Needham groups mobilize grief support after student's sudden death

Needham organizations have mobilized grief support for students and families after the sudden death of Needham High School junior Elijah Chen on Sept. 14.

Needham Youth and Family Services (NYFS), the Needham Police Department, Dedham-based Riverside Trauma Center and Walker Community Counseling have all stepped in during the week since Chen's passing, first reported by Needham Local. Many local families have turned to NYFS for guidance, Director Sara Shine said.

NYFS services are free.

Superintendent Dan Gutekanst announced Chen's death in a message to the school community on Sept. 15, directing families to counseling resources including NYFS, Riverside Trauma Center and Boston Children's Hospital.

The Needham Police Department deployed its two emotional support dogs into schools, joined by community resource dogs from other area departments.

What parents should know

Shine said parents should expect a range of emotions in grieving children, including anger, sadness, confusion and anxiety. She said returning to routine can help, but parents should allow time off during hard moments. Children who cannot function outside their grief may benefit from professional support.

"Any way that a child is grieving isn't wrong, and it's not necessarily concerning," Shine said.

Shine encouraged parents to let their own grief show, calling Chen's death a community tragedy. Children can find strength in seeing adults grieve in a healthy way, she said. She also recommended parents watch for when children benefit from grieving alongside friends and when they need time alone or with family.

Regional organizations offering support

Riverside Trauma Center, headquartered at 270 Bridge St. in Dedham, provides mental health and crisis support across the region. Clinician Emily Turnbull, embedded within the Needham Police Department through a partnership with Riverside, said in an email that grief can come in waves and that people do not have to navigate it alone.

Riverside offers 24/7 mobile crisis intervention for all ages, including children. The crisis line serving Needham, Dedham and surrounding communities is 800-529-5077.

Walker Community Counseling, a division of the Walker School, provides outpatient therapy, psychiatric services, family therapy, in-home therapy and therapeutic mentoring at its Needham clinic or via telehealth for people aged 3 and up. The clinic can be reached at (781) 292-2196.

Elise Naventi Reid, vice president of behavioral health at Walker Therapeutic and Educational Programs, said Walker reached out to Needham school leadership after Chen's death to offer support. Reid noted Walker is not responding on behalf of Needham High School or the district.

Reid wrote that parents should watch for changes in mood, sleep, appetite, behavior, academic performance, substance use or social engagement, and seek additional support if concerns arise.

Additional grief resources

Shine recommended two organizations for peer and family grief support: Jeff's Place in Framingham, which offers peer group therapy for young people, and The Children's Room in Arlington, which provides grief services for youth and families.

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