Hope Starts Here 2024

We are inviting you to be a sponsor for our Annual local “Hope Starts Here” event taking place on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth. The day includes a keynote speaker, resource tables, art therapy, welcome food, lunch, connecting with others, and closing ceremonies.

We are pleased to announce our keynote speaker will be Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, Psy.D. Sally is a suicide loss survivor and former Suicide Loss Division Director for the American Association of Suicidology. She is the co-founder and current President of United Suicide Survivors International. After the suicide of her beloved brother, Sally has dedicated her life to illuminating hope for those who have lost loved ones to suicide.

Our morning session will begin with an interview between Gwen Kapcia, Your Grief Guide, and Rachael Wakley, a mother whose daughter died by suicide. Rachael will bravely share her story, and she will answer some questions about her survival. They will discuss the importance of mourning on the inside and releasing our pain on the outside.

In the afternoon, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas will be sharing the topic Hope Illuminated - Turning Our Pain into Purpose after a Suicide Loss. In the aftermath of a suicide loss, the path to healing often feels uncertain and overwhelming. "Hope Illuminated" offers a supportive space to explore how we can transform our grief into a purposeful journey. Focusing on continuing bonds and honoring the lives of those we've lost; this session will delve into the powerful role of spiritual experiences in the grieving process.

Our families are not alone, our event is here to care for and support them on their grief journey. Your sponsorship will help make this a minimal registration fee event for all of our families. As you may know, many survivors have incurred hardships following the loss of a tragedy and it is our intention to bring them hope and healing without the added burden of financial stress.​

Please consider sponsoring this event. If you have any questions about sponsorships or the event in general, please reach out to info@srrn.net.