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“Like a sunflower, may your spirit continue to bloom amidst the storms, finding strength and solace in the warm embrace of summer."
-Anonymous
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Hope Report: Summer 2023 Newsletter | |
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During the summer months, when many organizations reduce their availability or close temporarily, we at the Centre for Grief and Healing understand that grief doesn't take a break during the summer. In light of this understanding, we have made the decision to continue to ensure supports are available throughout the summertime. During this time, we want to be transparent and acknowledge that we will be undergoing some internal changes that may cause slight delays in certain areas during these months. We kindly ask for your understanding and patience as we navigate these adjustments while remaining committed to providing the best support possible for everyone. | | |
Celebrating Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month | How about listening to the sounds of Summer while you scroll? | Summertime Memorial Ideas | |
Plant a Memorial Garden: choose their favorite flowers or plants and create a serene space where you can spend time reflecting and remembering them. You can also add personalized garden ornaments or stones with their name or a meaningful quote.
Release Biodegradable Balloons or Lanterns: release biodegradable balloons or lanterns into the sky at sunset. Each balloon or lantern can represent a memory or message for your loved one.
Beach or Lake Memorial: if your loved one enjoyed spending time at the beach or lake, plan a memorial gathering at their favorite waterfront location.
Commemorative Picnic: organize a picnic in a meaningful outdoor location, such as a park or a spot your loved one enjoyed. Invite family and friends to bring their favorite dishes and share stories and memories.
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Coping with Grief in the Summertime | |
Grief can be more intense in the summertime because it looks like everyone, except for you, is out there having a great time. Especially in the first summer after a loss; the absence of that summer joy can be felt very strongly.
Summertime things like smells, favorite activities, or family traditions can remind you of the person you've lost. Family gatherings or vacations might remind you that they're not there anymore. Seeing others enjoying themselves while you're hurting can be really hard. Here are some tips for coping with grief during the summer:
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Remember Boundaries: be kind to yourself and set boundaries when needed. It's okay to decline invitations if you're not ready for certain social situations. Choose the events you think you can handle and say “no“ to the ones you think will be more difficult for you.
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Embrace Nature: spend time outdoors, connecting with nature. Take walks, visit parks, or find a peaceful spot where you can reflect and find comfort.
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Accept Limitations: make a list of the activities that feel good and those that don’t. Consider scaling back or changing something you may have done in the past.
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Take Time for Self-Care: summertime can be physically and emotionally draining due to hot weather, more time spent outdoors, and longer days. We encourage rest, quiet time, nutritious eating, and hydration.
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Paying it Forward: Supporting Others While Supporting Yourself | | |
The healing power of giving. | |
A focus for us in 2023 is financial sustainability to ensure we can continue operating.
Making a difference in the world around us can be a powerful tool for coping with grief and loss. Donating or volunteering not only supports others in need, but it can also bring a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction to our own lives. Please consider donating to help sustain our programs and support the wellness of others.
Your donation, no matter how big or small, can help us make a difference in the lives of those who are coping with grief. Your support will help us provide valuable supports to yourself and others, and ensure that everyone has access to the compassionate support they deserve. Together, we can help those who are grieving begin to heal and find hope for the future. Invest in wellness today!
If you're interested in supporting us and our community through fundraising, please reach out to Kelly at fundraising@bereavedfamilies.ca. Click Here for some ways you can get started with us!
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"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." - Oscar Wilde | |
Support Updates Since January 2023 | | |
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From January 10th-May 25th we've:
Supported 390 group members through...
75 grief support group sessions.
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From January 10th-May 25th, we've:
Facilitated 422 one-to-one peer support sessions.
Welcomed 212 new members to the organization.
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Open/Ongoing Support Groups | |
Click the photo to view our frequently asked questions, how to register for group, group guidelines, and Summer 2023 groups, topics, and dates. This document comes attached to every group registration and can be found on our website.
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Virtual Mixed Loss Group: every Tuesday, 6:30pm-8:00pm
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In-Person Mixed Loss Group: 3rd Monday of every month, except holidays and closures
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Virtual Parent & Guardian Loss Group: every Wednesday, 6:30pm-8:00pm
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Virtual Child Loss Group: bi-weekly Wednesdays, 6:30pm-8:00pm
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Virtual Partner Loss Group: every Thursday, 6:30pm-8:00pm
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Closed/Time-Limited Support Groups | |
Cancer Loss: We're excited to have started our very first Closed Cancer Loss Grief Support Group in May! A big thanks to our community members, volunteers, and staff for putting this group together.
