25 March 2025
Connecting Through Nature; Sharing the Mud; Savouring the Sky
Facilitator: Earla Legault A Space for Caregivers to be Heard Description of Workshop: In the workshop, participants will explore the emotional journey of grief using the metaphors of “mud” and “sky.” Through nature, creativity, and reflection, attendees will reflect on their struggles and sources of hope, learning through examples of how nature and creativity can be powerful tools in creating coping strategies. Earla will share how using the zine format led to finding her voice to co-writing and illustrating a book about adult sibling grief. The session includes two interactive activities: reflecting on the “mud” and “sky” in our lives through writing and sketching and creating a mini-zine inspired by nature to express their emotions and share their story. Participants will also be able to share their experiences and learn ways to invite others into meaningful conversations about grief. The workshop aims to offer a safe, comfortable space for creative expression and mutual support, leaving participants with practical tools for moving along their path of grief. When: March 25, 7 – 8 PM ET Where: Online via Zoom Cost: FREE! Reserve your spot on Pinelawn’s Eventbrite Page Attendee Materials Suggested: Simple art supplies of your choice, pieces of […] ...
A Space for Caregivers to be Heard
Facilitator: Hui-wen Sato A Space for Caregivers to be Heard Description of Workshop: Caregiving can be laden with layers of complicated and sometimes conflicting emotions. While the necessary focus and more obvious grief centers around the care-receiver, the relentless demands and life changes for the caregiver also shape an experience of grief and loss unique to the caregiver’s individual personhood. Loss of “normal” life before illness. Loss of freedom to pursue other goals and interests. Loss of particular qualities that existed in relationships before illness. Loss of purpose after your loved one has died. These losses can often go quietly unrecognized and can leave caregivers feeling unseen. This workshop will give us an opportunity to learn as a community into the shared understanding of what a caregiver’s grief can feel like. In the first half of this workshop, we will do a close reading of a simple poem that speaks to the caregiver’s experience and reflect together on our observations of what’s happening in the poem. In the second half of the workshop, Hui-wen will give participants a very simple writing prompt to bring forth their own stories. The workshop will close with opportunities for any willing participants to read […] ...
Holiday Haze: Grief in the Workplace
Holiday Haze: Grief in the Workplace The holiday season, while often filled with joy and celebration, can be a particularly challenging time for individuals experiencing grief. Balancing the demands of work and personal loss during this season can feel overwhelming. This special holiday-themed workshop will explore how grief manifests in the workplace and provide compassionate strategies for navigating your grief journey in a professional environment. For employers and managers, this workshop offers valuable insights and practical tips to better support employees facing these challenges, helping to foster a grief-informed workspace rooted in care, understanding, and the holiday spirit of giving and compassion. When: Thursday, December 19, 2024 7 – 8 PM ET Where: Online Cost: FREE! Or with an optional donation to support COPE families. RSVP on our website! About our Facilitator: Rashida Sanchez, MA, LMSW, FT is the Outreach & Engagement Manager and a group facilitator at COPE. She is a licensed Social Worker and certified Fellow of Thanatology through the Association of Death Education and Counseling. Rashida is passionate about viewing grief from a social justice perspective. Her research incorporates the experiences of children and adolescents, immigrant populations, and faith communities. She recognizes the importance of creating a […] ...
Coping with Grief: Finding Positive Direction During the Holidays
Facilitator: Claire Sharkey, for Kristen DelVecchio Glosserman Coping with Grief: Finding Positive Direction During the Holidays Description of Workshop: Kristen Glosserman – goal-setting strategist, life coach, and mother of four – offers wise guidance and direction. Her coaching philosophy is grounded in practical shifts to achieve genuine results. In this workshop, Kristen will share her personal experiences with grief and explore ways to move forward using lessons from her book, If It’s Not Right, Go Left. She will focus on incorporating hope and positive direction into grieving strategies, as well as honoring those who are no longer physically in our lives by using memories and ceremonies to propel our own lives forward. Kristen’s counsel provides people not just with motivation, but also with the tools that support lasting change. The session will be engaging and full of heart. Attendees are encouraged to take notes and ask questions to foster sharing and discussion. Our shared experiences and connections make this journey meaningful and significant. Remember, no one should grieve alone; there is a community within COPE and beyond that is here to listen and understand. When: December 17, 7 – 8 PM ET Where: Online via Zoom Cost: FREE! Reserve […] ...
