How Buddy’s Place Began

Buddy’s Place was founded by Linda Moran in 2000. At age 14, Linda’s father died, leaving her feeling isolated and without support. Later in adulthood, her sister Nancy died, leaving behind her husband and two young sons, ages 7 and 9.

Linda recognized that her nephews weren’t receiving the grief support they needed. She set out to create a program for them — and for other grieving children and teens. The name “Buddy’s Place” honors Nancy and her sons. Nancy often called her boys “buddy,” and they became the first “buddies.”

The Early Days

The program’s initial goal was to support children who had lost a parent or significant caregiver. Linda kept the scope narrow in the beginning, ensuring families received the best possible services while the program grew.

In the spring of 2000, 15 volunteers completed the first Buddy’s Place training, led by Kim Fox Gunderson of Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. That fall, six families participated in the inaugural eight-week session. The launch was made possible through a grant from Community Memorial Foundation.

Leadership Over the Years

Linda served as Founder, Co-Director, Director, and ultimately Director Emeritus after retiring in 2009. She continues to be only a phone call away to guide future leaders.

From 2009 to 2014, the program was directed by Kelly Huggins, followed by Michelle Halm, who led Buddy’s Place from 2014 until 2024. The current director, Charlotte Shuber, joined PCH in March 2024.

Each director has made updates to the curriculum to reflect best practices in grief care and mental health, while maintaining the original foundations of the program.

Locations and Growth

From 2000 to 2010, Buddy’s Place sessions were held at La Grange Memorial Hospital. Since 2010, gatherings have been hosted at community spaces, including the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs, Riverside Presbyterian Church, and the First Congregational Church of Western Springs, as well as local parks, in partnership with the Western Springs Park District, Hinsdale Park District, and La Grange Park District.

While several of these sites are churches, Buddy’s Place is not affiliated with any religion. These spaces offer welcoming and accessible locations for families to gather and heal together.

Over the past 25 years, Buddy’s Place has evolved to meet the needs of more families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, groups transitioned online so families could continue receiving support at a time when connection was needed most.

In 2025, Buddy’s Place began offering sessions in both English and Spanish, reflecting PCH’s commitment to ensuring services are culturally and linguistically appropriate for the families we serve.

Since its founding, Buddy’s Place has served hundreds of families and reached thousands of youth through community programming, school partnerships, and the whole-person care offered at PCH.

Responding to Community Tragedies

In addition to its ongoing programming, Buddy’s Place has often been called upon to respond when tragedy strikes the community. Over the years, the program has partnered with schools, faith communities, and local organizations impacted by death to provide counseling, group support, and grief education. Whether helping students cope with the sudden loss of a classmate or supporting families after a community-wide tragedy, Buddy’s Place has remained a trusted resource — offering space for healing, reflection, and resilience.

The Power of Volunteers

Volunteers have always been essential to Buddy’s Place. Some, like Tracy P., once attended with their families and later returned to serve. Others, like longtime volunteer June S., have witnessed the growth of children over many years:

“I’m still in touch with one or two of the families that started when their children were very young. To see how these young people have grown into strong teenagers and adults — that is such a beautiful story.”

Traditions That Last

One of the most powerful symbols of Buddy’s Place is its collection of quilts. At the end of each eight-week session, each loved one who has died is honored with a name on a heart stitched into the quilts. This tradition has continued since 2000, serving as a lasting memorial for families.

Another tradition is the annual picnic, which brings together past directors, families, volunteers, and PCH staff. It is a day of remembrance, resilience, and community support.

Voices of Families

For many participants, Buddy’s Place provides the space to begin their healing journey. Jean O., who has attended for the past four years, shared:

“Buddy’s Place to me was a place where I could start my grief journey and not feel like I was the only one navigating this path — and to learn from other people who were doing it too.”

Looking Ahead

Buddy’s Place began as part of Community Family Services, one of PCH’s legacy organizations, and has remained a vital program through several mergers. While there are hundreds of grief support programs across the nation, Buddy’s Place remains the only one serving western suburban Cook County.

As part of Pillars Community Health’s commitment to whole-person care, Buddy’s Place will continue to evolve to meet the needs of grieving families — ensuring they are supported in body, mind, and spirit.

As we celebrate 25 years of Buddy’s Place, we honor the families who have found comfort and connection here, the volunteers who continue to give their hearts, and the visionaries who built this program. Together, we look forward to the next 25 years of walking alongside grieving youth and families with compassion and care.