by Allyson England Drake, M.Ed., CT, FT
Dear Friends of Full Circle,
As we close another year, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on the ways our community has continued to grow and support one another in the face of profound loss. This year, we continued our Perinatal Loss, Suicide Loss, and Overdose and Substance Use-Related Loss groups. For the majority of the year, each of these groups operated with a waitlist, a reminder of just how needed these supportive spaces are.
We expanded our Widow, Widower, and Partner Loss groups, creating a strong circle of connection for those navigating life after the loss of a partner or spouse. We also faced some challenges, including the difficult decision to pause our Hands on Healing family program this summer due to uncertainty surrounding federal funding. To support these families, we launched our monthly Creative Connections program where families come together to create meaningful remembrance pieces in honor of their loved ones. Our Young Adult Loss group also flourished, meeting monthly to support those grieving any type of death. For both groups, many members continued to connect outside of group, sustaining each other through the ebb and flow of their grief.
One of the questions our staff hears most often is, “How do you keep doing this work when there is so much sadness?” And the truth is, if you ask any member of our team, they will tell you that this work often is full of hope. Every day, we have the privilege of helping people understand their grief, make space for it, and begin to find light in their new normal. We are blessed to witness remarkable growth in our clients and group participants… small, powerful moments of courage, connection, and healing. We are entrusted with stories about loved ones who are deeply cherished, stories filled with warmth and love.
Yes, grief is hard. It’s very overwhelming at times. It also sneaks up on us when we least expect it. It can hurt in ways that feel unbearable, and many fear they will never feel joy again. It takes work that continues over a lifetime. But we also see that with support, perseverance, and patience, joy does return. Grief and joy can coexist; not competing but living side by side as people rebuild their lives in ways they never thought possible.
Thank you for being part of our community, for believing in this mission, for standing with us, and for helping us ensure that no one must navigate grief alone. We look forward to continuing this work with you in the year ahead.
With gratitude,
Allyson
Full Circle Grief Center 