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8/4/2021 3rd Annual Strength 2 Thrive Suicide Prevention Walkathon & Community Event - 21 Sep 2021Read Now 3rd Annual Strength 2 Thrive Suicide Prevention Walkathon & Community Event
September 11, 2021 at 8:00 PM MDT to September 12, 2021 at 8:00 AM MDT We'll be walking the track at Columbia High School, 301 S. Happy Valley Road, Nampa, Idaho 83687. Strength 2 Thrive is a walkathon, concert, and gathering to raise awareness about suicide and build a community of support. Money raised from the event will be donated to the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline. The walkathon will kick off promptly at 8:00 PM but general event festivities will begin at 7:00 PM. It's an overnight walk-a-thon that will take place during the hours suicide rates are at their highest. Live local music, speakers, a remembrance garden & food trucks. All ages welcome! Follow @strength2thrive_walk on Instagram and Like the Strength 2 Thrive Facebook Page for updates. For more information or to register, visit: https://strength2thrive.org/ Donate to the My Grief Connection team at: https://strength2thrive.org/donations/sara-cobb/
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 Grief Refuge Podcast - How to Find Your Community of Grief Support
It’s hard to find support for your grief. It’s even harder to find a community that can provide the support you need. On this episode, host Reid Peterson interviews Sara Cobb from My Grief Connection - who is putting her heart and soul into making it easier to find your community of grief support. Listen to full episode on Apple Podcasts at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-find-your-community-of-grief-support/id1503081996?i=1000530654253 Be sure to download the Grief Refuge app (iOS or Android) for grief support every day. Learn more about Reid and all of his grief support offerings at: https://griefrefuge.com/  Meet-Up for Survivors of Murder-Suicide Loss
You are not alone. After murder-suicide loss survivors may feel isolated and stigmatized. This peer-led group was founded to provide hope and collectively support each other through this rare type of loss which, unfortunately, is an everyday occurrence in the United States. They welcome all survivors of murder-suicide loss, regardless of their relationship to those who died. They emphasize welcoming all kinds of survivors of this type of loss as they understand, for many people, you cannot “choose sides.” The loss of multiple people after this type of suicide loss is incredibly complex to navigate. Survivors include, but are not limited to, the following circumstances: sibling and/or step-sibling loss, parental and/or step-parental loss, child or step-child loss, spouse, ex-spouse, partner or ex-partner loss, in-law loss, friend loss, witnesses of murder-suicide with or without direct connections to the victim and/or perpetrator, and attempted murder-suicide survivors. This peer led group is a hybrid traditional support group and action group. They welcome those interested in either, or both. Their 90 minute format is conveniently divided to accommodate attendees with interests in traditional support and/or advocacy. Brittany Noble McCarthy and Sara Cobb are survivors of murder-suicide loss and the co-founders of this unique support network which launched in 2020 and today has connected survivors across the country. The group meets every other Friday via Zoom at 5:00 PM PST/8:00 PM EST. Contact Brittany at brittanynoblemccarthy@gmail.com or Sara at mygriefconnection@outlook.com if you would like more information. They ask all attendees to complete an initial phone or video call with one of the group leaders to ensure the environment is a good fit and to ensure the safety and privacy of all group members. Prerequisites for group participation: - Must be 18 years of age or older - Must be currently in professional counseling/therapy, actively seeking professional counseling/therapy, or have a willingness to professional counseling/therapy in the future - Must be willing to share contact information with the group leads for emergency use only Check out the group profile at: https://grief.com/grief-support-group-directory/  Understanding Your Grief: Support Group for Fathers
Grieving dads, you are invited to join Eric's House for their virtual Understanding Your Grief: Support Group for Fathers. Men who have lost a child or stepchild of any age to substance abuse, suicide, or sudden trauma are welcome to join. Sessions run for 9 weeks on a weekly basis. They begin on Tuesday, August 17 and end on October 12, 2021. Eric's House makes all groups affordable. As a non-profit dedicated to healing broken hearts, they ensure that everyone who needs support gets support. The fee for all groups is 45, which covers materials and expenses only. If you simply don’t have the resources to cover their fee, they will help. Please call 855-896-5658 or visit www.ericshouse.org for more information, and follow @ericshouse88 on Instagram. You DO NOT have to live in Arizona to join this group! Bucket List Adventure: Putting Faith Over Fear
So I did a thing the other day. I crossed a big adventure off of my bucket-list. I wrangled my dear friend Mattie into going skydiving with me at DZone Skydiving near Boise, Idaho! I originally planned on doing this on July 4th, to celebrate my birthday, honor of the 3 year marker of my brother Sky's death, and commemorate the 2nd birthday of My Grief Connection, but due to circumstances beyond my control it was postponed. Even though I didn't get to do it on the day I had planned to, was still an amazing and exciting experience. My younger brother Adam was able to go with me for moral and photographic support, which was super special. I was able to spread some of Skyler’s cremains in the sky right before jumping as well. We had talked about going skydiving together someday. Even thought it wasn't the way we planned it, we got to do it together after all. I was shockingly calm and not that nervous. I even slept well last night, which was a surprise. Of course, there was a "Holy Crap!" moment when getting into position on the edge of the plane and the first few seconds of free fall, but after I caught my breath, it was just awesome. It was pretty smokey over Boise that day, but I still had just a mind blowing view! I'm so thankful I had the chance to do this and am so proud of myself. I know that Sky is proud of me too. I'm grateful I got to have this adventure with my sister-friend Mattie. We are certainly bonded for life now! It's thrilling to kick off this new phase of my life with a challenge to put my faith over my fear! Now I know I can do much more than I ever thought I could. I'm looking forward to seeing what other fears I can face and overcome! Author Bio: Sara J. Cobb is the Founder of My Grief Connection, a hub of grief resources, tools and information, that provides grievers with support in finding hope for healing after loss.
