Bereaved Families of Ontario - South Eastern Region

Join us at the Starbright Center 343 Pitt Street
for our Grief Support Groups.

Drop In Open and Share
September 5th & 19th • 6:00 to 7:30pm

Register online at bfoser.ca/support-and-share

We are thrilled to share the recent feature in the Standard-Freeholder highlighting the impactful work of Bereaved Families of Ontario – South Eastern Region.

The article underscores our ongoing commitment to supporting individuals and families through their grief journeys.

We invite you to read about our latest initiatives and volunteer opportunities. Thank you for your continued support. This can be viewed on Standard-Freeholder webpage.

Thank you to everyone who attended Bereaved Families of Ontario - South Eastern Region Annual General Meeting last night. Your presence and support mean the world to us.

We deeply appreciate our donors, volunteers, and the entire community for their unwavering dedication.

A special thank you to the United Way/Centraide of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry for being such an incredible support, the Standard-Freeholder for helping us extend our reach and message, and the CMHA Champlain East / ACSM Champlain Est graciously allowing us to use the Starbright Center.

As we look forward to the upcoming year, we are excited about the opportunities to continue making a difference. We are actively recruiting grief facilitators for group support and 1-1 community supports. If you are interested in joining our team, please visit BFOSER.CA/Volunteer-Application

Together, we can continue to support bereaved families and make a lasting impact.

With gratitude,

Laura Murphy
Vice-Chair, Bereaved Families of Ontario - South Eastern Region

Reminder AGM tonight 6pm at Starbright Center.
Open to community, hope to see you there.

Subject: You're Invited: Annual General Meeting on July 25th

Dear Volunteers, Donors, and Community Members,

We are pleased to invite you to our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on July 25th, 2024. This important event will be held at the Starbright Center, located at 343 Pitt Street, Cornwall, Ontario, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

As valued members of the Bereaved Families of South Eastern Ontario community, your presence and input are crucial to our ongoing mission of providing support to those in grief. This gathering is an opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments over the past year, discuss future initiatives, and express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support.

During the AGM, we will present a summary of our activities, financial reports, and upcoming plans. We will also highlight some inspiring stories from our community, showcasing the profound impact of your contributions.

Please find attached the agenda for the meeting and a copy of our PowerPoint presentation, which will guide our discussions. Your feedback and ideas are invaluable to us, and we look forward to engaging with you in meaningful conversations.

Kindly RSVP by replying to this email by July 20th, so we can make appropriate arrangements. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for your dedication and support. We look forward to seeing you at the AGM and sharing this special evening with you.

Warm regards,

Laura Murphy
Co-Chair, Board of Directors
Bereaved Families of South Eastern Ontario

Agenda Link:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGH7uc-63w/PLNGE-mHwcqEdXUMODRj9g/view?utm_content=DAGH7uc-63w&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

Presentation Link:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGKrFP5SZk/FjscoH-F37TihCG50N0kjg/edit?utm_content=DAGKrFP5SZk&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Volunteer Position: Board of Directors Member

Organization: Bereaved Families of South Eastern Ontario Region

Location: Hybrid. Monthly meetings are virtual.
Some on location (events) in Cornwall ON required.

Commitment: Part-Time, Volunteer

About Us:
Bereaved Families of South Eastern Ontario (BFSEO) is dedicated to providing compassionate support and resources to individuals and families experiencing grief. Our mission is to help people navigate their journey of loss and healing through various programs and community engagement.

Position Overview:
We are seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to join our Board of Directors. As a board member, you will play a vital role in guiding the strategic direction of BFSEO, ensuring the organization's sustainability, and supporting our mission.

Key Responsibilities:
- Provide governance and oversight to BFSEO's operations and programs.
- Participate in strategic planning and decision-making processes.
- Assist in fundraising efforts and community engagement initiatives.
- Collaborate with fellow board members and staff to achieve organizational goals.
- Attend monthly board meetings and serve on at least one committee.
- Act as an ambassador for BFSEO within the community.

