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

THE LAST HOLIDAY CARD

Every year, I would send out Christmas cards with pictures of my kids. I’d always wonder, “How old is too old for a picture Christmas card?” But I kept doing it because it was a tradition and a way to share a little joy with friends and loved ones. The last one I sent was 10 years ago, in December 2014. It wasn’t perfect, just a snapshot of the three of them together. Five months later, Nick died on May 23, 2015 and I’ve never sent one since. It wasn’t a decision I made consciously at first. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it that year and as time passed it became clear that tradition didn’t feel right anymore. I couldn’t bear to send a card with just two of the kids. Grief changes us and the way we celebrate. It’s okay if you keep certain traditions, let others go or create new ones. There’s no right or wrong way to honor your person or navigate the holidays. Be gentle with yourself and know that whatever feels right for you is enough. You’re not alone. Please join us at any of our meetings this week, including our pre-holiday group. Read more: Tips to make the holiday season gentler for you.

~ With care

Robyn

Robyn Houston-Bean

Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation

PRE-HOLIDAY SUPPORT

Join zoom meeting

Come support each other.

LEARN TO COPE ~ EASTHAMPTON MA

Attention Western MA members…. LTC has asked that we share this interest gathering flyer with you. For both people bereaved due to substance use related causes and people whose loved ones are affected by substance use issues. Please contact Kathy Iellamo if you are interested.

RESEARCH STUDY

Thanks to all who signed up for this study. The researcher is still looking for some ADDITIONAL FATHERS who are bereaved due to substance use to complete her study. Please email Laura Russin lrussin@pace.edu if interested in participating.

SAMHSA Now Accepting Public Comments on 2025 Draft National Guidelines for a Behavioral Health Coordinated System of Crisis Care

The National Guidelines 2025 will accomplish three goals:
1.    Establish overarching principles for behavioral health crisis system transformation;
2.    Clarify the various elements that comprise the continuum; and
3.    Offer guidance for communities so they can better understand the resources needed to implement and sustain behavioral health crisis systems and services.

You can review and leave your comments here by 12/15/24

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

1. LAST CALL! TREE OF LIFE ARTS & CRAFTS PROJECT Sunday 12/15/24 2:00-3:30 pm ET NORWELL MA 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 items 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

2. 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

4. JUST SMASH IT! Saturday 1/11/25 2:00-3:30 pm ET AVON MA 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. 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 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

THIS WEEK’S MEETING INFORMATION

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

Monday - IN-PERSON, WEYMOUTH MA 12/19/24 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 - MOM’S ONLY - ZOOM 12/09/24 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

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Monday - SUICIDE RELATED DEATH- ZOOM 12/09/24 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 12/10/24 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.

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Tuesday - IN-PERSON, WINTHROP, MA 12/10/24 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.

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Tuesday - PARTNER & SPOUSE - ZOOM 12/10/24 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

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Tuesday - MEN’S ONLY - ZOOM 12/10/24 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 12/11/24 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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New Date for December only! Wednesday - PEOPLE IN RECOVERY - ZOOM 12/11/24 6:00-7:30 pm ET.

Jill Shanahan facilitating/Leslie Lagos co-facilitating.

For anyone 18 and over who identifies as being in recovery from any substance or alcohol who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82183952041

Meeting ID: 821 8395 2041 or

One tap mobile 16469313860

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Thursday - YOUNG PERSON MEETING - ZOOM 12/12/24 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 - MATTHEW’S CANDLE ZOOM 12/12/24 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://zoom.us/j/96961980647?pwd=cFVTMHR3VE9COGc3UGdIZHo4TWVaZz09#success

Meeting ID: 969 6198 0647

Password: 300626 or

One tap mobile 16465588656

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Special Event! Sunday, 12/15/24 2-3:30 pm ET.

Tree of Life Arts & Crafts Project. Norwell, MA. Sign up required

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Special Group! - Sunday - HOLIDAY PEER GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP - ZOOM 12/15/24 6:30-7:30 pm ET.

Randi Schalet 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://us06web.zoom.us/j/85873754545?pwd=628Y002J4TOUEqjjNU92YXda7n3mLa.1

Meeting ID: 858 7375 4545

Passcode: 294732 or

One tap mobile 16469313860

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