Tragedies such as the Oklahoma City bombing, the Columbine school shooting, and 9/11 increased consciousness of the needs of children following the deaths of loved ones.  These high profile events led a group of professional caregivers in Omaha to raise the question, “What are we doing for children in our community when someone they love dies?”  The Centering Corporation and Metro Area Hospice Network collaborated on day camps but parents and guardians were asking for more.  This was the impetus to incorporate Ted E. Bear Hollow in 2001, a new non-profit that would address the needs of grieving children and their families.

Since then we have developed ongoing bi-weekly support groups, monthly groups, day camps, teen retreats, and training programs for volunteer facilitators, professional educators and counselors.  Community based programs are offered as a resource to schools and other agencies serving youth.  In addition to these direct services, hundreds learn from our informational website. Ted E. Bear Hollow is the premier resource for grieving children, teens and their families in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area.

As a result, thousands of grieving children have found a safe place to express their emotions freely, to remember their loved ones openly and to learn ways to care for themselves in the sad times. Parents and guardians find consolation in knowing that their children are well supported. In just eight years, over 4,000 participants have benefited from TEBH programs.

Ted E. Bear Hollow is committed to providing programs for grieving youth and families at no charge because a lack of resources should never prevent a child or teen from receiving support.  Ted E. Bear Hollow depends on donations for the majority of its funding and on volunteers to facilitate groups, camps and retreats.  Offices and programs in midtown Omaha offer a welcoming, safe space where children feel at home.

Ted E. Bear Hollow offers programs for children, teens and their adult family members. We also offer a young adult support group for those ages 18-30. We are offering increased programs and trainings for professionals who work with youth and families.