2026 How are we turning another page???
A new year doesn’t arrive with a clean slate for people living with grief. We don’t leave the past behind when the calendar changes. We carry our people, our love, our memories, the weight of all that has happened with us into January and beyond. For some, the new year brings a bit of hope. For others, it brings exhaustion, questions or fear or dread or maybe a quiet sense of survival. It can be shocking to realize you made it through the holidays and then boom, you have to think about a whole new calendar year that your person will not experience. That can be really difficult. There is no right way to step into a new year after someone you care about has died. My hope for you in this new year is self-compassion. You belong here just as you are.
Please join us at a special New Year’s zoom to talk about some of these very real feelings about heading into 2026. Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89339848976?pwd=ayd1jLi4bBYapnBuybFIkmTE7fhDfq.1
~ Robyn
Robyn Houston-Bean
Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation
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THE WEEK AHEAD MEETING CHANGES
Brighton MA meeting on 12/29/25 this month.
Natick MA meeting cancelled for 12/30/25.
Grandparents zoom meeting cancelled for 1/1/26.
Special New Year zoom meeting 1/1/26 in lieu of regular meeting 1/7/26, Robyn Houston-Bean facilitating.
NEW MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT!
After a soft launch, during the holiday months, we are pleased to announce that Louise Griffin and her grief group called Zack’s Team, has joined The Sun Will Rise Foundation! Louise is a proud Lowellian and the President of Zack’s Team Foundation, a nonprofit close to her heart. The foundation is dedicated to breaking the stigma and shame surrounding substance use disorder through education, understanding, and compassionate support. Its main focus is helping families who may not have the financial means to give their loved ones a safe and supportive place to continue their recovery after inpatient treatment. Zack’s Team was founded in the fall of 2014 in loving memory of Louise’s youngest son, Zachary Gys, who passed away on July 19, 2013, from an accidental opioid overdose at just 21 years old. Zachary’s struggle with substance use disorder and the love and loss that followed inspired Louise to turn her grief into purpose, creating a community that offers hope and help to others. Today, Louise is a passionate advocate for education, recovery, and support, using her voice and her heart to make a difference for families walking a similar path. Welcome Louise and her group existing group members! The group meets the 4th Tuesday of the month in Lowell MA. The next meeting is 1/27/26 at 6:30 pm. If you are in the Lowell area, please join us!
UPCOMING TSWR & SADOD ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
New Event! Pebble Art Workshop Saturday 1/17/26 2:00-4:00pm Sharon MA REGISTER HERE! Have you ever wanted to learn how to create a picture using materials found directly off the beach? Come join local guest artist Kerry Consentino- Vilorio owner of The Orange Jellyfish, who creates beautiful custom pebble art and sea glass designs, for a fun and creative event. Ages 18+ Cost: FREE but requires a $20 per person deposit that you will receive 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. Please don’t let the deposit be a barrier. If cost is an issue, just let us know. We’re committed to making this event accessible to everyone. If you have any accessibility needs (physical or otherwise), please reach out. We want to ensure everyone feels welcome and supported. Registration Required. Questions? Contact Judy Kelly Judy judyannkelly@gmail.com 781-264-0557
New Event! Just Claying Around Painting Workshop 2/22/26 10:00 am-12:00 pm Bridgewater MA REGISTER HERE! Join The Sun Will Rise Foundation for a relaxed, low-key creative gathering focused on painting ceramic pieces. A selection of ceramics will be available to choose from. All materials are provided. Ages 18+ Cost: FREE but requires a $20 per person deposit that you will receive 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. Please don’t let the deposit be a barrier. If cost is an issue, just let us know. We’re committed to making this event accessible to everyone. If you have any accessibility needs (physical or otherwise), please reach out. We want to ensure everyone feels welcome and supported. Registration Required. Questions? Please contact Natalie Patricio: 774-955-7752 jeepgirl474@gmail.com
OUR ANNUAL SUPPLY DRIVE
JOIN OUR VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB!
The January 2026 book choice is Things in Nature Merely Grow by Yiyun Li. We will have a facilitated discussion about it on 1/11/26!
NEW DATE! CATHOLIC CHARITIES RETREAT
The Outreach Coordinator for Recovering Connections - Laboure Center asked that we share this retreat opportunity with with our members who are bereaved mothers. TSWR Facilitator Tracy Carter will be a speaker at this retreat. Questions or to register, please contact Jean Barrineau 617-464-8501 jean_barrineau@ccab.org
HALO INITIATIVES: FAMILY OVERDOSE SUPPORT FUND
Boston Residents! If you are a BOSTON resident who has experienced the death of a family member to overdose within the last 2 years, you may be eligible for up to $5,000 in financial support. Apply here.
Do you know someone bereaved due to substance use related causes that would appreciate our weekly email? Have them sign up here for support!
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“Please be happy. The sun will rise” ~Nick Bean