|
|
|
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."
~ From a headstone in Ireland
| |
Hope Report: Winter 2024 Newsletter | |
|
Enjoy these peaceful sounds of Winter. Listening to nature sounds has been shown to have positive effects on health, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. | |
What is the "Hope Report"? The Hope Report is a bi-monthly newsletter that contains all of our organizational updates, for example: program initiatives, current supports being offered, future workshops, events and fundraisers, office closures, how we're doing and who we're supporting, and so much more! | |
|
Greetings, Community!
We are delighted to share the exciting outcomes of our recent strategic planning sessions, where your valuable input played a central role. As we plan for this year and beyond, we are committed to incorporating your suggestions into our programming and organizational initiatives.
In 2024, anticipate a diverse range of new and enhanced support groups, educational workshops, and innovative group initiatives aimed at fostering a stronger sense of community and understanding.
Our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility has been at the core of us. We're now enhancing these efforts across all areas, from programming and recruitment to committees, workshops, and ongoing learning initiatives, creating an environment that is even more welcoming for everyone.
By late 2024 and early 2025, we will be excited to introduce new and improved programming for our ongoing support groups as well as our one-to-one sessions, particularly refining our children and youth one-to-one supports. Your feedback is instrumental in ensuring we make a positive impact across all age groups within our community.
As always, we remain steadfast in our commitment to onboarding and welcoming student placements, creating an environment where learning and growth are nurtured.
Also happening this 2024 year, we are thrilled to bring you an expanded series of GriefTalks, offering valuable insights and support to an even broader audience.
A big, heartfelt thank you goes to the Region of Peel for their core funding, which plays a crucial role in sustaining our operations and enabling us to continue supporting our community.
Lastly, stay tuned for fresh and engaging fundraising initiatives that will allow us to further our mission and expand our reach. We are also actively exploring and building partnerships that will amplify our impact and create a more connected and supportive community.
Thank you for your continued support!
~ Centre for Grief and Healing Team
| | |
Support Updates: 2023 Year in Review | | |
|
In 2023, we:
Had 1,010+ group visits through...
217+ grief support group sessions.
| |
|
In 2023, we:
Facilitated 846+ one-to-one peer support sessions.
Welcomed 398+ new members to the organization.
| | |
Our Open and Closed Support Groups | | |
Support Group Information | |
Click the photo to view our frequently asked questions, how to register for group, group guidelines, and Winter 2024 groups, topics, and dates. This document comes attached to every group registration and can also be found on our website.
-
Virtual Mixed Loss Group: every Tuesday, 6:30pm-8:00pm.
-
In-Person Mixed Loss Group: on hold until Spring 2024.
-
Virtual Parent & Guardian Loss Group: every Wednesday, 6:30pm-8:00pm.
-
Virtual Child Loss Group: Click the photo for updates.
-
Virtual Partner Loss Group: every Thursday, 6:30pm-8:00pm.
Starting in March, we will be running 3, 6-week closed (What's a Closed Group?), virtual grief support groups:
-
BIPOC* (*title TBD) Grief Support Group (a group created, informed, and led by and for Black, Indigenous, People of Colour/Racialized Folks): March 20th-April 24th, Wednesdays 6:30pm-8:00pm
-
Suicide Loss Grief Support Group: March 20th-April 24th, Wednesdays 6:30pm-8:00pm
-
Child Loss Grief Support Group: March 18th-April 22nd, Mondays 6:30pm-8:00pm
Stay tuned for upcoming email updates about these support groups, their eligibility, and how to register for them, or, email us at info@bereavedfamilies.ca. Registration will open in a few weeks.
|
| |
Griefwise: Insights on Grief | | |
Black History Month Reflections | |
|
As we embrace Black History Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the rich history, achievements, and contributions of Black communities, we invite you to join us in reflections on grief within the context of Black experiences. This month is not only about celebration but also acknowledging the challenges and losses experienced by Black communities throughout history. Let's engage in meaningful reflections that resonate with our shared community spirit.
Reflective Questions:
- What cultural practices or traditions bring you comfort during times of grief? How can these practices be shared and celebrated within our community?
- Reflect on self-care practices that empower you as an individual. How can we encourage and celebrate diverse self-care approaches within our community?
- What steps can we collectively take to ensure that our grief support initiatives are culturally safer and address the unique needs of Black individuals and families in our community?
- How can you actively contribute to creating an inclusive and welcoming space within our grief support groups?
- In what ways can you actively listen and learn from the grief experiences shared by Black individuals in our support groups? How can this enhance your understanding and support for others?
- How can you help create space in groups where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported?
- What steps can you take to keep educating yourself on the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, culture, and grief, and how can this knowledge be applied in your daily interactions?
Let's embark on this journey of reflection and learning together. Here are a few books and resources to explore this month, tailored to our community's needs:
If you have any resources you would like to share with us, we highly encourage it!
| |
|
Do you believe that there can be moments of hope and even joy amidst the pain and challenges of grief? At the Centre for Grief and Healing, we do. That's why we're searching for stories and testimonials of hope and healing from individuals who have found unique or traditional ways to cope and thrive after experiencing the loss of a loved one.
By sharing your experiences, you can inspire and support others who are going through similar challenges. You can also honor the memory of your loved one and the impact they had on your life. We're committed to creating a brave and supportive space for you to share your story. If you're interested in sharing your experiences or have any questions, please reach out to us.
