Hello Friends,
This week we have two in-person regular groups, two regular zoom groups, three specialty zoom groups. Login and location information follow at the bottom of this newsletter.
THE POWER OF PEER SUPPORT
The holidays can be really hard when you’re grieving. After my son died, during the holiday season, it felt like the world was celebrating while I was just trying to get through each day. That made me upset and mad, at them and at the world. That’s why peer support is so important. It was at a grief group that I heard some of the other people expressing similar thoughts and it help normalize my feelings. I listened as people talked about things that helped and didn’t help them. And everyone was so supportive. At The Sun Will Rise, we’ve created spaces where people can show up exactly as they are whether they’re struggling, remembering, reflecting or just wanting to be with other people who understand. One group member (who gave me permission to share) recently emailed me and said, “I wanted to let you know how much these groups have helped me. I didn’t think I would get anything out of going to a group and I didn’t expect to talk, but listening to people share made me feel less alone and gave me the courage to share about my grief and to keep going. Something that I didn’t want to do. That connection helped me start to breathe again and I will be forever grateful for that.” It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, we can find support in each other.
If the holidays feel heavy this year, you don’t have to face them alone. Our peer grief support groups, both in-person and virtual, are open to anyone grieving a substance use related loss. Whether you want to talk, listen or just be with others who understand, we’re here for you. We can get through this holiday season together.
See the full list of upcoming meetings here.
~ With care
Robyn
Robyn Houston-Bean
Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation
GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS: HOW TO COPE. READ MORE FROM MASS GENERAL BRIGHAM.
TREE OF LIFE ART ACTIVITY
Group members created beautiful unique projects during a therapeutic art activity! Join us at our next in person event!
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
1. Continuing Bonds SADOD’s December Pyschoeducational Virtual Workshop Wednesday 12/18/24 5:00-6:30 pm ET. Bereaved individuals are often told to “move on” or to “let go.” Yet, for many, that is the last thing they want to do, or feel that they can do. Continuing Bonds is a grief theory that describes this very desire and for many, need, to stay connected with our deceased loved ones. This workshop will discuss the theory, how it can be helpful to the bereaved, and of course, ways to continue bonds with our loved ones. This workshop will be recorded and added to PSCP's On-Demand Workshop Library. By participating, you are acknowledging that your image, likeness, and comments may be included in the recording, which will be distributed at the sole discretion of Peer Support Community Partners. There is no charge to attend regardless of where you live. Registration Required. Questions? Contact Laura@sadod.org
2. JUST SMASH IT! Saturday 1/11/25 2:00-3:30 pm ET AVON MA Come smash away your frustrations in a safe and controlled environment. Yes, you really get to break stuff!!! Don't miss out on this opportunity to let off some steam. See you there! Registration Required! As with our previous events, we are requiring a $20 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 Judy Kelly: 781-264-0557 judyannkelly@gmail.com
Apply for NIDA’s New Community Engagement Workgroup
NIDA is forming a Community Engagement Workgroup to enhance the inclusion of people with lived experience in addiction research. This group, convened by the NACDA, will develop resources to guide researchers and community partners in fostering meaningful collaboration.
NIDA seeks individuals with experience in substance use, substance use disorders, or caregiving for someone who does. Participants will meet virtually in 2025 and early 2026 and will be compensated for their time.
Apply by January 10, 2025. Learn more on the Council Workgroups page.
THIS WEEK’S MEETING INFORMATION
Please pay special attention to meeting schedule changes throughout the holiday season.
Monday - GRIEVING GRANDPARENTS - ZOOM 12/16/24 12:00-1:00 pm ET.
Kerry Bickford facilitating.
For grandparents that have experienced the death or estrangement of a grandchild due to substance use (theirs or their parents.) The focus of this Monday group will be on the grandparent.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2334755647
Meeting ID: 233 475 5647 or
One tap mobile 16465588656
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Tuesday - MATTHEW’S CANDLE- ZOOM 12/17/24 6:30-8:00 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/89662827586?pwd=XHOcXrYCO2TbOAAVAGU3CeaoHh7bEa.1
Meeting ID: 896 6282 7586
Passcode: 428871
One tap mobile 13092053325
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Tuesday - IN-PERSON, QUINCY, MA 12/17/24 6:30-8:00 pm ET.
Robyn Houston-Bean facilitating.
New Way Recovery, 85 Quincy Avenue, Quincy, MA
For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.
_________________
Wednesday - IN-PERSON, CHARLESTOWN, MA 12/18/24 6:00-7:00 pm ET.
Shannon Lundin & Michael Cain facilitating.
St. John’s Church 27 Devens St 2nd Floor Charlestown MA
For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.
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Wednesday - ZOOM 12/18/24 6:00-7:30 pm ET.
Karen Walsh and Rachel Solomon facilitating.
For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86470429283
________________
Wednesday - SIBLING ZOOM 12/18/24 6:00-7:30 pm ET.
Miriah Corso facilitating.
For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of a sibling due to substance use.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81887342500?pwd=WLxNYnDMm8Juvs8OK1pbkrUJPMm1to.1
Meeting ID: 818 8734 2500
Passcode: 234576
One tap mobile 13092053325
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Thursday - LGBTQ+ ZOOM 12/19/24 6:00-7:30 PM ET.
Jill Shanahan (she/her) facilitating.
For anyone 18 and over and identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89951258443?pwd=MnJQVDEzWmIxaWdjWnBKN2Y4ZEh1dz09
Meeting ID: 899 5125 8443
Passcode: 841193 or
One tap mobile 16469313860
Do you know someone bereaved due to substance use related causes that would appreciate our weekly email?
Have them sign up here for support!
Join our private Facebook page.
To view the newsletter on our website, please enter the password: grief
“Please be happy. The sun will rise” ~Nick Bean
thesunwillrise.org
The Sun Will Rise Foundation, 541 Washington St, Braintree MA 02184, USA
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