 FREE Suicide Prevention Training - QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer)
In partnership with Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, the Idaho State Department of Education is offering free online QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention! This training is available to Idaho educators and any member of a school's community (this includes parents, grandparents, school staff, staff at youth organizations, coaches; anyone who interacts with students at home or at school). The training takes about 1-2 hours to complete. They want as many caring adults as possible prepared and trained to connect students with support and resources! Thank you for taking the time to complete this course which will help you protect and support our youth. Get started here: https://form.jotform.com/200843987115156  FREE Healing After Suicide Loss Masterclass Series
July 26 - August 8, 2021 If you want to finally heal after losing your loved one to suicide and move forward with your life, then you should sign up for the Healing After Suicide Loss interview series. My friend Caro Brookings handpicked 25+ top experts, authors and support providers from the suicide grief and loss space for this free interview series on how to find peace, make life liveable again and move forward one day at a time. I am so grateful to be part of this FREE 14-day interview series, and I can’t wait to share my wisdom with you! Healing After Suicide Loss starts on July 26. Don’t miss out! Register to save your seat at: https://interviewseries.healingaftersuicideloss.org/sara  Bereaved Parents Awareness Month
July is recognized each year as Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to raising public awareness of the support required when one endures the death of a child at any age. If you are a parent who has lost a child, our hearts and thoughts are with you this month, and always. Some terrific grief resources and organizations that support and assist bereaved parents are: Alive Alone - https://www.alivealone.org/ Bereaved Parents of the USA - https://www.bereavedparentsusa.org/ The Compassionate Friends - https://www.compassionatefriends.org/ The COPE Foundation - https://copefoundation.org/ Dads of Steele Grief Support Group - https://dadsofsteele.org/grieving-dads/ David's Hope Pregnancy Loss Ministry - www.davidshopeministry.org Grieve. Breathe. Believe. - https://www.betternotbittermom.com/offers/Byd2z2bi Grieving Dads - To the Brink and Back - https://grievingdads.com/ Infant Loss Resources, Inc. - http://infantlossresources.org/ Jonathan's Giving Tree - https://jonathansgivingtree.org Mamie's Poppy Plates -https://mamiespoppyplates.com/ The MISS Foundation - https://missfoundation.org/ The Morning - http://www.themorning.com/ The National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children, Inc. - http://pomc.com/ SHARE Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support, Inc. - http://nationalshare.org/ Sharing Solace - https://sharingsolace.com/ Still Birth Day - https://stillbirthday.com/ Sunshine After the Storm - https://sunshineafterthestorm.org/ TEARS Foundation - https://thetearsfoundation.org/  From Mourning to Meaning Interview Series
The FREE From Mourning to Meaning Interview Series begins on July 12th, 9:00 AM PST For 16 consecutive days, you will receive a daily email with access to 2 interviews featuring a grief and loss expert, hosted by Laura Isabel. Each with their own story, their own experience, their own advice. During these video interviews you will:
out how you can break through the intolerable grief and return to meaningful living! Beginning July 12 you can access these 30 video interviews to help you with your grief. You can register to get your FREE ticket to listen in at: https://frommourningtomeaning.com/ 6/28/2021 The Biology of Trauma: Solutions Series for Mental Health, Addictions and BurnoutRead Now The Biology of Trauma: Solutions Series for Mental Health, Addictions and Burnout
FREE from July 19-25, 2021 Trauma becomes our biology, and stored in the body, becomes the unconscious program running our mental and physical health to exhaustion. Join the Biology of Trauma Series to find science-based solutions for resilience and recovery!Gain effective and cutting-edge strategies for moving from a state of overwhelm to calm and solutions for addressing biological imbalances triggered by and causing trauma. Register at https://tinyurl.com/BioOfTrauma  Remembering You: Sharing Our Sibling Stories,
Saturday, August 28, 2021 from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM CST Hosted by Team Mercy this is a time created for siblings to gather, remember, celebrate, and discuss life after sibling loss in a safe, understanding space. For siblings ages 7 and older. Participants will be placed in age appropriate groups for discussion and community. Once Registered, a Zoom Link will be sent to the registrant's email address. Sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/remembering-you-sharing-our-sibling-stories-tickets-150836103847 For more information about Team Mercy, visit: https://teammercy.org/  International Widows Day is Wednesday, June 23, 2021
