Empty Arms Bereavement Support
Community Spotlight: January 2025
Who They Are
Empty Arms Bereavement Support serves individuals and families in Massachusetts and nationwide whose babies have died through miscarriage, stillbirth, early infant death, or termination for medical reasons.
Their Story
“Our very first meeting was in 2007—we established first as a general support group at Cooley Dickinson, serving people who had experienced any kind of pregnancy or infant loss. In 2011, we incorporated as a 501(c)3 with the above mission. This is when the companion programs were established at Franklin and Holyoke medical centers.
Our goal was, and always has been, to provide community to those who have experienced pregnancy and/or infant loss, in the form of time of loss support, support groups, and individual connections.”
Fundraiser: Grief Writing and Sharing Session (at Sanctuary)
Grief is a journey that none of us can avoid. Over lifetimes, we inevitably face the loss of ones we love. The holes that are created in the fabric of our lives knit slowly back together over time, and careful attendance to the grief process, especially in the company of others who understand the journey, can facilitate the process.
During this session, Carol McMurrich and Lauren Singer of Empty Arms Bereavement Support will open a safe circle to gently hold the grief you carry. Then, using several different prompts and writing invitations, Lauren will invite participants to write and share with one another in a partner, small group, and large group format as they feel comfortable. During the two hours we will be together, participants can expect 1-2 short writing exercises along with one more extended invitation.
Note: Pre-registered participants can get a free pass to Sanctuary's Restorative Yoga class, immediately preceding this class (5:30-6:30pm on Friday, January 31). Contact studio@yoga-sanctuary.com to claim your pass.
Friday, January 31, 7-9pm (in-studio)
Pay-what-you-can, by donation: $0-50*. All proceeds will be donated directly to Empty Arms Bereavement Support.