"Kids are the forgotten mourners. The attitude is that they'll get over it, yet we see repercussions for years and years." 

- Mindy Cassel, Children's Bereavement Center 

It's never easy to lose someone. But for a child, losing a parent or someone close can alter the trajectory of their life. 

The Children's Bereavement Center is a place where kids and their families can go after losing a loved one. Children can talk to other children who've been through loss, too. And the services are completely free, so no one is turned away. 

"One of the greatest resources is the camaraderie of others, especially peers," says co-founder Mindy Cassel. "Kids being with other kids normalizes the process. They see they're not the only ones. That makes a huge difference." 

A lot of what happens is just talking and listening. People can participate as little or as much as they like to. And over time, kids and their families can work through grief, each at their own pace.

"We allow people to stay as long as they want to come. That's part of the healing process," says Cassel. "What we see happening is, the people who first come in may be traumatized, they may feel like victims. Certainly their lives have been turned upside down. They come into the group and there are other people there who often assist the new people who are coming in." 

Some people stay for months, others for years. But hopefully, whenever they leave, they're leaving in better shape than they came in. 

"They enter victimized from a loss, but leave being empathetic to others," says Cassel. "I hear the worst stories but see the greatest results."

The lead photo is of CBC's once-a-year candle lighting ceremony, in honor of those who've passed.