Hello Friends,

This week we have three in-person regular groups, one regular zoom group, one holiday zoom group and six speciality zoom groups. Login and location information follow at the bottom of this newsletter.

November is Children’s Grief Awareness Month

When my son died, it was hard to know how to support my other children who were grieving such an overwhelming loss especially when I was just trying to make it through the days. I am so glad that there are so many wonderful resources like The Children’s Room, The National Alliance for Children's Grief, The Dougy Center and more that can provide guidance and support for families. Here are some tips I found helpful:

Listen without judgment: Create space for them to share feelings whenever they’re ready.
Provide stability: Routine and reliable support help kids feel safe.
Validate their feelings: Let them know every feeling is okay.
Encourage creative expression: Art or play can help them express what’s hard to put into words.
Stay available: Grief doesn’t fade, it changes, many times returning at different ages or milestones.

Visit these resources for more info on helping kids cope and connect this month.

~ With care

Robyn

Robyn Houston-Bean

Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation

Pre-Thanksgiving zoom link is at bottom of newsletter.

RESEARCH STUDY

Request for parents who are bereaved due to substance use. Please email lrussin@pace.edu if interested in participating.

INTO LIGHT PROJECT

A few pictures from the The Gifting Gathering of the Massachusetts INTO LIGHT Project.

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

1. SADOD’S PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP~ MINDFULNESS IN GRIEF. Tuesday November 26, 2024 6:30-8:00 pm ET Join in for a discussion on the beneficial role that Mindfulness can play in our grief journeys. You will discuss tips for getting started and engage in some introductory Mindfulness practices during the workshop. This workshop will take place virtually on Zoom. Learn more and register at bit.ly/mindfulness-grief-workshop. Please note this workshop has a $10 fee for individuals outside of Massachusetts. Massachusetts residents may attend this workshop for free due to funding from MA-BSAS by using promo code MASS at the time of registration. If cost is an issue, please contact Laura@sadod.org

2. New Event! BEMIS FARMS EVERGREEN ANGEL WORKSHOP Thursday 12/5/24 6:00-7:30 pm ET At the workshop, you'll learn how to craft a beautiful evergreen angel perfect for the holiday season ensuring you leave with a stunning creation to decorate your home or give as a thoughtful gift. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make something truly special. Sign up now! As with our previous events, we are requiring a deposit to hold your spot. You will receive the deposit back at the event. If you sign up and do not attend the event without giving us 10 days notice, the deposit is not refundable. We do this to be able to continue to offer events at no cost to you. Thanks for your understanding. Questions? Please contact Aileen Lovejoy: 774-239-1905 aileen@peersupportcommunitypartners.com

3. New Event! TREE OF LIFE ARTS & CRAFTS PROJECT Sunday 12/15/24 2:00-3:30 pm ET At this event, artist Alissa Aronson of Bringing Smiles Unlimited, will guide you in creating your own unique Tree of Life art project using various objects. Alissa is experienced with utilizing arts and crafts as a therapeutic outlet. No previous experience is necessary - just bring your creativity! Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring items such as small pictures or artifacts of your choosing. All ages welcome. Sign up now! As with our previous events, we are requiring a deposit to hold your spot. You will receive the deposit back at the event. If you sign up and do not attend the event without giving us 10 days notice, the deposit is not refundable. We do this to be able to continue to offer events at no cost to you. Thanks for your understanding. Questions? Please contact Natalie Patricio: 774-955-7752 jeepgirl474@gmail.com

THIS WEEK’S MEETING INFORMATION

Monday - IN-PERSON WEYMOUTH MA 11/11/24 6:30-8:00 pm ET

Darlene Mersereau facilitating.

Crossroads Church, 241 Broad Street, Weymouth, MA

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

________________________

Monday - MOM’S ONLY - ZOOM 11/11/24 6:30-8:00 pm ET.

Tracy Carter and Karen Swindell facilitating.

For mothers who have experienced the death of a child(ren) due to substance use.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81904227569?pwd=YnSJwFTN6DFsHTYnPhfMHqUue9ZaL9.1

Meeting ID: 819 0422 7569

Passcode: 807237 or

One tap mobile 13052241968

_________________

Monday - SUICIDE RELATED DEATH- ZOOM 11/11/24 7:00-8:30 pm ET.

Don Lipstein facilitating.

For anyone 18 and over who have experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use. Whether you know for sure that suicide was the cause of death or you are uncertain, you will find support here.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89707430582

Meeting ID: 897 0743 0582 or

One tap mobile 16469313860

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Tuesday - IN-PERSON, NATHAN’S CIRCLE, WEST BARNSTABLE, MA 11/12/24 5:30-7:00 pm ET.

Kerry and Richard Bickford facilitating.

Compass Rose Center 1106 Main St West Barnstable MA

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

_______________

Tuesday - IN-PERSON, WINTHROP, MA 11/12/24 4:30-6:00 pm ET.

JoAnn Rivieccio facilitating.

196 Winthrop Street, Winthrop, MA

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

______________

Tuesday - PARTNER & SPOUSE - ZOOM 11/12/24 7:00-8:30 pm ET.

Kar-Kate Parenteau facilitating.

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of a partner, spouse or significant other due to substance use.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86578435343?pwd=avNFpCQpiLGCsKRKFEsexJj7E87gM5.1

Meeting ID: 865 7843 5343

Passcode: 287422 or

One tap mobile: 13052241968

_________________

Tuesday - MEN’S ONLY - ZOOM 11/12/24 7:00-8:30 pm ET.

Dave Swindell and Gary Carter facilitating.

For men 18 and over who have experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/96961980647?pwd=cFVTMHR3VE9COGc3UGdIZHo4TWVaZz09#success

Meeting ID: 969 6198 0647

Password: 300626 or

One tap mobile 16465588656

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Wednesday - GRIEVING MULTIPLE LOVED ONES - ZOOM 11/13/24 7:00-8:30 pm ET.

Annie Avitabile facilitating.

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of multiple loved ones due to substance use.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88620038150?pwd=tPIsgXzIez3IJB2Ly7SoeSyNN8sYkm.1

Meeting ID: 886 2003 8150

Passcode: 358575 or

One tap mobile 16465588656

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Thursday - YOUNG PERSON MEETING - ZOOM 11/14/24 6:30-8:00 pm ET.

Chloe Brosnan facilitating.

For anyone 18-35 who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82575673103?pwd=Xvzay1uQXyW00t8TBwwqTwElDbc7RV.1

Meeting ID: 825 7567 3103

Passcode: 847275

One tap mobile 13052241968

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Thursday - IN-PERSON, MATTHEW’S CANDLE, KINGSTON, MA—TO BE HELD ON ZOOM THIS MONTH! 11/14/24 7:00-8:30 pm ET.

Mary Peckham facilitating.

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84896993660?pwd=acqYICO1JBaZULxjDwQ9wlVezZJmW6.1

Meeting ID: 848 9699 3660

Passcode: 186744

One tap mobile 16469313860

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Sunday - PRE-THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY PEER GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP - ZOOM 11/17/24 6:30-7:30 pm ET.

David and Karen Swindell facilitating.

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use and would like some additional support during the holiday season.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/96961980647?pwd=cFVTMHR3VE9COGc3UGdIZHo4TWVaZz09#success

Meeting ID: 969 6198 0647

Password: 300626 or

One tap mobile 16465588656

‘Tis a Fearful Thing

Read by Darlene Mersereau at the INTO LIGHT closing ceremony