September News From Jeff’s Place

Our Program Year Begins!

After a busy summer preparing for the upcoming year, our house is once again filled with the warmth of our families! We opened our doors in the beginning of September and to make sure we had a nourishing start, on the first day of groups, Executive Director Melissa set the tone by preparing a homemade breakfast for the entire staff—no better way to start the year than with #WafflesforWorkers!

As we step into a year brimming with growth and opportunity, we want to take a moment to thank you for being part of our journey. Whether you’re a new subscriber or a long-time reader of our newsletter, your support means the world to us. Together, we are creating a community where no one grieves alone, and we’re grateful to have you with us on this path.

New Beginnings

We are thrilled to welcome two new faces to our board! Both Dawn Bloom and Ryan Plourde share a deep commitment to and passion for our mission and we are excited to have them on our team.

Dawn recently returned to the area after previously serving as a facilitator at JP before the pandemic. Having witnessed the transformative impact of our groups firsthand, she is eager to help carry out our mission.

Ryan brings with him passion to support grieving children. Living in the MetroWest, we are thrilled for him to bring his local expertise and perspectives to our board.

We look forward to the positive impact they’ll make!

As our program continues to grow, so must our board. If you are interested in learning more about a board position at Jeff’s Place please fill out this application.  You’ll be glad you did!

Beginning in October, we are offering a new group for caregivers of young adults. We know that when a child graduates high school, their grief doesn’t disappear. Neither should grief support for their caregivers. This FREE group meets in-person once per month, to support caregivers of individuals aged 18-30. Group nights begin at 6pm with a pizza dinner.

Please help us spread the word about this new group by sharing it with anyone in your network who may be interested in joining! Visit our website to complete an application.

We are happy to welcome Maggie Donius and Carmen Saylor, our master’s level interns from Lesley University for the current year. Maggie and Carmen are earning their degrees in Mental Health Counseling and Expressive Arts Therapy. They look forward to being a part of the Jeff’s Place community this year.

Memory Walk and Move

Join us for Jeff’s Place Annual Memory Walk & Move on October 27th at 10:00 AM. Enjoy a short stroll of less than two miles, followed by a celebration with snacks, a bouncy house, arts and crafts, and more.

Register for the walk, start a fundraiser, become a sponsor, or make a donation to help Jeff’s Place provide FREE grief support groups for children, teens, and families, ensuring no one grieves alone. We hope to see you there!

Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month — an opportunity to remember those we’ve lost, support the millions who have experienced suicidal thoughts, and recognize the families and communities impacted by suicide.

On September 25th, Jeff’s Place staff were honored to be part of and listen in on My Ascension presented by Call2Talk. My Ascension is a film to spread hope and prevent youth suicide, and serves as a resource to spark open conversations that help break the stigma surrounding suicide. Call2Talk is a mental health, emotional support, and suicide prevention program run by Mass211. It operates 24/7 and provides confidential, compassionate listening to assist people – including those who may be despondent or considering suicide – during stressful times.

In The Community

A heartfelt thank you to Theracopia Therapeutic Wellness Center for their incredible generosity in selecting Jeff’s Place as their benefactor for the month of September! We were overwhelmed by the wonderful donations — gift cards, art supplies, sporting equipment, and delicious snacks. Our deepest gratitude goes out to Kelli Wentzell, the founder of Theracopia, their clients, and the entire community for their support. These gifts will make a meaningful difference as we support children and families on their grief journey. Thank you for standing with us!

On September 20th, our Executive Director was invited to be on panels to discuss childhood bereavement and stigmatized loss, a meaningful conversation about grief and resources in our community.  We are honored to be a part of such a strong bereavement network. Thank you to both Parmenter Foundation for organizing and Regis College for hosting. We look forward to the empowering conversation next time!

Jeff’s Place is a sponsor of the 3rd Annual Finding Support in Grief Conference, being held on October 18-20 in Framingham. Presented by SADOD (Support After a Death by Overdose) this conference provides the community the opportunity to connect with others who have experienced the loss of a loved one to substance use-related causes. This event offers hope, healing, support, and a sense of community through shared experiences and learning opportunities.

If you have experienced a substance-related death, Jeff’s Place offers a FREE substance-use loss support group for children and caregivers. Learn more and fill out an application. 

Great NonProfits

GreatNonprofits’ 2024 Top-Rated Nonprofits are endorsed by clients, volunteers, and their community. We have received the top non-profit status for 10 years! Please help us maintain this status by including your testimonial about Jeff’s Place. Reviews must be submitted by December 31st!