CREATIVE COMFORT

 

One of my most heartbreaking experiences as a pastor was to conduct a funeral for a child.

Shelly Kolwinska, Director of Programs for the Child Loss Foundation, helps provide support for parents facing that same situation. Shelly oversees the Child Loss @ Work program. Today more than thirty organizations participate in the program ensuring that grieving parents receive the support and resources they need from their employers during difficult transitions.

In addition to the program which Shelly directs, the Child Loss Foundation sponsors a BeliEve Fund which provides immediate financial assistance to Minnesota families facing hardships related to the death of a child. They also provide Child Loss Retreats at their lodge in Danbury, Wisconsin. The retreats are tailored to different experiences of loss including stillbirth, infant and toddler loss, medically complex loss, youth loss, teen and young adult loss, suicide loss, homicide loss, bereaved mothers, bereaved fathers and bereaved grandparents.

Shelly writes, “While the Child Loss Foundation is not a faith-based organization, we support families from all backgrounds and beliefs. My own faith has been an important part of my healing journey, and when appropriate, I can share faith-based resources or organizations with parents who are seeking that kind of support.”

For more information the Foundation can be contacted at info@childlossfoundation.org or you can visit their website at www.childlossfoundation.org.