Losing a loved one can be an overwhelming and isolating experience, leaving individuals and families grappling with intense emotions and uncertainty about the future.
Amid such pain, finding support and guidance can make a profound difference in the journey toward healing. New Hope Center for Grief Support, a nonprofit organization based in Northville, Michigan, aims to provide a safe and supportive community for those in grief and change the way our culture responds to grief and loss.
Founded in 2000 by Cathy Clough, New Hope Center was born out of personal experience and a deep commitment to helping others find hope and healing after loss. Having faced the challenges of being a young widow left to raise three children, Clough recognized the critical need for accessible and compassionate support for grieving individuals and families.
Thus, New Hope Center emerged with a clear mission: to bring hope, healing and new beginnings to those impacted by the death of a loved one.
Unconditional support
One of the distinguishing features of New Hope Center is its unwavering dedication to remove barriers to support. With the understanding that financial constraints should never hinder access to healing, all programs and services offered by New Hope Center are provided free of charge and are open to all. This commitment reflects the organization’s core belief in the importance of ensuring that no one faces grief alone.
“Our goal is to welcome any person grieving the loss of a loved one, offer ongoing peer support groups -- which are age and loss specific -- enable the individual to learn healthy coping skills, bond with peers and, ultimately, if desired, to experience how working with other grievers in turn offers them hope and healing,” said Jennifer Frush, New Hope Center’s executive director.
Central to New Hope Center’s approach is its evidence-based peer-support model, which has been shown to be effective in helping grievers cope with their emotions and move forward in their grief journey.
Supporting bereaved children
With 29 different age and loss specific ongoing peer support groups, as well as workshops, seminars and special events like Family Fridays and Kids Camp, New Hope Center offers a diverse range of opportunities for individuals and families to find connection, understanding and support.
The upcoming Getting on Par with Grief bereavement camp for children exemplifies the innovative and holistic approach to grief support.
Designed to provide a safe and nurturing environment for bereaved children, the camp offers a blend of therapeutic activities, peer interaction and education aimed at helping children navigate their grief journey.
From equestrian horse therapy to art therapy, music therapy, yoga and sports activities with local teams like the Detroit Lions and the Michigan Jags soccer club, the camp provides a rich tapestry of experiences for children to explore and express their emotions in a supportive community.
“New Hope has helped my family throughout our grief journey,” said Lindsey Wilson, a participant of the program and father of two daughters who have attended the camp. “The program not only helps adults, but the annual camp helps children connect with other children to know they are not alone. It helps them develop healthy coping skills, learn ways to share their emotions and grow through their grief by sharing their stories.”
This year, the two-day camp will take place July 25-26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Maybury Farm on Eight Mile Road in Northville.
Service and solidarity in the community
Volunteers are the heart and soul of New Hope Center, playing a vital role in providing compassionate support and guidance to those in grief. With more than 250 dedicated volunteers -- including Masco employees who volunteer at the camp -- many have often journeyed through their own grief with New Hope Center. The organization thrives on the spirit of service and solidarity that permeates its community.
As New Hope Center continues to expand its reach and impact, its five guiding principles remain steadfast:
- Age and loss specific peer support
- Grief education to help understand the uniqueness of each person’s journey
- Connection to others, including social outings and events
- Empowerment of volunteer leaders to guide others along the grief journey
- The belief that service is healing and brings meaning and purpose after loss.
For those in need of support or looking to volunteer, New Hope Center for Grief Support offers hope, healing, solace, understanding and a community during life’s most challenging moments.
To learn more about the New Hope Center for Grief Support, click or tap here.