Suicide Loss: In collaboration with the Distress Centres of Greater Toronto, we will be offering a free, in-person grief support group for suicide loss survivors from June 7th-July 26th. This group will be on Wednesdays from 6:30pm-8:30pm in-person at our main office location. For more information, please contact Alex at ashendelman@dcogt.com.
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Griefwise: Tips and Insights for Grief and Healing | | |
Discussing grief with family and friends. | |
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Grief is a deeply personal and unique experience. It affects everyone in its own way, making it important to recognize that not everyone feels comfortable openly discussing their grief with others, even if they have experienced the loss of the same family member or shared friend. It's important to be mindful and respectful of other people's boundaries and understand that everyone has their own coping mechanisms and preferences for dealing with grief.
With this in mind, here are some tips to navigate conversations about grief with family members and friends:
Create a Safe Space: Foster an environment of trust and understanding where your loved one feels safe to express their grief if they choose to do so. Respect their boundaries and allow them to open up at their own pace.
Practice Active Listening: When someone does choose to share their grief, be an attentive listener. Give them your full attention, without judgment or interruption. Validate their feelings and provide a supportive presence.
Be Empathetic: Recognize that each person's grief experience is unique. Avoid comparing or minimizing their feelings. Instead, offer empathy, understanding, and unconditional support.
Respect Boundaries: Understand that not everyone may be ready or willing to talk about their grief. Respect their decision and avoid pressuring them to share if they're not comfortable doing so. Offer alternative ways of support, such as providing a listening ear or helping with practical tasks.
Offer Gentle Invitations: If you want to initiate a conversation about grief, do so gently and without expectations. Let others know that you are there for them if they ever feel like talking or need support. Assure them that you understand and respect their boundaries.
Remember, everyone's grief journey is unique, and the ways in which they choose to cope and communicate may vary. By being mindful of others' boundaries and your own, you can create a supportive atmosphere that allows individuals to navigate their grief in their own time and way.
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Here are some tips on initiating conversations about grief.
Memory Sharing: Start a conversation by inviting the person to share a favorite memory or story about the person who has passed away. This can open up a space for reminiscing and celebrating their life.
Grief Journey Reflections: Ask your loved one to share a word or phrase that represents their grief. This can encourage individuals to express their emotions and experiences.
5 Things I Miss: Encourage your friend or family member to share five things they miss most about their loved one. This can help open up conversations about the impact of the loss and the ways the person is missed.
Self-Care Share: Invite your friend or family member to share a self-care practice or activity that has helped them/is helping them cope with grief. This can include things like journaling, meditation, exercise, or engaging in a favorite hobby. Sharing self-care strategies can provide helpful tips and support for everyone present.
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Finding Hope Again, Together. | |
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 good news stories and testimonials of hope, resilience, and healing from individuals who have found 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. Let's celebrate resilience and strength together.
Click the button below to learn more and to share your testimonial or story with us!
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In April, we celebrated National Volunteer Week (16th-22nd)! We are beyond grateful to all our volunteers for the amazing contributions they have made and continue to make.
Over National Volunteer Week we shared some posts of gratitude and volunteer appreciation! Please click the links below to view these posts.
| If you would like to volunteer with us, please contact our Volunteer Manager, Irish, at volunteering@bereavedfamilies.ca. | | |
Coping with Grief on Father's Day | | |
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Tips for Coping with Grief this Father's Day
Honor Their Legacy: engage in activities that resonate with you and remind you of the values, teachings, and qualities they embodied. Whether it's participating in a favourite sport, engaging in outdoor activities, or practicing skills they taught you, honour their legacy in a way that feels authentic to you.
Prioritize Self-Care: self-care knows no genders. Focus on practices that align with your unique needs. Engage in activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as exercising, practicing mindfulness or meditation, pursuing a hobby you enjoy, or connecting with nature.
Create New Traditions: consider establishing new traditions that pay tribute to their memory in a way that feels authetic to you. This could involve engaging in activities that they enjoyed or introducing new ones that reflect their values.
Embrace and Express Your Emotions: give yourself permission to experience and process a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anger or even moments of joy.
Honor Memories: take time to honor and cherish the memories you have of them. Engage in activities that remind you of them, such as looking through old photos, visiting their favorite places, or sharing stories with loved ones.
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Father's Day can be an incredibly difficult and emotional time, especially for those who are grappling with the loss of their fathers, sons, grandfathers, or other significant father figures. The ache in the heart and the longing for their presence can feel overwhelming during this day.