International Widows Day is an annual day to bring global awareness to the violation of human rights and dignity that widows suffer in many countries after the death of their spouses. The loss of a spouse is devastating under the best of circumstances but the COVID-19 pandemic has made the situation worse over the last several months, leaving many thousands of women newly widowed and cut off from financial and familial support. There are an estimated 350 million widows around the world, and close to 1 in 10 live in extreme poverty. The United Nations observes this day to draw attention to the voices & experiences of widows across the globe and to galvanize the unique support that they need. It is an opportunity for action towards achieving full rights and recognition for widows. Widows' rights are women's rights are human rights. "For many women, becoming a widow does not just mean the heartache of losing a husband, but often losing everything else as well." – Cherie Blair, wife of former Prime Minister, Tony Blair.  Grief, Loss and Addiction FREE Webinar
June 24, 2021 at 12:00 PM EST So many of us have lost a friend, family member, or other loved one to addiction. That loss may have been slow or sudden but no matter how it happened,the sense of grief and loss is always deep. The ongoing stigma around addiction and overdose can make a difficult grieving process even harder and lonelier. Join in for a panel discussion with those who have lost loved ones and practical information on how to support others who are grieving. Join speakers Kelli Nielsen, from The Grief Guru, and Gloria Englund of Recovering U, for this panel discussion with those who have lost loved ones and practical information on how to support others who are grieving. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/griefaddiction  Camp Because Kids Grieve (BKG)
August 6-8, 2021 What is Camp BKG? Children and teens ages 6 to 17 attend a weekend camp experience that combines grief education and emotional support with fun, traditional camp activities. Led by bereavement professionals and caring volunteers, campers are provided a safe environment to explore their grief, learn essential coping skills, and make friends with peers who are also grieving. Additional services are offered to support the whole family outside of the camp weekend. The retreat weekend will help bereaved youth share their grief experiences in creative ways through art projects, time to talk and share, outdoor games and challenge courses, participate in memorial activities and even share a campfire experience! The 2021 Camp BKG will be held on August 6-8, 2021 at the Trinity Pines Camp & Conference Center in Cascade, Idaho. Transportation for campers will be provided by Because Kids Grieve from their designated drop off and pick up sites. Camp is FREE to all campers through generous support and donations from local corporations and other area organizations. Parents or guardians must complete an application for each child or teen who would like to attend. Applications are accepted until all available spaces are filled. Space is limited, so we encourage you to return the completed application as soon as possible. Please note that any camper who has attended camp in the past will be considered after all spaces are offered to new campers. THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THE 2021 CAMP BKG IS July 15, 2021. For more information about Camp BKG, please contact the Because Kids Grieve at info@becausekidsgrieve.org. Registration questions can be left on their message line at 208-352-2994. Register at: https://becausekidsgrieve.org/what-is-camp-erin
Instagram LIVE with Ashley Jackson of
Timeless Dream Events Friday, June 18, 2021 at 4:30 PM MST/6:30 PM EST Join My Grief Connection founder, Sara Cobb as she speaks with Ashley Jackson of Timeless Dream Events who will share about her new memoir, "Lost Travel Found," her story of surviving grief, finding herself and falling madly in love which releases on June 18th in honor of her beloved dad, just in time for father's day. Ashely will talk about the sudden death of her dad ten years ago, which was a defining experience in her life. She'll also tell us about the challenging experience she went through when years later her husband was diagnosed with a rare cancer in stage 4, beating the 35% chance of survival he was given. After these events Ashley came to know her purpose in life. She will tell us about how her business Timeless Dream Events was born out of her pain and its mission and vision is to provide terminally ill people and their family members with a “timeless dream event” that will celebrate life and love. She plans various events, at minimal notice due to each unique and sensitive situation. To learn more about Ashely visit www.timelessdreamevents.com Catch the LIVE on Instagram @my_grief_connection on Friday, June 18, 2021 at 4:30 PM MST/6:30 PM EST. Follow Ashely on Instagram at @timelessdreamevents
