Mourning Hope Grief Center

Four simple words can be a powerful way to support someone who is grieving. 💜

⛺What is Camp Erin? We're so glad you asked!

Camp Erin® Lincoln is a FREE, weekend-long bereavement camp for youth grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. Children and teens ages 6 to 17 are invited to this overnight camp experience on October 16-18 that combines grief education and emotional support with fun, traditional camp activities. Led by bereavement professionals and caring volunteers, campers are provided a safe environment to explore their grief, learn essential coping skills, and make friends with peers who are also grieving.

If there's a young person in your life who you think should be part of this meaningful experience (or if you'd like to learn more about volunteering!), go to mourninghope.org/camperin for all the details.

No one should grieve alone.💜

🎨THIS SATURDAY, June 13! Art From Our Heart offers children and teens who have experienced the death of someone significant a chance to express their thoughts and emotions through art, while caregivers meet separately with Mourning Hope staff and volunteers for a supportive discussion.

This FREE program is open to all, but registration is required.

Learn more and register your family at mourninghope.org/services/programs/events.html!

Guest Artist Bob Reeker will guide youth participants in creating uniquely expressive sculptures that reflect their personal grief journeys, incorporating emotions, memories, discoveries about themselves in the midst of loss, and the resilience and hope that can emerge through the healing process. Caregivers will meet separately and be guided through a supportive discussion focused on grief, connection, and shared experiences.

🏃‍♀️THANK YOU, ALEX! Alex Berkebile ran the Lincoln Marathon in memory of her mother Kirsten and as a fundraiser for Mourning Hope, resulting in a donation of $3,882.87 to help support grieving families. We are so honored to be part of Alex's journey of hope and healing, and will be here to keep cheering her on!

Here's a little of what Alex has to say about what her marathon journey brought her: "One of the things I never expected was how many people would trust me with a small piece of their story. So many of you shared a memory, a name, a photo, or a little glimpse of someone you love and miss. 💜 Every time you did, I could feel the joy and love behind those memories. Thank you for trusting me with those pieces of your hearts. Helping create a space where people felt comfortable sharing their loved ones has been one of the greatest gifts of this entire experience!"

June is Men's Mental Health Month! While progress has been made in fighting the stigma that prevents men from seeking support when they need it, the truth is that men are still far less likely to seek mental health services-- including grief support.

Mourning Hope is so grateful for the men who serve as volunteers at Camp Erin, serving as role models to so many young people. We're grateful for the men who have been part of our men's grief support groups, offering each other hope through community. We're grateful for our Grief Services Director Jason Christensen, who has spearheaded those men's groups and really hates when we brag about him on social media.

Most of all, we believe that EVERYONE deserves hope and healing. For more information on grief support groups for men, families, adults, and more, visit mourninghope.org/groups.

💜If you've been to Mourning Hope, you've seen the quilts that are displayed on our walls, created by families who have been through our grief support groups. But did you know that we also have more than 30 years of additional quilts catalogued and hanging on custom racks built by our friends at TMCO, Inc.? If you've created a quilt square at Mourning Hope, you're always welcome to come back and see it, even years later.

We're incredibly grateful to Tony Demma and everyone at Iron Brush Tattoo and Body Piercing () for including Mourning Hope in their Charity Flash Day last month!

Since we never charge fees for any bereaved family or individual to access grief support, we depend on donations from the community. The Iron Brush team consistently shows up and gives back to Lincoln nonprofits, and we couldn't be more grateful.

Please join us in sending a mega thanks to Tony and Iron Brush for supporting our mission that no one has to grieve alone! 💜🧡☀ And special thanks to all of YOU who got pierced for the cause! 🤘

This month and every month, everyone is welcome at Mourning Hope.

Our commitment to fostering inclusive environments is central to our daily efforts, and we actively embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion to create an intentional space for all.

We see you, we celebrate you, and we believe that you deserve support. NO ONE has to grieve alone.

🎨Let's create! On Saturday, June 13, children and teens who have experienced the death of someone significant are invited to spend the morning expressing themselves through art. This FREE program is open to all, but registration is required.

Learn more and register your family at mourninghope.org/services/programs/events.html!

Guest Artist Bob Reeker will guide youth participants in creating uniquely expressive sculptures that reflect their personal grief journeys, incorporating emotions, memories, discoveries about themselves in the midst of loss, and the resilience and hope that can emerge through the healing process. Caregivers will meet separately and be guided through a supportive discussion focused on grief, connection, and shared experiences.

We recently received this message from the proud mom of a 2026 high school graduate who participated in Mourning Hope grief support groups while growing up, and we're just beaming with pride in her accomplishments as well. It is our profound honor to walk alongside you both in the heavy moments and the times of celebration.

She did it! 💜