THIS IS HOPE: A FIRST GROUP NIGHT

By: Kim Humphrey, Director of Operations

Kids and families come to us at different points in their grief journey. Many are nervous about coming to a group. Nervous to share their story, or that they may be judged, or they won’t fit in…

We do everything we can to reassure families over the phone and welcoming them in for an orientation, but it usually isn’t until after that first group meeting that there is a brief sigh of relief. 

 I recently saw this lightening of that initial anxiety with one of the teen boys. In our opening circle, when we go around and have everyone share how they feel, this sweet boy said he felt “stressed.” By the end of the night, when we did the same activity in closing circle, he shared that he felt “relief.” I was so touched. I see this happen for our kids and adults, but to hear a teenager express this impact in words was quite a moment. 💜 

And here are just some of the recent messages we have received from families when we check-in after their first group:

• “I just wanted to reach out and tell you how much I loved last night and I’m so glad I found Billy’s Place. Everyone was so warm and inviting and I really thought I wasn’t going to feel comfortable sharing but it felt so good to hear other people solidify feelings that I have. I can’t wait to continue to be able to cope with my grief.” 
• “We were all super anxious about starting a support group but we each had a really great time. It seems like it will be everything we need to start our healing process.” 

This is HOPE. 💜