Stepping Stones
Helping children & families put one foot in front of the other after a death
Stepping Stones Grief Support Program
Stepping Stones is a comprehensive grief support program for families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Through peer group environments, families receive support designed to reduce grief-related distress and increase healthy coping strategies. The program offers services in both fall and spring sessions, including grief workshops, peer support groups, and community rituals. Stepping Stones is open to families throughout the year, with annual enrollment, and aims to provide ongoing care for those navigating their grief journey
Our Services
Shannon’s Hope Camp
Shannon’s Hope Camp is a weekend overnight beachfront camp for youth ages 7-17, combining peer connection, grief exploration, and classic camp activities like bonfires and free time. Held each fall and spring.
Sand Dollar Club
Sand Dollar Club is a 9-week grief support group held at elementary, middle, and high schools, providing age-appropriate, activity-based sessions led by professionals to support healing and peer connection.
Community Rituals
Community Rituals bring families and the broader community together for meaningful gatherings like candlelight ceremonies and the Hope Blossoms gardening event, offering space to remember, share, and support one another.
Family Workshops
Family Gatherings throughout the year offer opportunities to celebrate progress, build coping skills, and connect with peers in a fun and supportive environment—welcoming siblings, extended family, and support networks.
Hope, Hooves, & Healing
Hope, Hooves, and Healing is a four-part series with Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding, where participants engage in healing interactions with horses while exploring healthy ways to cope with grief.
Our Approach
Stepping Stones uses a trauma-informed approach, grounded in the six principles of trauma care, ensuring safety, trust, and choice in all our programming. We create an environment where participants can engage at their own pace, without pressure, while fostering inclusivity and child leadership. Through activities like music, art, movement, and mindfulness, children are empowered to explore and express their grief. We prioritize transparency and support, helping grieving children and families connect with peers who truly understand.
Get Started
Learn More
Fill out inquiry form
Enroll
Complete the Stepping Stones Membership Form
Schedule
Schedule time with our staff to discuss your needs & our support
Our Impact
Stepping Stones Member Families
Children & Teens actively participating
New child/teen referrals
Of course, our impact goes way beyond the numbers reached. After a devastating loss, we help children stay on track academically, we empower teens to connect with peers who “get it,” and we enable families to rebuild. Ultimately, we help kids be kids again; we help them shine; we help them grow into who they are meant to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stepping Stones?
The Stepping Stones Grief Support Program is an innovative, multi-step program that empowers children, youth, and their families to connect, learn, share & grow after the death of a loved one.
How do I become a Stepping Stones Member?
You can enroll a child/teen anytime during the year by completing our online enrollment form. Upon completing the enrollment form, we will conduct an initial assessment over the phone or via Zoom (virtual conferencing.)
What is included in the membership?
Once a Stepping Stones Member, you will receive a welcome packet, invitations to register for our free grief support activities, and a subscription to our bi-monthly family newsletter with unique resources.
Why is the initial assessment required?
The initial assessment is an informal one-to-one meeting with a Licensed Independent Social Worker. The purpose of this assessment is to gather information to ensure we meet your child/family’s specific needs.
Is there a fee to participate?
No. Due to generous donors and grants, all components of the Stepping Stones Program are free of charge to ensure that everyone has equal access to grief support.
Can my child/teen attend a program more than once?
Yes. A child or teen may return to Shannon’s Hope Camp or participate in Sand Dollar Club multiple times & families are encouraged to attend our Community Rituals regularly.
Does the death have to have happened recently for my child/teen to qualify?
No. Grief is an ongoing process so children & teens often grieve in new ways at different ages of their development. They are welcome to attend whether their loss was recent or several/many years ago.
How do I register my child or teen for a program?
You can register for Shannon’s Hope Camp here . You can register for Sand Dollar Club here. You can register for Community Rituals here . You can register for Family Workshops here.
Where are the programs held?
All events/activities are held at community sites. Shannon’s Hope Camp is traditionally an overnight camp held at Camp St. Christopher on Seabrook Island. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are offering outdoor day camps at Folly Beach County Park. Sand Dollar Club is a school-based program that happens at your child’s school during the day. We also have a Community Rituals that are held at parks in Charleston.
Is transportation available?
Yes. We provide round-trip bus transportation for Shannon’s Hope Camp with pick-up and drop-off locations in North Charleston & Johns Island.
What support is available for caregivers (parents/guardians)?
We offer ongoing support & resources through Family Workshops offered throughout the year as well as a parent breakfast prior to Shannon’s Hope Camp. We provide books and additional resources upon request.
Do you offer counseling?
No. We do not offer one-on-one therapeutic counseling. We offer grief support in a group setting. However, we make regular referrals to local therapists based on your child/family’s needs.
What if my child needs grief counseling or therapy?
We are well connected to the grief support community and happy to help connect you and your child to grief counseling & therapy services in the area.
Who leads the workshops?
We have trained professional facilitators who lead workshops at Shannon’s Hope Camp and during Sand Dollar Club.
What is a “Buddy”?
Each child/teen is assigned a “Buddy” to accompany them throughout the weekend at Shannon’s Hope Camp. These caring adult volunteers are trained to listen, provide emotional support, and help your child/teen navigate the camp experience.
What training & background checks do the volunteers undergo?
All Volunteers for camp complete an extensive federal, state & local criminal background check. They also complete Darkness to Light Training, as well as our Stepping Stones Grief Support Training.
How is the Stepping Stones Program funded?
All programs are offered free of charge due to the generosity of donors and foundation grants. To learn more about how you can sponsor a child/family’s participation in our Stepping Stones Grief Support Program, please click here.