It's crucial to acknowledge the deep pain that is felt, as it serves as a powerful reminder of the cherished moments, the laughter shared, and the unconditional love received.
Whether it's the fathers who carry the weight of grief for their departed sons or the individuals who mourn the absence of their beloved grandfathers, the depth of sorrow is profound. May we extend our empathy, understanding, and unwavering support to all those who are navigating the complex and tender emotions that Father's Day can bring.
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We've made the decision to postpone our Food as Community event until 2024 so we can focus our efforts on our upcoming...
26th annual Walk to Remember fundraising event, taking place on Saturday, September 30 at Lakeside Park in Mississauga (2268 Lakeshore Road West).
Registration for Walk to Remember is now open!
Walk/run/cycle/hop/skip etc. to raise much-needed funds for the organization, so we can continue to provide grief supports free-of-charge for those in our community who need them.
Honour a loved one who has passed away by raising money in their name. You can wear something to commemorate them or since our Walk to Remember is taking place on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation this year, you may choose to wear an orange shirt to honour the Indigenous children that were forced to attend residential schools, and to honour their families and communities.
You can do the walk on your own time or join us on September 30 at Lakeside Park in Mississauga.
This year we have an ambitious goal of raising $100,000 so we can reduce wait times and continue to provide grief free grief supports. For every $8,230 we raise, we can run a support group. For every $207, we can train a new volunteer. Will you contribute to our goal? 💜
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We're proud to offer our services free-of-charge to those in the community that need them. However, requests for our free and accessible services are growing rapidly.
We experience need on a daily basis for our support to individuals facing the difficulties and mental distress of grief.
All funds raised through donations go towards running our essential support programs annually. Here's some transparency:
- $35,023+: the investment to run individual grief support sessions
- $33,652+: the investment to run our grief support groups
- $15,660+: administrative costs
- $3,320+: the investment to run GriefTalks, our free TedTalk-like webinars where subject matter experts speak on grief and healing themes and topics
You can donate today through our official donation channels here. Also, if you know now that you can't attend or participate in Walk to Remember this year, but would still like to contribute, you can donate 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!
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Additional Events and Workshops | |
We recently had Kelly Price facilitate a beautiful GriefTalks in May on breathwork, yoga, and meditation. Thanks to all who came out!
Start marking you calendars!
On June 19th, we will be gathering to present to everyone all our 2022 year accomplishments in our Annual General Meeting. You can register to attend by visiting our website.
On July 17th, we will have Irish Dhindsa hosting our next GriefTalks on Living with Grief and Disability.
On October 5th, we have Fallon Farinacci hosting our final GriefTalks of 2023 on traumatic grief and healing. This GriefTalk will also include a conversation on Aboriginal grief/healing as this talk falls shortly after National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. You can learn more about Fallon and her grief story here (TRIGGER AND CONTENT WARNING). Fallon is a proud Red River Métis, a speaker, survivor, & advocate for MMIWG (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls).
During our annual office closure in December, we will be offering our first ever 1-hour workshop on Nurturing Your Grief in Winter, including conversations on coping with the holidays and winter wellness. The date is TBD but will be during the week of December 18th.
Follow us on social media or stay on the lookout for future emails with registration links and more information on the above events and workshops! We hope to see you there.
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Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility | | |
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I.D.E.A Organization Statement
Fostering Hope and Healing for All Walks of Life.
We've come a long way since 1989 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.
IDEA: Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility.
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Our Centre for Grief and Healing (CFGH) Team | | |
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As we welcome new members to the organization, we wanted to say hello and welcome to the Centre for Grief and Healing.
Joining our team this year, we have Kelly, our Fundraising Event Specialist! You can connect with Kelly if you're looking to support us in fundraising and events.
Victoria is celebrating her 4th year with the organization as a staff member, and is reaching her 5th year since starting her journey with us as a student.
To learn more about us and what we do, click here! We are a very small but mighty women-led team. We also rely on the kind support of our fantastic volunteers. Check out our Volunteer Recognition Wall!
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A Big Thanks to Our Funder and Community Donations! | | |
Feedback, Comments, Suggestions | | |
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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. Interested in having us run our Navigating Through Grief Workshop for you and your team/workplace/business/school? Reach out to Victoria to learn more.
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 one-to-ones) can be forwarded to Samantha at info@bereavedfamilies.ca.
Our next Hope Report will be sent in August 2023. Our Care Corner wellness newsletter will be sent in July 2023.
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