New Hope Center for Grief Support

By Chris Menezes

With all the devastation the COVID-19 pandemic has caused, there are many people who are suffering from grief and trying to pick up the pieces of their life. Losing a loved one is never easy, and grief is complicated. When left unchecked, it can become unhealthy, leaving one in a dark and hopeless place. No matter the circumstance, New Hope Center for Grief Support is here to help those suffering from loss.

“Unresolved grief can fester into unhealthy habits, decisions and lifestyles, negatively impacting a person physically, mentally and spiritually,” Jennifer Frush, executive director of New Hope, said. “Seeking out help is not a sign of weakness: It takes tremendous strength to identify that you cannot do it alone. If you need the support of others, there is support available.”

As a bereavement resource center for Southeast Michigan, the vision of New Hope is to create a safe, supportive community for others in grief. “We do this through two methods: by offering direct grief support services and by providing community outreach, training, and practical resources,” Jennifer explained. The organization also looks to help change the way society responds to grief and loss.

New Hope not only provides assistance through its age- and loss-specific peer support and grief education — as well as its ability to connect with others who are experiencing similar situations — but they also equip and empower their members to use their experiences to serve others. “Service is healing. It brings meaning and purpose after loss,” Jennifer said.

Service after loss is exactly how Cathy Clough founded New Hope, with the support of John and Betty Baird, in 2000. “Cathy experienced the pain of grief after the loss of her husband and faced the challenges of being a young widow raising three children,” Jennifer shared. “As she healed, she found new beginnings in life by supporting others of all ages and losses through their own grief journey. Since then, New Hope Center for Grief Support has serviced thousands of grieving individuals and families throughout southeastern Michigan.”

Jennifer came to New Hope nine years ago when her father passed away. Through New Hope, she and her family experienced healing, which inspired Jennifer to stay involved with its program efforts for the next six years. She first became an “ambassador of hope” — a volunteer who was once in the shoes of those grieving — but ultimately became the executive director.

“From the support my grandfather received after the loss of his wife of 65 years, the support my mom received after losing both of her parents and then the loss of my father, this organization has helped our family find hope and healing after so much loss. Even today, I continue my healing by serving in this amazing organization,” Jennifer said.

Among the many events New Hope successfully conducts throughout the year, Jennifer recalls the success of their annual Kids Camp during COVID-19, which was aptly called “2020 Grow Through What You Go Through” Kids Camp. Despite the pandemic, they still had 36 campers in 2020 and 76 campers in 2021, along with many volunteers and teens who have experienced loss, serving as camp counselors.

“This camp was powerful!” Jennifer recalled. “I’m sure COVID- 19, the restrictions and the lack of human connection — especially ones the same age — helped fuel the immense connection and bonds that took place at these past two camps. There were many powerful moments while we played and sought to navigate and understand the grief journey by learning tips and tools to help us. Most importantly, the message was conveyed, ‘You are not alone,’ and New Hope is a safe space that will always be here to support your grief needs.”

New Hope celebrated their twentieth anniversary last year and is looking forward to bringing even more hope to the community for decades to come. Because their services are free, they are always seeking funding opportunities to help expand their impact and to ensure they never have to limit the scope of their services due to a lack of finances.

“Please continue to share New Hope Center for Grief Support to family, friends, colleagues and your community,” Jennifer said. “The programs and services are free and welcome to all. Help bring hope, healing and new beginnings to those impacted by the death of a loved one or get involved at New Hope Center for Grief Support to help make life transformations possible.”

To learn more about how you can become involved with New Hope Center for Grief Support and its mission — whether you’re suffering from grief yourself and need support or if you want to help support others — check out newhopecenter.net, email griefhelp@ newhopecenter.net or call 248-348-0115.

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT on New Hope Center for Grief Support