While there is an invitation to begin again at any time, the start of a new year can be a unique opportunity to strive towards something new or set a new goal for ourselves. During a season of intense grief and pain, however, this concept can seem impossible.
Arguably one of the most beautiful, poetic descriptions of what we can hope for, both for ourselves and our loved ones who have died, is the verse from 1 Corinthians: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man what things God has prepared for those that love Him.”
No matter what loss you’re grieving, we don’t want you to be alone. Ever. But the truth is that many people are alone with their grief. There are myriad reasons for this reality, and one of the most painful is because a loss isn’t seen by many, or if it is, it’s far too devastating for most people to acknowledge.
In the weeks and months that followed 9/11, we shared with our church family, our friends, and colleagues the news of Becky’s tragic passing. Our church family kept saying how “strong” we were during this trial. We didn’t feel strong at all; I give God all the glory for any strength others observed in us. He was truly our rock and our fortress through this dark time in our lives.
There are so many situations in our lives where we withdraw from or exclude what makes us uncomfortable and confused, whether it is our own grief or another’s. How important it is though, for us to be present to the situation or the suffering, even if we are helpless to do anything else.
I have thought of this memory often since his passing; the image of my dying father on his knees will stay with me forever, teaching me a profound lesson each time the memory comes.
Organization Partners with Local School District in Response to Recent Traumatic Losses
Lowellville, Ohio (January 5, 2023) - Cornerstone of Hope recently provided several grief seminars for the Lowellville, Ohio School District and the community on January 2nd and 4th, respectively. Local TV stations covered the seminars and interviewed Julia Ellifritt, Education Director about the grieving process.
On Monday, January 2nd, Cornerstone provided several hours of education and support to the faculty and staff of Lowellville School District. Cornerstone Staff then returned on Wednesday, January 4th to present to the community on grief, trauma, and self-care. Julia also answered community questions and helped individuals to process their grief.
NBC affiliate WFMJ featured Julia on television and online on January 3rd as part of their story: "Lowellville Schools Hosting Grief Counseling Seminar for the Community" Additionally, CBS/ABC affiliates, WKBN/WYTV featured the grief seminar online as part of the article, "Grief counseling Seminar offers Community Guidance" on January 4th.
Cornerstone of Hope provided this support in response to several tragedies that the Lowellville community experienced in the past year. In May 2022, a 13-year-old student died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The shooting took place in the K-12 school cafeteria during lunch. More recently in December 2022, a mother and daughter were killed in a domestic violence incident on Watson Street in Lowellville.
Follow-up trainings and seminars are being planned as needed with Lowellville School District.
If your school or community has been impacted by loss and are in need of grief support and education, Cornerstone of Hope can help. Learn more by clicking the link below.
Learn more about our Community Response Programs →
Whatever your vantage point, stop and look around. This person may be currently grieving, that person may be about to be levelled by loss, that person may finally be coming up for air. You each have a unique, individual grief story, and yet you, me — all of us — we all share the language of grief and loss that is part of our human experience.
Signature Event Allows Organization to Provide More Services for Grieving Children, Teens and Adults
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Cornerstone of Hope recently hosted its annual signature event, The Evening of Hope, on October 29, 2022 in the Robert C. Walter Commons at St. Charles Preparatory School, in Brexley, OH. This year’s signature event raised $150,000 towards the organization’s vision of creating a world where no grieving person journeys alone.
Each year, The Evening of Hope provides financial breath to the organization and generates a significant source of revenue for Cornerstone of Hope to continue providing the critical support needed for children, teens and adults grieving the loss of a loved one.
Over 200 guests and supporters attended the event, enjoying dinner and drinks and participating in raffles, Silent and Live Auctions. Attendees of note included U.S. Representative Mike Carey. Highlights of the evening included moving testimonies from three guest speakers – all 17 years old and past campers – who shared how meaningful and helpful their camp experiences at Cornerstone of Hope had been for them.
