September 2022 Newsletter
Dear Friend,

As loss survivors, we understand the complexity of suicide prevention in a very personal and profound way. We know there is no quick pill for despair or one-size-fits-all solution to prevent suicide.

This month–for the fourth year in a row–we are launching our "Suicide is Complicated" campaign on social media. Our goal is to expand public awareness about the complexity of suicide as well as the complex and traumatic grief of survivors and their need for support. You can read more about the campaign below.

In this month's newsletter you will also find some extraordinary essays with profound wisdom from other survivors. We are also excited to announce the launch of new online support groups for grieving fathers and widows. Also be sure to check our new Alliance of Hope "Be Kind" T-shirt and notebook; proceeds help fund our survivor services. Last but not least, thank you to our community for your feedback about our services. For the 13th year running we have been rated a Top Health Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits.

We hope you enjoy our newsletter, and always welcome your feedback.
With prayers for healing and peace,

Ronnie

Ronnie Walker MS, LCPC
Founder and Executive Director
We Can Do Everything Right & Still Lose Them by Lotusblossom

I don't believe all suicide is preventable. It's a falsity to try to claim it is, with a blanket approach for "prevention." I have often stated on the Alliance of Hope forum that you can be doing everything right, following all the protocols...

Read more
allianceofhope.org
For My Local Newspaper, by Maria Sallese

The month of September is recognized nationwide as Suicide Prevention Month and September 10th is recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day. Having lost my child to suicide, the slogans surrounding this month have their pangs.

Read more
allianceofhope.org
Why are Therapists so Rarely Trained in Suicide?

Over the years, many suicide loss survivors have contacted the Alliance of Hope, searching for a counselor who understands the unique nature of their grief. Some have told us that a counselor who helped previously

Read more
allianceofhope.org
National Suicide Awareness Month is a time that can be especially difficult for many loss survivors, who are not only missing their loved ones, but are faced with over-simplified prevention messages that can be painful.
Last month, we invited our community members to share their thoughts and feelings about this. You can read the many thoughtful and heartfelt posts here.

Your comments help inspire our "Suicide is Complicated" public awareness campaign. If you follow us on social media, we invite you to share our posts, and use the hashtag #suicideiscomplicated. Together we can help increase awareness about the complexity of suicide, challenges survivors face, and the need for greater support for survivors.
When Your Knees Hit the Floor, by Kelley Clink

Since writing the book "A Different Kind of Same" about losing my brother to suicide, I've had the privilege of talking to a couple of book clubs. Yesterday I did a Q&A with one over the internet. It was a great group of women who were friendly ...

Read more
allianceofhope.org
New 8-Week Online Support Groups Starting Soon
The Alliance of Hope is working to develop resources for specific populations. We have launched online support groups for grieving fathers and widows and will be working on additional programs in 2023 for mothers and siblings. Each program is led by a trained, experienced facilitator.
 
These programs offer survivors a way to connect and be with others who have traveled further down the grief journey. They are designed to offer friendship, wisdom, and guidance. These are closed, rather than drop-in support groups, meaning you will travel the grief journey with the same people every session. At this time, space is limited to 12 participants per group.

Programs begin in October. If you are interested in participating or learning more, please click the relevant link below, and we will send you more information.
Order Your 2022 "Be Kind" Apparel!
In conjunction with Suicide Awareness Month, we have launched our 3rd Annual Alliance of Hope T-shirt fundraiser.
Our new “Be Kind” shirt is available now - Sept. 20th, in several styles and colors. This year’s design was inspired by one of the things most important to survivors: kindness.

The shirt also features a variation of our beautiful lotus logo, which was designed by a member of our community to represent the grief journey of survivors, as well as the healing culture of our organization.
The lotus is a traditional symbol of spirit, growth, and resurrection–rising from muddy waters to blossom as a pure, uncontaminated flower.

We also have a notebook available this year! Proceeds help fund our healing services for suicide loss survivors.

Orders will ship on or around September 30th. Reserve yours today!
Thanks to all who have left reviews about their experience with the Alliance of Hope. For the past 13 years, we have been rated a “Top Health Nonprofit” with a near five-star ranking. Out of 746 nonprofits, we are 26th on GreatNonprofits' 2022 list! You can read inspiring stories about us and add your own here.
Our website contains support resources and information on the suicide loss survivor experience. Our online forum operates like a 24/7 support group.
Are you seeking counseling? We offer specialized grief support via Skype and Zoom.
The Alliance of Hope is a vital support network for people bereaved by suicide.
visit Alliance of Hope