Why We Do This

Grief, especially after a substance use related death can be really isolating. You start to feel like you’re carrying it alone. Like maybe no one really wants to hear about it anymore. That’s exactly why The Sun Will Rise exists. We try to make space for grief that doesn’t get talked about enough. We gather with others who just get it, virtually or in-person, without needing to explain every detail. And it’s why we’re inviting you to join us next Sunday, June 29, for a casual picnic at Francis William Bird Park in Walpole MA. We’ll be there at noon. There’ll be food, quiet spots to sit and people who understand what it’s like to carry this kind of grief.

You can come with someone or come on your own. There won’t be any speeches or agenda. Just connection and the kind of community that can be really helpful. If you’re close enough to get there, we’d love to see you. Even if you’re not sure you’ll stay the whole time. Even if it’s your first time coming to something like this. Bring your person(s) favorite food, we would love to try it out!

And if you’re farther away, we hope you’ll take a moment that day to do something gentle for yourself. Go outside. Eat something your person loved. Post the recipe on our private facebook page!

We hope to see you there. Really.

~ With care

Robyn

Robyn Houston-Bean

Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation

MONTHLY CALENDAR

You can view the new calendar here. This is where you will get the zoom links and location information! I’ve made a short tutorial for how to find the meeting & event info using a laptop or desktop. Watch that here. NEW: You can also download it as an app on your phone or ipad. Learn more here or watch here.

THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS!

We’re so grateful for a recent donation that came in from The Braintree Rotary, a local chapter of Rotary International. These gifts help us keep our groups and events free and accessible to all and make sure no one has to grieve without support. Every dollar goes toward creating spaces where people feel understood.

If you know a business or organization that might want to support this work, feel free to share this link: https://givebutter.com/7uFxGE. It truly makes a difference.

ACCOLADES

We are so proud to celebrate senior facilitator for TSWR Kerry Bickford, recipient of the 2025 Harriet Jackson-Lyons Award from the Massachusetts Commission on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.

This Governor’s Citation honors her unwavering commitment as a grandmother, support group facilitator, and peer grief specialist with The Sun Will Rise/SADOD. Kerry’s leadership and compassion continue to light the way for so many.

THIRD ANNUAL FACILITATOR MEET & GREET

Tonight we gathered with some of our incredible team of facilitators and support staff for our 3rd Annual TSWR Facilitator Meet and Greet. We honored the people who brought us to this work, reflected on the lives we’ve touched and reminded each other why we do the work we do and why peer grief support matters. We ended the night with The Rabbit Listened, a simple story that says so much about what it means to just be there for someone in grief. Thanks to all our amazing facilitators!

Are you interested in facilitating? Complete this inquiry form and we will be in touch to discuss.

UPCOMING TSWR & SADOD ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

SADOD's June Psychoeducational Workshop~Secondary Loss Tuesday, June 24, 2025 6:30-8:00 pm ET Virtual Grief is complex, and often the loss we experience is more than just the death of a loved one. Secondary losses—the ripple effects of that death—can impact many aspects of our lives in unexpected ways. Whether it’s the loss of social connections, identity shifts, or changes to our financial stability, these secondary losses can be just as profound as the death-loss itself. This workshop will take place virtually on Zoom. Learn more and register at bit.ly/secondary-loss-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

Pot Luck Picnic Sunday June 29, 2025 12:00 pm. Walpole MA Join us for an enjoyable day in nature at Francis William Bird Park. We will enjoy a relaxed afternoon in the sun or shade at this lovely country park setting, boasting 2 ponds, paved walking paths, picnic tables, bridges and a playground. We ask that each person or small group bring a dish for the picnic. A salad, chips, main course, or dessert. It could be your person’s favorite food! Bring lawn chairs or a blanket for sitting as there is a limited amount of seating at the picnic tables. We will have outdoor games available for group activities. We’ll also walk the paths as a group or individuals if we choose and “Call Their Names” and share our stories. Bring yourself, your family, your dog (with leash), children, grandchildren, friends. Dress for a day at the park. Take bug spray. We will supply drinks and water and plates, utensils, etc. If you play a guitar, bring it! Register to let us know what you are bringing.

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FROM THE BUREAU OF ADDICTION SERVICES

If you identify as a person who has received substance use or addiction-related services (and/or family members and loved ones of those individuals) from Prevention, Harm Reduction, Treatment, Recovery Support, Housing, and other programs, particularly those representing underserved and marginalized communities, please complete this anonymous RFI by 7/11/25. Purpose of this RFI: To gather input from a wide range of community members, students, educators, substance use and addiction workforce members, and service providers that will help BSAS shape a funding opportunity to support culturally responsive addiction education and collaborative community supports.

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.