Worldwide Candle Lighting Day
RSVP today and join COPE for Worldwide Candle Lighting Day to honor the memories of the sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and grandchildren who are never forgotten. As candles are lit across the world on December 8th, 2024 at 7:00 pm local time, hundreds of thousands of people will commemorate and honor the memory of all children who have passed on too soon. Date: Sunday, December 8th, 2024 Time: 6:30PM – 7:30PM EST Location: Virtual and online – a secure Zoom link will be provided to registrants. Register to join us We invite you to bring a candle (safely ready to light) and a picture of your loved one for the program. If you would like to, please also bring any brief poem, quotation, line from a song or other words that are relevant to your loved one – these can be shared with the group if you wish. Our program begins at 6:30 PM and the national candle lighting is at 7:00 pm. Kindly RSVP by the end of the day, December 7th Free to attend. Or with an optional donation to support COPE families _____ Worldwide Candle Lighting Day started as a small internet observance, but there are now […] ...
When Words Are Not Enough: Creative Responses to Grief
Facilitators: Jane Harris & Jimmy Edmonds, Co Founders of The Good Grief Project Description: Jane and Jimmy will discuss their own grief journey following the death of their son Joshua in 2011 to include the production of a number of documentary videos “A LOVE THAT NEVER DIES” (available via their website and Amazon Prime) which follows their road trip across the USA to meet six other families who have also lost a child or sibling), the creation of their Active Grief programme of weekend retreats, and the publication in 2022 of their grief handbook WHEN WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH – creative responses to grief. Now available in the USA: https://a.co/d/cKsy8E7 ‘When words are not Enough’ is a deeply personal reflection of grief in which the authors reflect on how the death of their son, has led to a creative response that is more than word bound. Echoed in contributions from 13 others also bereaved of a child, parent, a sibling or partner, the emphasis on continuing bonds underpins a variety of creative responses, including photography, painting, crafting, music, and even wild swimming, all of which demonstrate how a proactive and creative approach to grief helps to shape a future where […] ...
A Time of Remembering: A Seasonal Labyrinth Walk
Register to join on our Eventbrite page At this time of year, many cultures believe that “the veil is thin” between worlds. This belief is common in the Celtic tradition of Samhain, the Christian celebration of All Soul’s Day, the Mexican celebration of Dia De Los Muertos and present in many other cultures. We will gather with this seasonal energy at the COPE labyrinth, a sacred space dedicated to remembering our beloveds, to listen to poetry, reflect and journal, and share with others. We will explore the signs our loved ones give us to show we are still connected, and ways we can deepen that connection. Many plants are helpful when grieving and we will share some information about their medicine and plant some seeds of hope. A brick dedication will honor the names of loved ones newly engraved in the labyrinth. We will close our time together with a walk through the labyrinth, reflecting on our loved ones and noticing the many ways our relationship continues. October 27th, 2024 12-1:30 pm COPE Labyrinth Eisenhower Park About our facilitator The workshop will be facilitated by Charlene Ray. Charlene Ray is a licensed clinical social worker, grief guide, educator and workshop […] ...
Therapeutic Ketamine and Grief
Therapeutic Ketamine and Grief Join Dr. Amy Gross to learn about Ketamine – what it is and how it can be used to support psychotherapy and one’s grief journey. We will explore the potential benefits and risks of ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP), research supporting its use, and how ketamine can facilitate a paradigm shift in how individuals experience their sadness and pain. When: Wednesday, October 23, 2024 7 – 8 PM ET Where: Online Cost: FREE! Or with an optional donation to support COPE families. RSVP on our website! About the Facilitator: Amy L. Gross, PhD is a licensed Clinical Psychologist, meditation teacher and reiki practitioner with more than 25 years of experience in the mental health and wellness arenas. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her doctorate from St. John’s University. Dr. Gross received her KAP training from the Ketamine Training Center, her MDMA assisted therapy training from MAPS, and she received a Certificate of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research from the California Institute of Integral Studies. She has extensive experience supporting individuals and groups of all ages on their grief journeys, most notably as the founding Clinical Director of COPE-Camp Erin NYC, a bereavement […] ...
