A new children’s grief and healing center is officially open in Owensboro, providing a first-of-its-kind local resource to help young people process loss in a safe and supportive space.
Tucker’s Treehouse, located at 3419 Wathen’s Crossing, celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday. The nonprofit began hosting small group sessions in August but is now fully open to the public.
Executive Director Caleb Potter said the idea grew out of his work as the bereavement coordinator for Hospice of Western Kentucky.
“The referrals we were getting included a lot more children than I was anticipating, and I didn’t know if that was normal,” Potter said. “After consulting with hospices around the country, it became clear that the need here was unique.”
Potter found national data confirming that Kentucky ranks among the highest states for childhood bereavement. One study funded by the New York Life Foundation showed Kentucky was fourth in the nation for children who lose a parent or sibling before turning 18. Another data set revealed the state leads the nation in kinship care, meaning children who are being raised by someone other than their parents, often grandparents.
“When you couple those two, it shows that Kentucky is arguably number one for children either losing a parent, a sibling, or a functional parent,” Potter said. “We just didn’t have the resources to adequately address that need.”
Inspired by the Dougy Center in Portland, Oregon, a nationally recognized model for children’s grief support, Potter traveled there for training and returned determined to replicate its peer-centered approach in Owensboro.
“I came back and said, ‘We absolutely have to do this,’” Potter said. “The board was immediately on board, and it’s been a slow but steady process getting here.”
The new center features a range of themed rooms designed to help children express emotions through different forms of play and creativity. A sensory room provides a calm space for reading and art, while another area features a sand table for younger children. Larger rooms house video games, ping pong, and air hockey for active play.
One of the most distinctive spaces, nicknamed the “volcano room,” is fully padded and stocked with soft objects and a punching bag, offering a safe outlet for anger and frustration.
“Anger is one of the most predominant emotions kids often feel with grief,” Potter said. “This space gives them a way to let that out safely, to throw a temper tantrum without hurting themselves or anyone else.”
Other areas are dedicated to art therapy, while the outdoor space allows children to play and decompress in the fresh air.
Currently, Tucker’s Treehouse hosts peer groups for children ages 6-18 on Thursday evenings from 4:30-6 p.m. Once the current group reaches capacity, additional sessions will be added. Potter said the organization hopes to eventually serve younger children as well as those facing “living losses,” such as parental separation or incarceration.
The center’s namesake, Tucker, is a mini mountain goldendoodle therapy dog who has been part of the hospice team for several years.
“Tucker just brings joy to everybody,” Potter said. “When we were naming the center, one of our board members said, instead of something clinical like the Owensboro Children’s Grief and Healing Center, why not something warm and inviting? Tucker’s Treehouse just felt right.”
Tucker’s Treehouse operates under the guiding belief that “It’s okay if you’re not okay.”
“Our goal is to provide a safe, playful, and peer-driven environment for grieving children, a place where healing happens through connection, understanding, and care,” said board member Kaylee Gordon.
As word spreads, Potter said the response has been overwhelmingly positive from families, counselors, and schools.
“It’s been fantastic,” he said. “More school counselors and resource officers are finding out about it and sending kids our way. The community support has been incredible.”
Tucker’s Treehouse is currently seeking volunteers to help expand its programming. Families can learn more or register for groups at tuckerstreehouse.org.
