We get asked this a lot…why so many events?
Not everyone wants to sit in a circle and talk. Some people aren’t ready for that. Some never will be. And that’s okay. Grief doesn’t move in one direction, and it doesn’t respond to one format. That’s why we offer more than groups. The virtual workshops, the walks, the community meals, the sports outings, the creative gatherings, the retreats, they all give people another way in. A way to be around others who understand without having to explain everything. A different way to meet people who get it. Real connections can form in these spaces. More grief friends! These are the kind of people you don’t have to filter yourself around. Sometimes it’s easier to connect side by side than face to face.
You’ll see a lot of offerings added tonight. We’re trying to meet people where they actually are, not where we think they should be. Try one out and look for even more next week!
with care
~ Robyn
Robyn Houston-Bean
Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation
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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 THIS WEEK
Carol Bowers facilitating for Kar-Kate at the Partner/Spouse group
Nathan’s Circle in West Barnstable group back in person starting this week.
HERE’S SOME OF WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK AT TSWR
Weymouth facilitator, Darlene Mersereau tabled at Gregory’s Run for Hope 5K, and brought the photos of some of our loved ones along with her. Thanks Darlene for the beautiful table set up!
UPCOMING TSWR & SADOD ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
LAST CALL! JUST SMASH IT! For Young Adults ages 18-35 Saturday 4/18/26 6:00-7:00 pm Avon MA Ever feel like smashing things to get your anger, sadness, frustration out? Here is your chance! Bring a friend! 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 PLEASE SHARE THIS EVENT WITH THE YOUNG ADULT GRIEVERS IN YOUR LIFE!
Intimacy of Memory: An Art-Making Event to Remember Those Who Have Died Saturday, April 25, 2026 12:00 - 3:00 pm Simmons University Boston MA. Participants of this relaxed & mutually supportive workshop will be guided in the creation of a personal work of art related to the death of a loved one. They will explore how art can play a pivotal role in healing & communicating about the experience of grief. No art experience needed. Geared toward university students and young adults (18-35) and is being held on the Simmons' campus. Registration required.
SADOD’s April Psychoeducational Workshop- Changing Family Dynamics: Planning for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and More: Tuesday April 28, 2026 7:00-8:30 pm ET This virtual workshop invites and welcomes anyone, regardless of relationship to your loved one. Through discussion, reflection, shared stories, and suggestions of how one can approach these days, we will help you understand how to navigate milestones (beyond Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day) without the physical presence of a cherished family member. Learn more and register at bit.ly/family-dynamics-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.
Kintsugi Heart Workshop May 9, 2026 1:00-4:00 pm West Barnstable MA Participants will make and glaze clay hearts and then etch with the name or a word of your choice onto it. The potter will take the hearts home to fire them, and when the heart is returned to you, you will use a gold metallic pen to perform the Kintsugi - symbolizing our broken hearts. Registration required. Over 18 event. 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. Questions about the event? Please contact Kerry Bickford: 508-932-1981 kerry@peersupportcommunitypartners.com
Three Dimensional Wool Felting Workshop May 30, 2026 10:00 am- 12:00 pm Rockland MA In this beginner friendly class you will learn the basics of needle felting. The class will go through safety, tips and tricks and you will go home with the beginner knowledge of felting in three dimensions. Participants will transform carded wool fibers into beautiful cardinal. Registration required. 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. Questions? Contact Judy Kelly judyannkelly@gmail.com 781-264-0557
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 experience a day of food, cornhole and community! Register here. Questions? David@thesunwillrise.org
Renew, Refresh, Reset Grief Retreat for Bereaved Parents Date: June 26-28 2026 or August 14-16 2026 Rolling Ridge Retreat & Conference Center 660 Great Pond Rd North Andover MA Team Sharing (TS) & The Sun Will Rise Foundation (TSWR) are excited to announce two weekend retreats for parents bereaved due to substance use related causes! These retreats are designed as an opportunity to renew, refresh, reset and build community. Includes: Lodging, meals and activities for the weekend. Cost: The actual cost of this retreat is $388 per person. Thanks to dedicated grant funding, there is NO cost to attendees. There is however a $50 per person refundable deposit to hold the spot. We will send a payment link, once your spot is confirmed. Travel: Attendees will be responsible for their own travel arrangements and costs to and from the retreat center. Agenda: Tentative schedule. Subject to change. Space is limited. Completing THIS FORM lets us know you’re interested, but it does not confirm a spot. We will follow up once registrations have been reviewed and placements are finalized. If we have more interest than space available, we will add a waitlist. Questions? Contact Cheryl Juarie Cherju4339@aol.com
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