Normal Broken: How to Know When it’s Time to Start Healing and What it Means to Heal
Facilitator: Kelly Cervantes Description: Kelly Cervantes lost her daughter, Adelaide, in 2019 when she was only four years old to a neurodegenerative condition. In the months that followed Kelly and her family, including husband Miguel Cervantes of Hamilton Chicago and Broadway fame, navigated a pandemic, cross-country move, and the challenges of grieving in entirely different ways. Kelly will share her journey to healing along with what healing means to her, along with passages from her USA Today bestselling book, Normal Broken: The Grief Companion For When It’s Time to Heal But You’re Not Sure You Want To. When: October 22, 7 – 8 PM ET Where: Online via Zoom Cost: FREE! Reserve your spot on Pinelawn’s Eventbrite Page Attendee Materials Needed: No Materials Needed About our Presenter: Kelly Cervantes is an award-winning writer, speaker, and advocate best known for her blog Inchstones and debut book, USA Today bestseller, Normal Broken: The Grief Companion for When It’s Time to Heal But You’re Not Sure You Want To. She has been published in the Chicago Tribune, Cosmopolitan, and Fortune and featured on MSNBC, NY Times, and CNN. Born and raised in the Midwest, Kelly resides in Maplewood, NJ, with her family and dogs, Tabasco […] ...
COPE Walk 2024
Join us for the 21st Annual COPE Walk! No one should have to walk or grieve alone. While the journey of healing can feel overwhelming on your own, together, we take meaningful steps toward hope and support. All proceeds will benefit grieving parents, siblings, and families by providing free grief resources, workshops, and support groups. We walk to honor the children, siblings, and loved ones we’ve lost and to stand with COPE families in their healing. If you’re a solo walker who wishes to join others, we’ll have a volunteer and meeting spot to help you connect. Feel free to bring a small photo of your loved one for our memory board. If you have any questions, please email adam@copefoundation.org. _____ Registration fees for the walk are $35 per person. This includes participation in the walk, a T-shirt, bracelet, coffee before the walk, and food and non-alcoholic beverages afterward. Once you’ve registered, you can donate or create a team. Walker/s can contact COPE if they are unable to pay this registration fee at info@copefoundation.org _____ Visit our Event Page for registration and sponsorship information Once you’ve registered you can make a donation or create a team on our Event Page to fundraise with […] ...
Grief Is Queer! Exploring the Intersection of Grief and LGBTQIA+ Identity
Grief Is Queer! Exploring the Intersection of Grief and LGBTQIA+ Identity Just like queerness, grief is weird, subversive, individual, and HUMAN. And living at the intersection of grief and queerness comes with both blessings and pitfalls. Join me for a live discussion on grief’s relationship to the LGTBQIA+ identity and learn how seeing grief as queer can help you better cope with life after loss. In this hour-long workshop, facilitator Shelby Forsythia will show you: What grief and queerness have in common How seeing grief as queer can help you navigate loss How being a queer person can make grief both heavier AND lighter How you can support grieving queer folks in your life When: Wednesday, October 9, 2024 7 – 8 PM ET Where: Online Cost: FREE! Or with an optional donation to support COPE families. RSVP on our website! About the Facilitator: Shelby Forsythia (she/her) is a grief coach, author, and podcast host. In 2020, she founded Life After Loss Academy, an online course and community that has helped dozens of grievers grow and find their way after death, divorce, diagnosis, and other major life transitions. Following her mother’s death in 2013, Shelby began calling herself a […] ...
