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V O L . X X X N O. V I M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 2 4 36 I n 1997, Heros started an intercul- tural program to address the needs of New Mainers who experienced war, natural disasters and loss in their home country. In 2011, Heros oversaw the expansion of bereavement sup- port services into York County, with a satellite center established in Sanford. Heros is also a founding member of America's Camp, a national summer camp that built a network of grief- support "buddies" for children and siblings of first responders who died in the 9/11 tragedy. After 29 years with the Center of Grieving Children, including more than two decades at the helm, Heros recently handed the director reins to Gretchen Johnson. In retirement, Heros says she plans to relax, travel and visit family. P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT BUSINESS LEADER Anne Heros Retired executive director, the Center for Grieving Children A leader who has dedicated her life's work to helping families dealing with grief Anne Heros led the Center for Grieving Children since 2001 B y A l e x i s W e l l s Since 2001, Anne Heros has been at the helm as the center's executive director, leading the organization through programmatic and geographical growth and guiding the outreach for local and national grief services. This is why she has been named the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Center for Grieving Children cgcmaine.org Portland Founded: 1987 What it does: Provides a safe space, loving peer support, outreach and education to grieving children, teens, young adults, families and the community. With services in Portland, Sanford and virtually, the center is free and is led by dedicated and highly trained staff and volunteers. Employees: 14 F/T; 250 volunteers

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