Writing Through Grief

Grief sometimes feels impossible to put into words, but sometimes writing is the only thing that helps. It could be journaling, writing letters to the person who died or even just scribbling down thoughts. Putting grief on a page can be a way to process emotions we have trouble saying out loud. Your writing doesn’t have to be polished or even shared with anyone else. It doesn’t even have to make sense. It can be a safe space to express anger, sadness, love, regret or even the things we wish we had said. Sometimes, just seeing our feelings in front of us is enough to help a little, even if only for a moment.

Have you ever turned to writing in your grief? What has it meant to you? Read Bylaws & Grief by Randi Schalet. Randi facilitates our Berkeley CA group and has returned to writing after the death of her son.

Want more? Join in a two hour online writing program offered by Evermore Poet Laureate Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer for some suggestions on how to write poems that touch your grief. (This is not an activity hosted by The Sun Will Rise)

~ With care

Robyn

Robyn Houston-Bean

Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation

BOSTON RESIDENTS!

HALO INITIATIVES: FAMILY OVERDOSE SUPPORT FUND

Apply now!

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 to assist with the following:

· Funeral Expenses

· Funerals, burials, or cremation services for the person who died from overdose.

· Behavioral Health Services

· Therapy or support services by a licensed clinician for surviving family members.

· Child Wellness Support

· Childcare and enrichment costs (e.g., camps, after-school programs, extracurricular activities) for children impacted by a parent, guardian, or sibling’s fatal overdose.

· Legal Fees

· Custody or legal arrangements related to the death of your loved one.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

· APPLICANTS MUST BE BOSTON RESIDENTS.

· THE OVERDOSE DEATH MUST HAVE OCCURRED WITHIN THE PAST TWO YEARS.

· DOCUMENTATION VERIFYING FAMILIAL RELATION, BOSTON RESIDENCY, AND RELEVANT EXPENSES IS REQUIRED.

If you do not meet the eligibility requirements, you may request an Application Exception Review by writing to us at contact@haloinitiatives.org. Exceptions are not guaranteed, but you can provide a detailed explanation of any extenuating circumstances or mitigating factors impacting your eligibility and why you believe you should be considered for support from the Family Overdose Support Fund.

SADOD IS HIRING!

Job description & Application

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

1. Clay Therapy Workshop Monday February 17, 2025 2:00-4:00pm Norwell MA Event sold out. Wait list available. Questions? Please contact Judy Kelly: 781-264-0557 judyannkelly@gmail.com

2. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Visit Sunday March 23, 2025 11:00 am Boston MA The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is one of Boston’s most unique and celebrated museums. Isabella Stewart Gardner was a wealthy socialite who, like many of us, experienced profound loss. To cope with her grief, her doctor encouraged her to travel, a journey that ultimately led to the creation of this museum. Throughout the galleries, you’ll find several masterpieces depicting mothers and children, offering a deeply personal connection to her story. Visiting together allows us to experience beauty, history and connection in a space shaped by resilience and creativity. 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. For questions, please contact Cindy Kaplan at (508) 269-8428. Register Here.

THIS WEEK’S MEETING INFORMATION

Meeting note: Falmouth Postponed

Monday - ZOOM - 2/3/25 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.

Join zoom

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 2/3/25 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.

___________________

Wednesday - ZOOM - 2/5/25 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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Wednesday - IN-PERSON, TAUNTON, MA 2/5/25 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.

__________________

Wednesday - IN-PERSON, PORTLAND, ME 2/5/25 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 - GRIEVING GRANDPARENTS - ZOOM 2/6/25 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?