Instagram LIVE with Children's Book
Author, Jalisa Rose Smith Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 2:00 PM MST/4:00 PM EST Join My Grief Connection founder, Sara Cobb as she speaks with Jalisa Rose Smith, author of the children's book, "In His Absence I Can Still Feel His Presence." Jalisa will share about the loss of her father when she was 11 years old and how his death has affected and shaped her life. She'll talk about her motivation to write her children's book about loss. Her book is designed to help children cope with grief through words of encouragement, prayer and scriptures. To learn more about Jalisa visit http://www.authorjalisasmith.com/ Catch the LIVE on Instagram @my_grief_connection on Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 2:00 PM MST/4:00 PM EST Follow Jalisa Rose Smith on Instagram at @authorjalisasmith  Instagram LIVE with Reid Peterson of Grief Refuge Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 7:00 PM MST/9:00 PM EST Join My Grief Connection founder, Sara Cobb as she speaks with Reid Peterson of Grief Refuge, a grief support provider who helps to transform grief into definitive purpose. Reid will share about the loss of the father figures in his life and how he sought support through community grief counseling and support groups, eventually leading him to create the Grief Refuge mobile app so grievers can have support in their pocket whenever they need it. They will also chat about his podcast, where through stories and reflective conversations, he helps listeners feel comfort and the support to find meaning, live with purpose, and heal their hearts. Catch the LIVE on Instagram at @my_grief_connection on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 7:00 PM MST/9:00 PM EST. Follow Grief Refuge on Instagram at @grief_refuge To learn more about Reid visit www.griefrefuge.com Speaking of Grief Facebook Live Series
My Grief Connection founder, Sara Cobb, will be LIVE on the Speaking of Grief: Grief Support Facebook page on June 3, 2021 at 8:00PM EST, with Nancy Green, for Part 3 of a 4 part series exploring childhood trauma, sibling loss and murder-suicide. Due to mature subject matter, viewer discretion is advised. If you miss it, don't worry you can watch all parts of the series in the replay on the Facebook page. Join us on Facebook at: facebook.com/speakingofgrief  33rd Annual Healing After Suicide Loss Conference Saturday, June 12, 2021 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM EST Registration Fee: $20 The 33rd Annual Healing After Suicide Loss Conference, hosted by the American Association for Suicidology, will be held virtually on Saturday, June 12, 2021 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM EST. AAS hopes to create a space for sharing, learning, and healing for loss survivors. The conference will include workshops, sharing sessions, and a presentation from AAS' 2021 Loss Survivor Award winner, Lena Heilmann. For full schedule and presentation descriptions, and to register please visit https://www.aasconference.org/haslc Attendees will receive more information including access links in their confirmation email after registration.  Death & Donuts
Death & Donuts meets on a monthly basis to have candid, open discussions about all end-of-life issues in a comfortable, cheerful atmosphere via Zoom. Come with an open mind, a healthy curiosity, and a willingness to share your thoughts, feelings, and questions with other like-minded individuals. Topics are determined by the group. All are welcome. For more information and to register, email Jillian Brinkley at jillian.brinkley@dignitymemorial.com Check out the Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/AlexandersDandD  Speaking of Grief Facebook Live Series: Part 2 of 4 My Grief Connection founder, Sara Cobb, will be LIVE on the Speaking of Grief: Grief Support Facebook page on May 18th at 8:00PM EST, with Nancy Green, for Part 2 of a 4 part series exploring childhood trauma, sibling loss and murder-suicide. Due to mature subject matter, viewer discretion is advised. If you miss it, don't worry you can watch all parts of the series in the replay on the Facebook page. Join us on Facebook at: facebook.com/speakingofgrief
Grief Refuge Mobile App
The Grief Refuge app is now available to support people on their grief journey today, tomorrow, and every day going forward. The Grief Refuge app is a daily companion to help navigate the grief journey. It provides comfort and solace in a time of need. With daily audio musings and a tool to track your grief progress, it helps you cope with loss and feel supported throughout the journey. Download for free from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) to get started. This app is one of a kind. It is filled with wisdom and compassion for people who really need to feel more support in their grief.
