Grieving Teens Will Find New Support In Brick Middle School Program

BRICK, NJ — Coping with grief is a difficult challenge no matter how old someone is, but for teens it can be particularly difficult.

A program that is launching at Veterans Memorial Middle School aims to help teens navigate grief with a multitude of supports.

The program, called The Middle Ground, is planned to be "a dedicated, calming space where students experiencing grief and loss can find comfort, connection and support during the school day," the Brick Township School District announced.

The space will have "comfortable seating, sensory and mindfulness tools, books and resources on grief and healing, journals, art and creative expression materials, memory activities, and other therapeutic resources designed to help students process their emotions in healthy ways," the district said.

The Middle Ground, in partnership with school counselors and staff, aims to provide "a safe, welcoming environment where students know they are not alone and have access to meaningful support as they navigate life's most difficult moments," the district said.

The space is being funded by a $3,500 grant won by the Veterans Memorial Middle School PTA from the 2026-2027 Middle Ground Program.

The Middle Ground Program Grant is operated by the National PTA to support student mental health and well-being in their school community and funded in collaboration with the New York Life Foundation as part of National PTA’s Healthy Minds initiative.

Veterans Memorial Middle School PTA is one of only 20 local middle school PTAs nationwide selected to receive a grant.

"Veterans Memorial Middle School PTA and PTAs across the country at all levels work hard every day to help students, families and schools navigate challenges and support their success," said Bill Datema, president of National PTA. "We’re pleased to award Veterans Memorial Middle School PTA with a 2026-2027 Middle Ground Program Grant for their commitment to advancing strategies that make a real impact for students, families and the school. We are grateful to the New York Life Foundation for making the funding possible and for supporting the efforts of PTAs nationwide."

The Middle Ground Program Grant is inspired by the New York Life Foundation’s graphic novel "Lost in the Middle," and the spaces "not only provide a welcoming physical environment but also opportunities for storytelling, creative expression and peer connection and reflect a commitment to fostering supportive, inclusive environments where students feel seen, heard and connected to ensure no child feels alone in their grief," a news release said.

In addition to the funding, grant recipients will also receive tools and resources to help their schools become Grief-Sensitive Schools through the New York Life Foundation’s Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative.

"We are incredibly honored to be selected as one of only 20 middle school PTAs in the nation to receive this grant," said Kristen Stirtz, president of the Veterans Memorial Middle School PTA.

"The Middle Ground represents hope, healing, and compassion for our students," Stirtz said. "Grief can affect every aspect of a child's life, including their ability to learn, connect with others, and feel supported. Thanks to National PTA and the New York Life Foundation, we will be able to create a space where students feel seen, heard, and cared for, a place that reminds them they never have to face grief alone."