Sponsoring this year’s event were: Kurtz Bros. of Central Ohio/Brookside Materials, Gordon Flesch Company,Muth & Co. Roofing, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Advanced Civil Design, CPS Solutions, LLC, First Merchants Bank, Heartland Bank, Messer Construction, Plante Moran, and Quantum Health, and Hughie’s Event Production Services.
About Cornerstone of Hope Columbus
Cornerstone of Hope is a nonprofit comprehensive bereavement support center that has served the Central Ohio communities for the past 11 years. Cornerstone of Hope offers individuals and families a supportive environment to express their grief and emerge from its pain with a renewed sense of purpose. Therapy, counseling services, and support groups are conducted by licensed clinicians and Master’s level interns under the supervision of our professional staff. All of Cornerstone of Hope’s support services are offered at an affordable cost. For more information, please visit cornerstoneofhope.org/columbus.
When my husband passed away, I immediately found the need to find someplace to help me get through it. Cornerstone was just that place.
When my husband passed away, I immediately found the need to find someplace to help me get through it. Cornerstone was just that place.
When my husband passed away, I immediately found the need to find someplace to help me get through it. Cornerstone was just that place.
Funds Raised Will Provide Affordable Services for Grieving Children, Teens and Adults
Nonprofit bereavement center Cornerstone of Hope recently hosted its annual tasting event, Taste of Hope, on Thursday, September 8, 2022. The event was held on the grounds of Cornerstone of Hope, located at 5905 Brecksville Road, Independence, Ohio 44131. The event raises funds annually for Cornerstone of Hope’s Financial Assistance Program, which provides affordable services for grieving children, teens and adults in need. This year, Taste of Hope raised nearly $135,000 — exceeding last year’s total by more than 25 percent. The exponential increase will allow Cornerstone of Hope to respond to the record high demand seen in 2022 and anticipated in 2023 for grief counseling, support groups and children’s bereavement camps.
450 guests enjoyed a casual evening of spectacular food and drink samplings from over two dozen area restaurants, plus entertainment and raffles. Several Ohio government officials were in attendance including the Mayor of Independence, Gregory P. Kurtz and State Representative Thomas F. Patton.
A highlight of the evening was the speech given by Taste of Hope’s “Toast of the Night” honoree, Kelsey Loushin, President of Eldercare Professionals of Ohio, LLC. Kelsey gave a moving testimony describing how she has gone full circle from advocate, to client, to support group facilitator for Cornerstone of Hope’s Overdose Loss support groups. She stated:
“… If you’ve experienced a loss … this is the place that can help…. They’ve helped me, I see the changes in people as they go through groups … I watch them understand that in spite of their loss, they can live with it, survive it, and thrive ultimately.…”
Presenting Sponsor for Taste of Hope 2022 was Enerco Group Inc./Mr. Heater, Cynthia & Allen Haire, supporters of the organization since 2004. Additional event sponsors included Covia Holdings, LLC, Miceli’s, Premier Truck Sales and Rental, Inc., and Tito’s. Participating restaurants this year included Pier W, Corleone’s Ristorante & Bar, Delmonico’s Steakhouse/Hospitality Restaurants, Luca Italian Cuisine, Mallorca Restaurant, and many more.
Cornerstone of Hope is a nonprofit comprehensive bereavement support center that has served Northeast Ohio communities for almost 20 years. Cornerstone of Hope is dedicated to providing counseling, support, and education to grieving children, teens and adults. Therapy and Christian counseling services, support groups, children’s grief camps, and professional trainings are conducted by Master’s level, licensed clinicians who have extensive experience working with grief and trauma. All of Cornerstone’s support services are offered at an affordable cost. For more information and contact details for each office location, visit cornerstoneofhope.org.
CLEVELAND
5905 Brecksville Road
Independence, Ohio 44131
(216) 524–4673
COLUMBUS
1550 Old Henderson Road
Suite E-262
Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 824–4285
LIMA
2963 Blue Jacket Court
Lima, Ohio 45806
(419) 581–9138
TELEHEALTH
Please call to schedule an online appointment.
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