Coping with Pandemic Grief: A Guide to Feeling, Dealing & Healing in 2021
Licensed Therapist, Tiffany Roe, MA, CMHC of Mindful Counseling, has created created the Mini Course, "Coping with Pandemic Grief: A Guide to Feeling, Dealing & Healing in 2021," and has generously made it available to all for FREE! It includes a short video lecture where she breaks down the three new types of mental health issues we are dealing with, what symptoms look like, and how you can Feel Deal Heal™ through this. Tiffany Roe, teaches you skills to cope through the anxiety, grief & burnout that we are collectively experiencing. You'll also get access to a FREE downloadable mini workbook which covers her suggestions of 5 Ways to Cope With Pandemic Grief, including activities & printable permission slips to help you as you move though your emotions. Pandemic Grief is no joke. It's real and widespread, even if you haven't lost someone. The world as we knew it before is lost and our social support systems aren't what they once were. We are all going to need tools to navigate 2021 and life beyond that. Please share with anyone you know who might benefit from the course. For FREE access to the Mini Course, visit: https://tiffanyroeschool.com/p/pandemic-grief-course Love and Loss Grief Coaching Program
Have you lost someone or something you love? Does life feel unmanageable? Have you felt like no one truly understands or sees your grief? In their Love and Loss Grief Coaching Program Chuck & Ashley Elliott will guide you to reflect upon your journey, identify the unseen elements of grief, and illuminate steps to reframe and rebuild your life. Each session will help you work through your personal situation to reveal individual and relational strengths that will guide your healing process. The Elliott's will stick with you through every step of the journey. You can watch each of the six sessions at your own pace and work on goals that you have been guided to establish throughout each video. Not ready to start the program? Check out their free Love and Loss Devotional at: https://www.elliottlifecoaching.com/love-and-loss-devotional To find out more about the program, and to register, visit https://www.elliottlifecoaching.com/love-and-loss Follow them on Instagram: @chuckandashleycoaching Survivors of Murder-Suicide Loss Share How You Can Help Support  Check out the terrific new post on Brittany Noble McCarthy's blog,
"Survivors of Murder-Suicide Loss Share How You Can Help Support," at https://brittanynoblemccarthy.com/survivors-of-murder-suicide-loss-share-how-you-can-help-support/ Brittany Noble McCarthy is a writer and advocate for two largely misunderstood areas: the life of military families and survivors of murder-suicide loss. In addition to pieces published with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and The Kentucky Derby Museum. Brittany is the co-founder of a murder-suicide loss support group, along with fellow survivor My Grief Connection founder Sara J. Cobb, and has connected with survivors across the country. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Communication, and is a certified Peer Mentor with TAPS. Brittany has participated in numerous grief and suicide workshops with TAPS and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She has also connected with leading researchers in the field of suicidology and community violence. This new post was co-written by several murder-suicide loss survivors, including Brittany & Sara, with the intent of helping educate those in survivors’ support systems. In it, they share what would have been most helpful – and what was not helpful – after their initial loss. They have joined in a single voice that they hope reflects anyone who has experienced the tragic loss of a loved one to murder-suicide or any sensationalized, traumatic loss. They cannot and do not speak for all survivors, but if you are a survivor of murder-suicide loss, they hope you know you are not alone. If you are a survivor of murder-suicide loss and are interested in connecting with other survivors for support and/or direction to resources, please reach out to either Brittany or Sara via email for information about their Survivors of Murder-Suicide Loss Virtual Support Group. This private support group meets twice monthly via Zoom to share our stories, encourage and support one another. |
Sara J. CobbFounder, My Grief Connection Archives
November 2021
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– at no extra cost to you. I only promote things I have have either personally tried or strongly believe are beneficial. Any commissions earned helps keep this website going. Thank you for using our affiliate links to help My Grief Connection to continue helping grievers find help & hope. Not responsible for the content, claims or representations of the linked sites, videos, movies, podcasts, groups, events, books, articles, etc. This site provides links and general grief support information and is not intended to serve as or replace professional counseling, guidance or treatment. If you are thinking about hurting yourself or someone else, please contact 911 or the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255. For any type of crisis situation you can text CONNECT to 741741 to chat with a Crisis Text Line counselor. My Grief Connection - Created 04 July 2019 Updated 20 November 2021 © 2021 My Grief Connection
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