Spring 2021 Newsletter
Letter from the Executive Director
Hello!
Summer is nearly here and with it a renewed sense of hope. Thank you so much for your commitment to children, adults, and families grieving the loss of a loved one. Over the past year, your support has helped us weather the uncertainty of the pandemic, adapt our services to meet the needs of the community, and expand our services to provide comfort to more people on their grief journey. We could not do our work without you!
Most importantly we were able to adapt and expand our services to serve more individuals over the last year. We added six additional groups, decreased wait times to join groups, improved our website to make it easier to connect with the center, and delivered summer care packages to our families during an isolating time. All of these accomplishments were possible because of you.
The need of grief support during the pandemic continues to grow. We are grateful to you for trusting us to help serve our community. Thank you for your continued commitment to building a community of support for grief.
Sincerely,
Chase Huffman
Executive Director
Summer Resources for Children
As our kids groups come to a close for summer break, we know many families may be looking for summer grief support programming. Below are some grief support summer camps, that are offering programming this summer.
Camp Erin offers support for children coping with loss aged 6-17. This year, the Seattle and Everett locations are offering virtual camp programming.
Camp Mariposa is an addiction prevention and mentoring program for youth who have been impacted by substance abuse in their families. This year, they are offering virtual camp weekends.
Camp Willie is an Everett-based grief camp for children in grades 2nd through 12th grade.
Camp Sparkle is a free, summer day-camp for children ages 5-12 who have been impacted by cancer.
Thank You to Our Volunteers!
This year, our staff found a new way to thank our outstanding volunteers. In honor of National Volunteer Week, we made a video to thank all of our volunteers who have made our support services possible throughout the pandemic.
Thank you to Diana Stoll, Jane Bergerson, Judy Barton, Leslie Sanders, Mary Jackson, Michael Joseph Rubbinaccio, Sandie Farnum, and Wyatt Evans. We wouldn’t be here without you!
Client Spotlight: Amy Stokes
Early Group
My sweet, amazing and loving husband died of Metastatic Prostate Cancer in December of 2018. We were married for 18 years, but together a total of 30 years. We were in love from day one. Our life was full of love, adventure, and so much fun. Following his death, my heart was shredded and my life was a mess. I didn’t know who I was without him. It took me a few months to raise my head and open my heart so I could begin to heal. I knew I wanted a group. I began my search and found The Healing Center after spending some time searching. I knew I needed to heal so the very name of the organization drew me in.
The impact of The Healing Center on my grief journey will be with me for the rest of my life. Learning to open my heart to others’ grief is a gift I can return as those in the group have done for me.
The foundation of respect, caring and love provided by the structure of the group has been a cradle of healing for me. The group energy is a space where it’s safe to be the grieving version of me, with no judgment. It’s the safest space I have found to completely feel the healing I need.
Since my husband died, I sold our house, moved across country and started a new job. It would only be more exciting if he were here but he would be thrilled and so proud of me. I love that we knew each other so well that I can still finish his sentences.
Spring Fundraising Campaign
Our spring appeal is underway. We are so grateful for our community’s support in raising over $19,000. Please help us reach our goal of raising $30,000. Your contribution helps The Healing Center continue to serve grieving families in our community.
And if you’ve already shown your support, spread the word by forwarding this email to family and friends. We won’t be able to reach our goal without your generosity and support.