Click the button below to learn more and to share your testimonial or story with us!
| |
| |
2023 Volunteer Appreciation | |
In 2023, we had volunteers contribute 2936 hours! The support provided to the organization was through group facilitation, social media, training, event support, one-on-one sessions, and student placements!
We are deeply grateful to our volunteers who have contributed so much of their valuable time and skills to support the grieving community. 💛
| If you would like to volunteer with us, please contact our Volunteer Manager, Irish, at volunteering@bereavedfamilies.ca. | | |
Fundraising, Events, and Workshops | | |
Please Note: Unfortunately, tickets are not eligible for charitable tax receipts. | |
|
Ticket Fundraiser with the Mississauga Steelheads Hockey Team
We've partnered with the Mississauga Steelheads for a fundraising initiative!
If you purchase a ticket to their home game on Friday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m. with this link, a portion of the proceeds will go towards the Centre for Grief & Healing. If you attend the March 1 game, be sure to visit our booth in the concourse area! The game will be held at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga.
All donations to our organization help us to continue to provide free grief supports to those in our community that require our services. For every $8,230 we raise, we can run a support group. For every $207, we can train a new volunteer.
Here is the link again to purchase tickets: https://am.ticketmaster.com/comarena/quickbuy?id=Mjcx.
| |
GriefTalks
Get ready for an enlightening year ahead as we bring you a series of fantastic educational webinars – our GriefTalks! Our insightful sessions aim to provide valuable information and support on navigating the complexities of grief.
It's important to note that we don't receive funding for these webinars. We rely on your kind generosity and support through donations to keep these educational resources running. Your contributions make a significant impact, ensuring that we can continue to provide valuable insights and assistance to our community.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming GriefTalks and consider making a donation to support this crucial initiative. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those seeking understanding and coping strategies during challenging times. Thank you for being a vital part of our mission!
| |
|
As the demand for our free and accessible grief supports grows, your support becomes invaluable. Every donation helps us continue providing essential services to those facing the challenges of grief.
Transparency is our commitment, and your contribution makes a significant impact:
-
$35,023+: minimum investment to run individual grief support sessions
-
$33,652+: minimum investment to run grief support groups
-
$15,660+: minimum Administrative costs
-
$3,320+: minimum investment to run GriefTalks, our free TedTalk-like webinars featuring subject matter experts on grief and healing themes
You can donate today through our official donation channels here.
Your investment enables us to continue to provide free and accessible supports. Unlock the power of your compassion and invest in grief support, today.
| | |
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (I.D.E.A) | | |
|
I.D.E.A Organization Statement
Fostering Hope and Healing for All Walks of Life.
We've come a long way since 1988 and still have a ways to go. Why? At the Centre for Grief and Healing (CFGH), diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility don't have an end date. We strive to foster an unending commitment to learning from, working with, creating programs for and supporting our diverse community members and their unique grief experiences. Our team is dedicated to including diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible practices at the center of our daily work. We commit to using and improving these practices for our organization and for our communities.
Our team provides mutual, inclusive support through diverse programming, endless advocacy, and community education. We strive to foster belonging and empowerment for all of our members, staff, volunteers, and students. We listen to and engage with all walks of life and we value and welcome all unique experiences and qualities: both visible and invisible. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our purpose and to our impact.
Join us in embracing and celebrating diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for all people in all communities.
We grow together today, to create a better tomorrow.
| | |
Our Centre for Grief and Healing (CFGH) Team | | |
Greetings to all new members joining us! | |
As we continue to welcome new members to the organization, we wanted to say hello and welcome to the Centre for Grief and Healing (BFO-H/P).
This January, we extended a warm welcome to two new placement students joining our team: Rebekah and Devarshi. Let's embrace them with open arms as they embark on their journey with us!
As a small yet powerful women-led team, we take pride in our unique perspectives and leadership. To learn more about us, click here, and don't forget to explore our Volunteer Recognition Wall, showcasing the generosity and dedication of our fantastic volunteers!
| | |
Additional Updates from Our Team | |
|
In a touching moment, our Admin and Intake Assistant had a heartfelt intake call with a community member who expressed deep appreciation for our supports. They are eagerly looking forward to accessing our support groups.
Exciting news from our student team! They will be facilitating individual peer support sessions, resulting in a significant decrease in our waitlist. As a result, wait times for bookings have also decreased.
Our Peer Support Workers continue to forge meaningful connections. In a recent encounter, one of our workers bonded with a member over the mutual experience of grandparent loss. Sharing stories about their grandparents, they found comfort in the connection. Moreover, the introduction of our continuing bonds letter writing activity was well-received.
We're grateful for these moments of connection and positive developments within our community. Your support makes a significant impact on the lives we touch. Thank you for being a valued part of our community.
| |
Expressing Appreciation for Our Generous Funders and Community Support! | | |
Feedback, Comments, Suggestions | | |
|
Comments, concerns, feedback, and compliments can always be forwarded to Victoria at programs@bereavedfamilies.ca. Anonymous feedback can be submitted to us here: www.bereavedfamilies.ca/contactus.
Partnership opportunities, event support inquiries, and donation inquiries can be forwarded to Kelly and Julia at fundraising@bereavedfamilies.ca and executivedirector@bereavedfamilies.ca.
Looking to volunteer? Please contact Irish at volunteering@bereavedfamilies.ca with your interest.
All other inquiries (intakes, group registrations, getting set up with us) can be forwarded to Sam at info@bereavedfamilies.ca.
Our next Hope Report will be sent in April 2024. Our Care Corner Wellness Newsletter will be sent in March 2024.
|
| | | |
