LET’S GO FOR A WALK TOGETHER…FOR THEM, FOR US
Grief weighs on us in so many ways, but something powerful happens when we move our bodies and do it together. That’s why we’re so excited for the next Call Their Name Event in Winthrop MA this Sunday. It’s not just a stroll, it’s connection, remembrance and healing in motion.
I still remember the first time I joined a walk like this. It was a hike up Big Blue Hill. I didn’t know what to expect. But hearing our peoples names called out loud, feeling the rhythm of feet beside mine, being surrounded by people who got it, was super powerful. I left feeling a little more grounded and a little less alone. Movement matters. It shifts something. Science backs that up too! Studies show that physical activity can ease grief symptoms, help regulate emotions and even build resilience over time.
So let’s go. Let’s walk. Let’s say their names. Bring a friend. Bring your dog. Bring your grief. Just come. Here’s the details.
~ With care
Robyn
Robyn Houston-Bean
Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation
CAMP HAPPY PLACE
Camp Happy Place will serve 30 campers ages 9-12 who have suffered the death of a parent to substance use related causes. They will enjoy three nights and four days experiencing all the activities of a typical overnight summer camp, sports, arts and crafts, campfires, talent shows, swimming and outdoor adventures such as climbing walls and ropes courses led by experienced staff. Set among 100 acres at the foothills of the magnificent Berkshire Mountains. Sign up here.
Info about other camp & programs.
TEAM SHARING 5K
Rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the runners, walkers and attendees of the Team Sharing, Remembering Our Angels 5K. What a beautiful display of remembrance, support and community!
MOTHER’S DAY LUMINARA WORKSHOP
Incredibly wonderful! These were the words used to describe the luminara making workshop. The lovingly made pieces still need to be fired, but here is a glimpse into the day. Join us at one our next events to build a stronger grief support community for everyone.
SURVEY
The MA Substance Use Helpline (the Helpline) and the You Can Save a Life initiative (You Can) are looking to hear feedback about what they are doing well, what they could be doing better, what people know about the Helpline and You Can, and how people use their websites and other services. They want to hear from our current members and have put together a short, anonymous survey where you can share your input and experiences. Please spend 5-10 minutes to share your opinions! Take the survey If you choose to participate in this survey, you will have the option to enter a drawing for a chance to win one of eight $50 electronic gift cards. Thank you for taking the time to share your opinions and experiences!
UPCOMING TSWR & SADOD ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Sunday, May 18, 2025 11:00 AM CALL THER NAME WALK Winthrop MA Enjoy a group walk together where we share our stories, fill the air with our loved one’s names and find a bit of tranquility with a stroll on Deer Island while overlooking the Boston skyline. This walk has a flatter paved walking surface. Please join in to meet other group members! No cost, no depost. Sign up here so we now who is coming. Link to locate entrance gate. No entrance fee. About Deer Island. For any questions please contact Judy Kelly at judyannkelly@gmail.com 781-264-0557
SADOD’s psychoeducational workshop, Holistic Healing for Grief, Tuesday, May 27th, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM ZOOM. In this workshop, Jean Bradley, reiki master, energy medicine practitioner and bereaved person, will discuss her experiences incorporating reiki, reflexology, and the use of essential oils in her grief journey and how these have helped her. This workshop will provide an overview on what these practices are and how one might get started. Please note that none of these practices will be formally conducted in this educational workshop. Register at bit.ly/holistic-healing-workshop. 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
Gilly’s House is hosting it’s second annual Men’s BBQ, Sunday June 8th 1:00 pm ET Wrentham MA. This is for any man, bereaved due to substance use related causes or suicide. Sign up here. Scroll for an available spot. Any questions, please reach out to Maureen Cappuccino maureen@gillyshouse.com or Dave Swindell at david@thesunwillrise.org Please share with any men who you think may benefit being around other men who understand.
HEALING THROUGH WONDER
The Healing Through Wonder Project is a storytelling collaboration. Together, we explore powerful stories of healing sparked by moments of awe and wonder. Through intimate conversations with our guests, we uncover how these extraordinary experiences have shaped their journeys through trauma, substance use and/or grief and how wonder can open a path to resilience and transformation. Watch the storytelling videos and join our youtube channel here! We are taping new videos for this project now. Sign-up here to share your stories with us, we would love to talk to you!
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.
MEETINGS UPDATES
NATHAN’S CIRCLE W. BARNSTABLE MA - NO MEETING IN MAY
YOUNG PEOPLE MEETING THIS WEEK INSTEAD OF LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
NEW CALENDAR FORMAT COMING FOR JUNE!
THIS WEEK’S MEETING INFORMATION
Monday - Christian Faith Based Hope After Loss- IN-PERSON MARLBOROUGH, MA 5/12/25 6:00-7:30 pm ET.
Cheryl Juaire facilitating.
Greater Grace Christian Fellowship, 187 Pleasant St Marlborough MA.
For anyone 18 and over of the Christian faith who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.
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Monday - MOM’S ONLY - ZOOM 5/12/25 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 5/12/25 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/84104821860?pwd=gwiYOLLDBU5dcbDRYCjQW3bxKYQ9DK.1
Meeting ID: 841 0482 1860
Passcode: 886489 or
One tap mobile 13017158592
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Tuesday - PARTNER & SPOUSE - ZOOM 5/13/25 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 ONLY - ZOOM 5/13/25 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 - IN-PERSON, AUBURN, MA 5/14/25 3:00-4:00 pm ET.
Kathryn Peirce facilitating.
Kiva Centers, 206 Southbridge Street, Auburn, 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 - PEOPLE IN RECOVERY - ZOOM 5/14/25 6:00-7:30 pm ET.
Franklin Cook facilitating/Tavyn Thuringer co-facilitating.
For anyone 18 and over who identifies as being in recovery from any substance including alcohol who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86983267032?pwd=PVCMDdMoBrdSoZJ3G52Mrdu7FMLuvT.1
Meeting ID: 869 8326 7032
Passcode: 980796
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Wednesday - GRIEVING MULTIPLE LOVED ONES - ZOOM 5/14/25 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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Sunday 5/18/25 11am -12:30 pm ET CALL THEIR NAME WALK, Deer Island (map), WINTHROP, MA
Sign up here. For any questions please contact Judy Kelly at judyannkelly@gmail.com 781-264-0557
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Sunday- YOUNG PERSON MEETING, IN-PERSON, MEDFORD, MA 5/18/25 6:00-7:30 pm ET.
Michelle Rueda and Chloe Brosnan co-facilitating.
96 Winchester Street, Medford, MA.
For anyone 18-35 who has experienced the death of someone they care about to substance use.
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Sunday - MOVING FORWARD-PEER GRIEF SUPPORT FOR PARENTS - ZOOM 5/18/25 6:30-8:00 pm ET.
Kathi Sullivan facilitating.
For parents who have experienced the death of a child due to substance use.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81399455192?pwd=abdXEKMYpoAXvdsafjI4uf3jBKjykn.1
Meeting ID: 813 9945 5192
Passcode: forward
or one tap mobile 16465588656
CLICK HERE FOR FUTURE MEETING DATES
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“Please be happy. The sun will rise” ~Nick Bean