Supporting Children in Grief
When a child is grieving, it doesn’t always look the way we expect. For the adults around them, it can feel like a lot. We want to say the right thing and protect them from pain. But what helps most is being honest and giving them space to feel what they feel. They don’t need perfect answers. They need to know they can come to you, ask questions, or not talk at all. And sometimes they need to be around others who understand. Grief camps can be a helpful support. There’s a mix of regular camp activities and space for grief.
A few camps to know:
Camp Happy Place-Free overnight camp in MA for kids whose parent or guardian died due to substance use disorder.
Comfort Zone Camp – Weekend camps for kids and young adults whose parent or sibling died due to overdose.
Experience Camps – free bereavement camps across the country for kids who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver.
Camp Erin – free one-week summer camps for kids who have experienced a death of significant person.
If you’re supporting a child who is grieving, or know someone who is, these can make a real difference. And as always, we’re here too. We support families, caregivers, and grandparents raising grandchildren, because grief doesn’t just impact one person.
Learn more: Supporting Children Grieving a Substance-Use Related Death Toolkit.
with care
~ Robyn
Robyn Houston-Bean
Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation
MEDFORD MA AREA! PLEASE RESPOND!
We want to gauge interest for an in-person 18+ group in Medford MA. If you are local to that area please complete this very short survey.
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Please check the calendar before you drive to an in-person group…last-minute changes can happen. If it is not listed on the monthly calendar, it is cancelled for that date.
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MEETING CHANGES FOR THE WEEK AHEAD
Judy Kelly & Kathy Ernest filling in for Darlene for Weymouth MA group.
HERE’S SOME OF WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK AT TSWR
It was a wonderful night in Weymouth MA sharing a meal and connecting the community to the free support and services available from The Sun Will Rise, Halo Initiatives, MOAR - Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery, SADOD & Wey of Life Peer Recovery Center along with other organizations. Look for more Community Meals near you soon!
No was was left behind at the Red Door Escape Room! It was a great group adventure solving puzzles side by side and taking a break from grief for a moment.
Six people gathered around the Spoon & Hammer table at our first Silver Linings Workshop this month and created beautiful, deeply personal pieces, each one carrying a name, a memory and a story.
UPCOMING TSWR & SADOD ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
SADOD’s March Psychoeducational VIRTUAL Workshop- Where Words Go: Writing Through Grief After the Death of a Loved One Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 6:30 - 8:00 pm ET
Grief leaves us with so many words left unsaid and thoughts to process. For many people, writing can be a helpful avenue for channeling these thoughts and feelings. However, not many know where to begin when it comes to the idea of writing for grief. In this workshop, we will feature three guest speakers (Tom Flanagan of Blue Skies Rhode Island, Luna Jaffe of Look Mom, I can Fly, and Tanya Lord of Peer Support Community Partners) who will share their experiences with writing throughout their grief experiences, from poetry to a published book. Join us to learn more about how anyone, regardless of background and experience, can utilize the process of writing in their grief journeys to find some comfort. This workshop will take place virtually on Zoom. Learn more and register at bit.ly/love-letters-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. Non-MA residents, if cost is an issue, use promo code SCHOLARSHIP to register for free.
Silver Linings Workshop Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00-3:00 pm Mashpee MA. Sold out. Waitlist available. Join us for an intimate, hands-on silver stamping experience at Spoon & Hammer Studio. In these small gatherings you will create a personalized keepsake, choosing either a bracelet, keychain or pendant and stamp a name or meaningful word into metal as a lasting tribute. If you have already attended this workshop, we ask that you keep spaces open to others who have not yet attended. Both sessions have sold out. March 28th waitlist: REGISTER HERE! Please contact Kerry Bickford: 508-932-1981 kerry@pscpllc.net
NEW EVENT JUST SMASH IT! For Young Adults ages 18-35 Saturday 4/18/26 6:00-7:00 pm ET Avon MA Ever feel like smashing things to get your anger, sadness, frustration out? Here is your chance! Registration Here! Join us at Just Smash It and let go for a little bit. Come on down and smash away your frustrations in a safe and controlled environment. As with our previous events, we are requiring a $20 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? Contact Michelle Rueda 781-635-3537 michellerueda820@mail.com
NEW EVENT! Third Annual Men’s BBQ Sunday 5/31/26 1:00 pm Wrentham MA We are proud to sponsor this annual event hosted by Gilly’s House. Free for men bereaved due to substance use related causes or suicide. Come stand Shoulder to Shoulder with other men and enjoy a day of food, cornhole and community! Register here. Questions? David@thesunwillrise.org
JOIN OUR VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB!
The April 12, 2026 book choice is After Annie by Anna Quindlen. All are welcome!
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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Want to volunteer for The Sun Will Rise? Sign up here!
Click here to view past newsletters on our website
“Please be happy. The sun will rise” ~Nick Bean