How many mothers have lost a son to violence or addiction or being at the wrong place at the wrong time?This mother, Tracy, Tim's mother, turned anger and despair in the loss of her son to a dedication to do something about it for other mothers and families through putting programs in place for young men in jail who stand a chance to turn things around in their lives before it's too late by going through rehab at Tim's House. Compassionate workshops for women overcoming violence and loss have also been made available and support of programs for young people learning to overcome anger and violent reactions that put them at risk of destroying their own potential if left unchecked, while there is still a chance.This is a wonderful investment for your donation. Having been involved in criminal justice and rehab, I have seen how effective these services are and that we can save the future that affects all of us by investing in and reaching out to those who are our future!
One of the services that the Tim Griffith Foundation provides is a a residential grief support weekend for a parent that has suffered the sudden loss of a child. It is our intention with these Retreats to honor and comfort mothers and fathers as they learn to live the unthinkable and try to see their way to hope. I co-facilitate the Mother's Retreat. It is the most meaningful and important work I have ever been involved in. The loss of a child is the greatest loss that no one is prepared for handling. Our society, friends and even family struggle to know what to do and often want the person to just move past their grief. These retreats are a much needed offering to parents that feel isolated in their grief. I am so proud that our foundation offers this unique service and have a full heart knowing that we have been able to touch so many people's live by providing help during such a dark time. Here is a link to the program.http://www.timgriffithfoundation.org/programs/grief-support/meadowlark-retreats
"It isn't the moment you are struck with grief that you need courage, instead it is for the long uphill climb back to sanity and faith and security". The Meadowlark Retreat for me, a grieving mother, has been those stepping stones on the uphill climb. There are no words to describe the positive support I continue to receive from the leaders and moms. Thank you.
Laverna Bosold
How to begin? The Tim Griffith foundation sponsors weekend retreats for bereaved parents. I attended one last year and it was truly amazing. I felt enwrapped in loving arms and was granted the space to discuss and grieve my daughter. Not only did everyone understand (they were all grieving mothers) but the wanted to hear eachothers stories and our discussions helped me understand my own feelings. Not to mention the magnificent venue and gourmet food we enjoyed. I feel blessed to be a part of this community and the foundation makes it available to all.
I also attended a weekend as a volunteer and felt just as much love and warmth as when I was a guest.
Ok, I'm biased. I've been a Board Member since the inception of the Tim Griffith Foundation. However, my bias is based on nine years and counting of work with this foundation. This foundation is born out of a wound--the tragic and senseless loss of a treasured son, brother, friend, and simply good person. At it's essence. the foundation is Newton's craddle incarnate--for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. When Tim's life was taken--brutally, senselessly, his mother chose to react to this loss with as much power and momentum toward healing and hope. This foundation gives it's soul to "right the world" so that there are safe neighborhoods to combat violence, safe havens for those with addictions to heal, and healing spaces for those that are dealing with the most terrible loss of a child.
I trust this foundation with all of my charitable contributions because I know the direct impact it has on our community. This is an organization with heart and sould
I have been a volunteer since 2005. I have had many rewarding moments as a volunteer over the years. The energy is always evolving as we grow and add additional services to our community.
Recently I had the opportunity to work behind the scenes preparing meals at the Meadowlark Retreat for Mom's who have lost a child.
I can say without any hesitation it was one of the most profound weekends of my life. The impact of the professionally facilitated weekend on these Mom's in the darkest times of their life was so deeply moving and truly beautiful.
It is hugely gratifying to me to that the little bit that one person can do in a powerful group together really can and does make a difference.
Comments ( 1 )
SRedman 07/07/2017 Thank you for your kind words. It helps me too but I love Tim's memory being connected to helping so many. He was all about compassion - so we carry that on. Stacey