NEWARK, NJ - The founder of a Newark grief support center for dealing with the death or life-altering illness of a relative has been featured as CNN Hero.

Mary Robinson lost her father at the age of 14 and would later go on to be the executive director of the nonprofit Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss in 2011.

“My commitment is to create communities where children coping with loss get the support they need to thrive, be resilient, and grow up emotionally healthy and able to lead meaningful and productive lives,” said Robinson in a statement.

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The organization provides free peer grief support for as long as needed to children, young adults and families dealing with the loss or illness of a parent, sibling or child. Imagine also has a location in Mountainside.

The nonprofit also offers on-site support in schools and workplaces following any traumatic loss. Imagine has served over 700 families and provided education and training to thousands of adults, children and teens.

CNN Heroes has received more than 85,000 nominations from more than 100 countries in the last 12 years. The program has profiled more than 300 CNN Heroes who are working in more than 80 countries around the world, helping millions of people.

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