losses.

Community
Working collaboratively with our community partners to support youth experiencing
grief and loss.

Ethical
Serving youth, their families, and community members with integrity, professionalism,
accountability and excellence.