Our History...
Ryan's Heart was founded in 2008 by the Fox Family, after the death of Ryan A. Fox. In efforts to emotionally support Ryan's three surviving daughters (pictured at left), the family discovered that children require peer support programs and loving adults to help them learn to cope with the devastating effects that a death can cause.
Who we are...Ryan's Heart provides grief support to children and their families. We are a 501c3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping bereaved children learn to cope with their grief over the loss of a parent or a loved one. We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of grieving children and adults both emotionally and financially through peer support, community outreach programs and by providing a safe and healthy environment that encourages every child and adult to develop their own resilient and emotional well being.
Based in Aroostook County, Maine, Ryan’s Heart is governed by a 6-member volunteer Board of Directors. Each Board member is passionate about the mission and strives to provide a healing hand to the grieving children of Aroostook County and beyond.
Driven by deep roots and personal experience, the Board understands how devastating a loss can be and they are actively working to find ways to promote healthy ways to process grief. Although constantly growing, the Board currently manages approximately 25 volunteers who work together to serve the children, teens and their families of Aroostook County. As the organization grows, the Board hopes to extend their services state-wide and throughout the rest of New England.
Together we are Ryan's Heart! |
Our Mission
It is the mission of Ryan's Heart to be committed to helping children and their families learn to cope with their grief over the loss of a loved one. We are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of children and adults by promoting spiritual growth and encouraging healthy ways to process grief and loss.
Our Vision
Ryan’s Heart envisions a center for grieving children where they can provide workshops, grief support and counseling for children, teens and adults for all forms of grief.
Understanding that grief comes in many variations is imperative to the grief journey and to the healing process. Ryan’s Heart strives to build a safe and comforting environment where people of all ages can find helping heart in their time of need.
