History of The Alcove Center for Grieving Children & Families

The Alcove was founded in February 2001 by two area therapists, Pat Smith and Mindy Shemtov, master level social workers. Having years of personal and professional experience with grief work, Pat and Mindy were intensely aware of the need to have bereavement support services for children in our area. Click here to learn more about the Co-Founders.

The Alcove began its first group with 6 children and their caregivers in November 2001 one week after receiving the 501 © 3 non–profit status. The groups were held in a small space donated by a local church in Somers Point, NJ. In 2003, The Alcove moved into its current location located in a business complex in Northfield, NJ.

In 2007 we expanded the center and now have nearly 3000 square feet of group meeting rooms and office space. Each group room is decorated age appropriately for the children. Local community members and area school children volunteered their time and expertise in painting and designing murals for the group rooms. Our facility is designed to be inviting and comfortable to help provide a safe and supportive atmosphere for families to discuss their pain and grief.

In 2005, a school outreach program was developed to help meet the needs of children who otherwise could not attend services at the center. We currently run school-based bereavement groups for grades 1-8 in six area schools in Atlantic and Cape May counties.

Pat Smith and Mindy Shemtov, co-founders and co-directors managed running the organization for nearly 6 years just with the help of volunteers. There has been tremendous growth since the beginning. This past year the organization welcomed 12 new Board members and 6 part-time staff members who are bringing new energy, expertise and a firm commitment to the Alcove’s mission. An additional Night of Service was added, as well as, an Adult Support Group.

We celebrated Pat Smith’s retirement in November 2007 and honored her warm wonderful spirit and enormous contribution which has helped lead the Alcove to where we are today. We will miss Pat and even though she is not involved in daily operations any longer, her commitment to the Alcove’s work continues.

The Alcove is fortunate to have such a dedicated Board of Directors, Staff Members, Volunteer Facilitators and General Volunteers. We are also grateful to the community who has supported us from the very first day we began our mission. Thanks to this support we can continue to offer our services at no cost to the children and families who attend our programs.

We look forward to growing our center even further this coming year, so that every parent who is struggling with how to help their child through a loss always has a place to go for support.