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

2025

The new year can be a sneaky holiday for grievers. It’s not one we expect to hit us hard, but it can catch us off guard. It’s not just about turning the page, it’s the realization of stepping into a year that your person will never physically be part of. The first calendar year change felt like I was leaving Nick behind. I have come to see that I bring all that was Nick forward with me, no matter what the calendar year says. Whether you feel sadness, relief of leaving a hard year behind, or even hope, it’s all valid. At The Sun Will Rise, we’re here to support you through these challenging milestones. You’re not alone.

~ With care

Robyn

Robyn Houston-Bean

Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation

NEW YEAR’S ZOOM GROUP

Start the new year with support. Join us on 1/1/25 for a Zoom grief group

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

1. JUST SMASH IT! Saturday 1/11/25 2:00-3:30 pm ET Avon MA Ever feel like smashing things to get your anger, sadness, frustration out? Here is your chance! Registration Required! Join us at Just Smash It and let go for a little bit. Come on down and smash away your frustrations in a safe and controlled environment. 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

2. Remembering Lives, Sharing Stories: An Interactive Grief Workshop Saturday 1/18/25 2:00-3:30 pm ET Easton MA This intimate and interactive workshop is designed to honor the memories of those who have died due to substance use related causes. Participants are invited to share personal stories and reflections about their loved ones in a supportive and compassionate environment. Through guided discussion and activities we will explore the power of talking about memories. Whether someone is looking to speak openly or simply listen to others, this workshop intends to provides a safe, brave space to connect, remember, and heal together. This workshop is being presented by Robyn Houston-Bean and was offered at the 2024 Finding Support In Grief Conference. Reserve your spot here. Questions? Email Robyn@thesunwillrise.org

3. SADOD's Psychoeducational Workshop: Finding Meaning in Grief Tuesday, January 28, 2025 6:30 PM 8:00 PM ET We are capable of experiencing hope, healing, well-being and growth in the face of loss. It is possible to make meaning of our losses and regain energy and spontaneity. Guest speaker, Randi Schalet, is a clinical psychologist who has been providing psychotherapy for thirty years. Randi is the peer facilitator for The Sun Will Rise Group in Berkeley CA. It is through her own lived experience as well as through reading and her belief in the value of peer grief support that Randi has begun to understand how a grieving person can find meaning again after a profound loss. This workshop will take place virtually on Zoom. Learn more and register at bit.ly/finding-meaning-sadod. 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

THIS WEEK’S MEETING INFORMATION

Please pay special attention to meeting schedule changes throughout the holiday season.

Monday - IN-PERSON, WEYMOUTH MA 12/30/24 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.

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Monday - MEN’S ONLY - ZOOM 12/30/24 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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New Year’s ZOOM Wednesday - 1/1/25 7:00-8:30 pm ET.

Robyn Houston-Bean 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/89339848976?pwd=ayd1jLi4bBYapnBuybFIkmTE7fhDfq.1

Meeting ID: 893 3984 8976

Passcode: 135336 or

One tap mobile 16465588656

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Thursday - GRIEVING GRANDPARENTS - ZOOM 1/2/25 5:30-6:30 pm ET.

Kerry Bickford facilitating.

For grandparents that have experienced the death of a family member due to substance use now navigating grief and other issues with their grandchildren. The focus of this Thursday group will be on the grandchildren.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2334755647

Meeting ID: 233 475 5647 or

One tap mobile 16465588656

Do you know someone bereaved due to substance use related causes that would appreciate our weekly email?