This week we have four in-person groups, two regular zoom groups, two speciality zoom groups and one in person event. Login and location information follow at the bottom of this newsletter.
EXPRESS YOURSELF
Grief sometimes feels too big for words, but sharing our stories can be a powerful way to process and connect. Stories don’t need to be polished or perfect. They simply need to be our own. Authentic, raw and true. Whether we tell these stories out loud, write them in a journal or share them in a group, they can give shape to the emotions we have and remind us that we are not alone. Each story holds value in both the telling and also in the listening. I felt the need to share Nick’s story over and over. How we got here, how he died, how I wished I could rewind time…. So many things I had to say. It lightened my heart ever so slightly to have people listen and say yes, I understand. Join me on 1/18/25 in Easton MA at an Interactive Grief Workshop called Remembering Lives, Sharing Stories, where we will join together and do just that, with compassion and understanding.
Watch Alicia Cook read her essay, “This Isn’t About The Number Six.” She expresses herself through her words and writing to raise awareness about the challenges that people dealing with substance use related issues and their families and friends face.
~ With care
Robyn
Robyn Houston-Bean
Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation
PATRIOTS DIFFERENCE MAKER OF THE WEEK
When the Patriots Foundation established their Celebrate Volunteerism initiative, they also created the "Patriots Difference Maker of the Week" award, which recognizes deserving volunteers who go above and beyond to give back to their community. Since 2011, a volunteer has been recognized each week during the regular season for their commitment to a New England-based nonprofit organization. At the conclusion of each season, all of the honorees are invited to the Patriots final regular season home game to participate in a special in-game celebration.
We are thrilled to announce that Darlene Mersereau was selected as this week’s difference maker!
A dedicated volunteer with The Sun Will Rise Foundation, Darlene serves as a peer grief support group facilitator, bringing warmth, empathy and steadfast commitment to those impacted by the death of a loved one due to substance use related causes. In her role, Darlene leads the Weymouth group meetings where she fosters an environment of nonjudgmental support, understanding and connection.
Her volunteer work has significantly improved the lives of those in her community. Darlene brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges of this type of bereavement, having lived through her own experiences of loss. By sharing her time and story, she has become a trusted presence and a source of strength for others.
Darlene has a keen sense of when someone may be holding back or struggling in silence, and she gently encourages them to share without any pressure. She encourages individuals to take steps forward in their grief journey, helping them find hope in the company of others who understand their struggles. Her supportive approach has turned many hesitant first steps into transformative journeys of healing and connection.
THANK YOU DARLENE!!!
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
1. JUST SMASH IT! Saturday 1/11/25 2:00-3:30 pm ET Avon MA SOLD OUT. Waitlist available.
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. 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
4. Clay Therapy Workshop Monday February 17, 2025 2:00-4:00pm ET Norwell MA Join us for a two hour Clay Therapy workshop focused around processing grief. Clay Therapy is a form of sensorimotor, art therapy. A counselor trained in clay therapy will use person-centered counseling and art therapy principles to allow for a hands-on exploration of emotions. What comes from working with the Clay can be a powerful image that we give meaning to through group discussion. Working with clay can ground us, help us explore potential, allow space to process and bring calm to our body and mind. This is not an "art class" though art will be made. 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 - ZOOM - 1/6/25 7:00-8:30 pm ET.
Aileen Lovejoy & Deb Dowd-Foley facilitating.
For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86930927959?pwd=i4N7hWEhAtD4HPnBKCBi9LGEF7AGbt.1
Meeting ID: 869 3092 7959
Passcode: 239207 or
One tap mobile +16469313860
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Monday - IN-PERSON BERKELEY, CA 1/6/25 7:00-8:30 pm PT.
Randi Schalet facilitating.
Berkeley Town House/Library Room, 2550 Dana Street, Berkeley, CA.
For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.
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Monday - GRIEVING MULTIPLE LOVED ONES - ZOOM 1/6/25 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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Wednesday - IN-PERSON, BRAVEHEARTS FALMOUTH MA 1/8/25 1:30-3:00 pm ET.
Kerry Bickford facilitating.
Learn to Cope Office 24 Spring Bars Road, Suite 1A, Falmouth 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 - IN-PERSON, TAUNTON, MA 1/8/25 7:00-8:00 pm ET.
Sandra Chase facilitating.
Learn to Cope Office, 4 Court Street, #110, Taunton, 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 - IN-PERSON, PORTLAND, ME 1/8/25 6:00-7:30 pm ET.
Karen Walsh and Rachel Solomon facilitating.
The Family Restored, 631 Stevens Avenue, Suite 205, Portland, ME
For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.
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Thursday - YOUNG PERSON MEETING - ZOOM 1/9/25 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 - ZOOM MATTHEW’S CANDLE 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/95139663151?pwd=8r0eLtlOC0xhvtIR82saCyPivUKO5W.1
Meeting ID: 951 3966 3151
Passcode: 735434 or
One tap mobile 16469313860
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Special In-Person Event! Saturday 1/11/25 2:00-3:30 pm ET. Just Smash It. SOLD OUT! Wait list available.
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“Please be happy. The sun will rise” ~Nick Bean
The Sun Will Rise Foundation, 541 Washington St, Braintree MA 02184, USA
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