Domino e.V. Supports Grieving Children, Teens, and Families
New Training Programme Empowers Volunteers to Support Grieving Children
To ensure volunteers are well-prepared for this demanding role, the organization has launched its first comprehensive training program.
For nearly 26 years, the association "Domino – Center for Grieving Children" has been supporting families in Bergisch Gladbach and Leverkusen after the loss of a loved one—with care, empathy, and deep experience.
In safe, protected spaces at the Puetz-Roth Funeral Home in Bergisch Gladbach, children and teens are free to express their grief in their own way. Emotions are welcome, questions are encouraged, and no one has to "be strong."
Here, the focus is on understanding and processing grief in an atmosphere of safety and trust. At the same time, the center provides space for relatives, helping to strengthen the entire family system.
Comprehensive Training for Volunteers
To equip volunteers for this vital work, Jennifer Reinehr, the organization's pedagogical director, has introduced an extensive qualification program. Led by Nicole Nolden and Kirsten Fay, co-founders of TrauBe Köln e.V., the training took place over four weekend sessions from April 2025 to January 2026.
Beyond professional knowledge and expertise, the program emphasized personal reflection—creative work, deep discussions, tears, and laughter. It was an intense, bonding experience that gave participants the confidence and courage to support young mourners and their families.
The training for this nonprofit was made possible by a generous donation from the Bergische Löwinnen (LC). Additional courses and further training are already planned, thanks to support from the Bethe Foundation and the Kober Foundation for Children.
This growing network of support—built on heart, professionalism, and dedicated volunteerism—helps children and teens navigate life's most difficult moments.
