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Grief and the Holidays

Dealing with grief when a loved one has died can be hard, and during the holidays when family and friends are gathering, it can feel more challenging.

David Kessler is one of the world’s foremost experts on grief and loss. His experience with thousands of people on the edge of life and death has taught him the secrets to living a happy and fulfilled life, even after life’s tragedies.


David has taught physicians, nurses, counselors, police, and first responders about the end of life, trauma, and grief. He facilitates talks, workshops and retreats for those experiencing grief.


However, despite his vast knowledge on grief, his life was turned upside down by the sudden death of his twenty-one-year-old son. It inspired him to write his newest book, Finding Meaning.

He is the author of six books, including the new bestselling book, Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief.


David's website grief.com offers some free resources for dealing with grief and some tips to help cope during holidays.

Tips for Grief & Holidays

Gift Ideas on a Budget

Gift giving doesn't have to cost a lot of money to be special. Some of the most treasured gifts are the ones that come from the heart that we put extra time and thought into.


Looking for some low cost ideas? Consider these ideas from writebudget.com and ramseysolutions.com!

15 DIY Christmas Gifts for Every Budget - ramseysolutions.com

1. Handprint Ornaments

2. Printed Digital Download

3. Pressed Flower Candle

4. Bath Bombs

5. T-Shirt

6. Tied Fleece Blanket

7. Personalized Mugs

8. Jewelry

9. Photo Coasters

10. Homemade Caramel Sauce

11. Hot Chocolate on a Stick

12. Photo Collage

13. Front Door Welcome Mat

14. Infused Syrups

15. Box of Local Goodies

11 Creative & Free Gift Ideas They’ll Love - writebudget.com

1.    Make Your Own Photo Calendar

2.    Create Wall Art with Free Printables

3.    Family Recipe Book

4.    Family Tree with Details

5.    Family Memories Collection

6.    Handmade Ornaments

7.    Decorate a “Savings” Jar

8.    Plan a Day Out Together

9.    Plan a Day in Together

10.“Mixtape” Spotify Playlist

11.Collection of Inspirational Quotes or Poems

For more details about each gift idea, visit the websites!

Reasons to Connect - 988

When life gets tough, it can feel overwhelming.

People call, text, and chat the 988 Lifeline to talk about a lot of things, including:

  • Feeling depressed
  • Mental and physical illness
  • Loneliness
  • Trauma
  • Relationships
  • Economic worries, and more
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Drinking too much
  • Anxiety
  • Sexual orientation
  • Drug use


Awareness of 988 in KY - Reminder to complete survey

988 KY Website

This short survey is anonymous and the responses collected will help us with future marketing efforts to ensure Kentuckians know how to access crisis services for mental health or substance use crises. 

We respectfully ask for your participation. 


Please, take a few moments to complete the survey found at this link:

http://reach.Statewide-988-Awareness-Survey.alchemer.com/s3/


Kentucky System Experience At the Table 

(KY SEAT)

The goal of KY SEAT is to ensure parent voice is included when creating and changing programs, policies, and practices for families in Kentucky. We want better outcomes for children, families, and communities and want to be heard by policymakers, service providers, community workers and the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS). 


While this council does not offer direct support for cases on an individual basis, we do offer members the ability to advocate for community strengthening needs to keep kids out of the child welfare system when appropriate, the ability to be a voice for what programs and services families need to stay together, and an opportunity to become leaders in change. 


All council members must:

  1. Have a closed child welfare case 
  2. Be willing to partner with DCBS, community organizations, and state leaders to support parents and children in Kentucky using their lived expertise and feedback
  3. Commit to an average of 2 days per month for KY SEAT meetings and activities, with the option of additional hours and opportunities per individual interest and availability. Meetings are typically virtual, with occasional in-person meetings in Frankfort or Louisville. Mileage is reimbursed for in-person meetings and a child care stipend is provided by request. 


KY SEAT recently celebrated ONE YEAR of operating! Check out this blog to learn more: https://kyyouth.org/ky-seat-celebrates-one-year-of-parent-voice/ 

If you know of any moms or dads with former child welfare involvement who may be interested in joining, the statewide parent council will be accepting applications for additional members again starting December 1st! For more information, including how to apply, visit this link: kyyouth.org/kyseat.

Upcoming Free Virtual Opportunities

Reach out to kyschoolvirtual@ky.gov if you have any questions.

Not Stopping for Directions - Podcast for Dads
In an effort to provide a resource for dads, KPFC has launched a podcast,
Not Stopping for Directions, hosted by Michael Karman.

If you have a comment, suggestion, or think you are, or know, a good guest please reach out via email to dads@kypartnership.org.

National Hotlines for Help

National Dating Abuse Helpline

Offers confidential support for teens, young adults, and their loved ones seeking help, resources, or information related to healthy relationships and dating abuse in the US.

Visit: loveisrespect.org

Call: 1-866-331-9474 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224)

Text: “LOVEIS” to 22522.

 

The National Sexual Assault Hotline

Telephone: 800.656.HOPE (4673)

Online chat: online.rainn.org

Español: rainn.org/es

 

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Call or Text: 988

Chat: https://988lifeline.org/chat

Deaf and Hard of Hearing: for TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988

Línea de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis

llama al 988 o envía un texto al 988, o chat via https://988lifeline.org/chat (en inglés) 

 

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741

 

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ youth)

Call: 1-866-488-7386

Text: START to 678678

Visit TrevorChat: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/webchat


Veteran's Crisis Line

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

TTY: 1-800-799-4889

Website: www.veteranscrisisline.net

Connects veterans in crisis (and their families and friends) with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential, toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.

Find Treatment Resources

Substance Use Treatment Locator

Millions of Americans have a substance use disorder. Help is available. FindTreatment.gov.

Disaster Distress Helpline

1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746).

Website: www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator

Find alcohol, drug, or mental health treatment facilities and programs around the country at findtreatment.samhsa.gov.

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