Deep breath. Here we are.
Today is Bereaved Mother's Day and next Sunday is Mother's Day. Two weeks in a row. For some of you that might feel like too much. Motherhood and grief get tangled up in ways that are hard to explain to people who haven't lived it. Whether you're a mom whose child has died, or you are a child whose mom has died or any of the other “mother” relationships in between, these days can be very hard.
To highlight some of the special supports this month in addition to all our regular groups, check out the flyers below. We have specialty groups for mom’s whose children have died and a group for adults 18 and over, who have experienced the death of a parent or a parent figure. And for anyone who could use some extra support on Mother’s Day, we have a special holiday zoom for you. Zoom links are in the calendar.
Our community can hold this grief with you.
Read more: How to Survive Mother’s Day When Your Mom is Gone & Mother’s Day Manifesto
with care
~ Robyn
Robyn Houston-Bean
Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation
Meets next on 5/11/26 6:30 pm ET & 5/19/26 7:00 pm ET
Meets next on 5/13/26 at 7:00 pm ET
Meeting once on 5/10/26 11:00 am ET
Find the most up-to-date meeting info, ZOOM links and LOCATION info all in one place! DOWNLOAD THE TEAMUP APP ON YOUR PHONE. Click here for how to join app! The teamup calendar automatically updates to your timezone.
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.
If you’re receiving this email, you do not need to pre-register again.
HERE’S SOME OF WHAT HAPPENED RECENTLY AT TSWR
The Together for Hope Conference is a major event for connecting with experts in the field & substance use related organizations to let them know that peer grief support is available. This year we offered space for people to remember those who have died by adding a purple ribbon to the board.
The Intimacy of Memory: An Art Making Workshop in collaboration with Simmons University School of Social Work, was a meaningful day for young adults! Artist Nancy Marks led this beautiful activity.
UPCOMING TSWR & SADOD ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Kintsugi Heart Workshop Saturday May 9, 2026 1:00-4:00 pm West Barnstable MA Sold out. Wait list available. Questions about the event? Please contact Kerry Bickford: 508-932-1981 kerry@peersupportcommunitypartners.com
Mother’s Day Zoom Sunday 5/10/26 11:00 am- 12:00 pm ET. For anyone 18+ bereaved due to a substance use related cause seeking extra support on this Mother's Day. Zoom Link.
Try something new! Joy Culture Movement Workshop Saturday May 16, 2026 1:00-3:00 pm Boston MA A movement based workshop led by Rasheeda Faulk, creates spaces where movement feels approachable. You do not need to know how to dance. You do not need to be “good” at anything.
The hardest part is just showing up. Rasheeda’s approach is simple: just have fun and move your body in a way that feels right to you. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. This workshop, held in collaboration with Mad Moms, The Phoenix & Newform is designed to be a safe, supportive space where people bereaved due to substance use related causes can:
release tension
reconnect with their body
experience moments of joy without pressure
Questions? Contact Leslie@thesunwillrise.org or david@thesunwillrise.org
Community Meal Thursday, May 28, 2026 1:00 - 2:30 PM Taunton Peer Recovery Center Taunton MA Join us for a Community Meal to meet the people behind the free services and support available in Taunton MA & the surrounding communities. Give-aways - Literature - Lunch - Community - Care - Free Services - Support - Raffles All ages welcome Registration appreciated but not required (we’d like to prepare for the meal.)
If you are a local community organization offering free services for those in or seeking recovery and/or grieving the death of someone they care about to a substance use related death, please join and bring your literature to share.
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
Community Hub Info Session Tuesday 6/2/26 6:00-7:00 pm ET Zoom LInk Learn more about Mosaic’s Community Hub. This platform was born from a desire for a dynamic, online, knowledge-sharing platform to help people in the field find and post opportunities for funding, jobs, upcoming events, publications, and information about current and promising interventions, services, and programs. Membership in Mosaic’s Community Hub is free and available to individuals, organizations, municipalities, and state agencies across Massachusetts.
Community Meal Thursday, June, 4 2026 4:30-6:00 PM CORE Peer Recovery & Resource Center Gloucester MA Join us for a Community Meal to meet the people behind the free services and support available in Gloucester MA & the surrounding communities. Give-aways - Literature - Dinner - Community - Care - Free Services - Support - Raffles All ages welcome Registration appreciated but not required (we’d like to prepare for the meal.)
If you are a local community organization offering free services for those in or seeking recovery and/or grieving the death of someone they care about to a substance use related death, please join and bring your literature to share.
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 SOLD OUT. Response was well beyond capacity. Wait list available. Emails will be going out shortly to let you know if you have a spot. 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