Newsletter Stories
From Camper to Volunteer: Malia’s Story of Hope and Giving Back
Of all the camps Malia attended, Shannon’s Hope left the most significant mark on her heart. She fondly remembers her first experience at the camp and how it transformed her approach to grief. "I remember going with my sister, feeling surprisingly excited. The moment I arrived, I was greeted by a buddy, my ‘built-in best friend’ for the weekend. From the fun activities to the moments where we shared our grief stories, the camp provided the perfect balance. It gave me a space to heal and form friendships with others who understood what I was going through."
Katherine’s Journey: From Grief to Healing
Her mother shared, “Katherine was often tearful and anxious about life without her father”. Yet, from her first steps into the Sand Dollar Club at her school in Spring 2021, Katherine displayed a remarkable readiness to confront her emotions. She didn't shy away from sharing her feelings, crafting a grief mask became a tangible symbol of her inner hurt. Through this openness and reflection, Katherine began...
Leading the Way: Amanda Baldwin
An Interview with Amanda Baldwin: "In working with children/teens over the past fifteen years, I've seen the direct impact that grief and loss has had on their emotional well-being. Many feel alone in how they are feeling or feel as though the way they're feeling isn't normal. Sometimes adults in their lives are grieving themselves, worry about saying the wrong thing, or feel uncomfortable talking about death/grief. This can lead to children not...
Volunteer Spotlight: Hector’s Journey
At the time, Hector was working in translation services for CCSD and pursuing a degree in Psychology. Inspired by his experience with the Sand Dollar Club, he later reached out to Bridges of Hope to complete his 100-hour internship. During his internship, Hector co-facilitated the next semester's group at Military Magnet and became...
Building Resilience through Hope, Hooves, & Healing
The Lambright family has faced unimaginable challenges since the tragic loss of their beloved mother, Reshana Lambright. Shana, as she was affectionately called, was killed in a devastating Amtrak/car collision on Remount Rd on October 30, 2021. With the children aged 13, 10, and 6 left to navigate the complexities of grief, Deangelo, Delia, and Montrel found solace and support through the Stepping Stones Grief Support Program, a transformative experience provided by Bridges of Hope.
Celebrating Breana: A Beacon of Hope and Healing
In the connected world of grief support, there are individuals who shine like radiant threads, weaving compassion, dedication, and resilience into the lives of those dealing with loss. Meet Breana Crenshaw, a glowing example of someone who not only brought professional expertise but also a heart deeply touched by personal loss when she joined Bridges of Hope in the fall of 2021...
Leading the Way: Novie Payne
An Interview with Novie Payne: "It can be difficult to hear some of the details of how someone’s loved one died. Our loved ones live on in our hearts, so sometimes recalling a cherished memory can make us laugh out loud or simply smile in remembrance of them. Also, I admire how resilient kids are. When they have a strong support network and an organization like Bridges of Hope to help them navigate the grief process, they can heal and...
Waves of Grief: A Reflection on Life, Loss, Healing & Hope
I will never forget sitting on an airplane in my early twenties, reading my newly discovered copy of Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet. His words bold in my memory, “Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes...
Finding Hope One Step at a Time
Meet Tyrell, a brave 13-year-old boy who had to face the unthinkable - the death of his beloved mother after she underwent a kidney transplant and fell ill. With his life suddenly uprooted, Tyrell found himself shuttling between his aunt's and grandmother's homes, struggling to cope with his overwhelming grief. In the wake of this devastating loss, Tyrell and his family found solace in...
Leading the Way: Chris Wells
Every organization has dedicated leaders, but Chris Wells takes it to a whole new level. Chris has been leading grief groups at Shannon's Hope Camp for nearly 30 years! "By giving young people the space to be sad, have fun, make friends, and be in the healing wonder of nature, we not only help them learn important lessons, we learn some, too."