Qualifications:
- Demonstrated commitment to BFSEO’s mission and values.
- Previous experience in board governance, non-profit management, or related fields is preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively and think strategically.
- Experience in fundraising, financial oversight, or community engagement is an asset.
- Willingness to dedicate time and effort to board responsibilities.

Application Process:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their interest and qualifications online at https://bfoser.ca/volunteer-application/

Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those navigating grief and loss.

Bereaved Families of South Eastern Ontario is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
____________________________________________________
Volunteer Position: Grief Support Group Facilitator

Organization: Bereaved Families of South Eastern Ontario Region

Location: Cornwall, ON

Commitment: Part-Time, Volunteer

About Us:
Bereaved Families of South Eastern Ontario (BFSEO) is dedicated to providing compassionate support and resources to individuals and families experiencing grief. Our mission is to help people navigate their journey of loss and healing through various programs and community engagement.

Have you experienced a loss and feel called to help others navigate their grief journey? Bereaved Families of South Eastern Ontario is seeking compassionate volunteer Grief Facilitators to lead our monthly open and share support groups.

Position Overview:
As a Grief Facilitator, you will provide invaluable support to individuals and families coping with bereavement, helping them find comfort and understanding within a supportive community.

Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and facilitate monthly support group sessions.
- Create a safe and empathetic environment for participants to share their experiences.
- Offer emotional support and guidance to group members.
- Collaborate with BFSEO staff to ensure the effective delivery of support services.

Qualifications:
- Personal experience with loss and grief.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to facilitate group discussions with sensitivity and compassion.
- Previous experience in counseling or support group facilitation is an asset but not required.

If you are interested in this meaningful volunteer opportunity, please contact us for more information. This is your chance to make a significant impact in the lives of those who are grieving.

Application Process:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their interest and qualifications online at https://bfoser.ca/volunteer-application/

Bereaved Families of South Eastern Ontario is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month, a month dedicated to a parent's journey through bereavement after the loss of a child. If you are a bereaved parent, please consider reading this module from Canadian Virtual Hospice entitled "When your child has died" https://www.mygrief.ca/mod/lesson/view.php?id=907

Thank You!
To all our incredible volunteers, facilitators, and supporters, we extend our deepest gratitude for making the BFO-SER 2024 Camp a phenomenal success.

Your dedication, hard work, and compassion have created a space of healing and connection for so many families.Each smile, kind word, and act of kindness has made a lasting impact. Your commitment to supporting bereaved families is truly inspiring, and we couldn't have done it without you.

A special recognition to United Way/Centraide of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry for their unwavering support and generosity. Your partnership has been instrumental in making this camp possible.From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being a part of this journey with us. ♡

Finley attended Grief Camp this weekend! He got lots of pets, cuddles & questions from the youth attending. Thank you Bereaved Families of Ontario - South Eastern Region for having us ❤️

Please be advised we've made some adjustments to our May schedule.

It's ! 🤝

At BFO-SW, we embrace the journey of healing with compassion and understanding. We recognize that grief is a natural response to loss, and during this week, we want to remind you to take time to honour your emotions, to lean on your support system, and most importantly, to be gentle with yourself.

Whether you need to ask for help, take a moment to rest, or show yourself kindness and patience, know that you are not alone. Together, we can navigate the complexities of grief and find solace in community.

Today, on May 5th, Bereaved Families South Eastern Ontario Region solemnly acknowledges the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S), also known as Red Dress Day.

We honor the lives lost and the voices that have been silenced.

The red dresses you see displayed today serve as a visual reminder of the countless Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people who are missing. Our thoughts are with their families and communities.

Let us all reflect, remember, and advocate for justice and change.

Join the Compassionate Team at Bereaved Families of Ontario – South Eastern Region

At Bereaved Families of Ontario – South Eastern Region, we embody a unique spirit:

"We are the bereaved helping the bereaved."

This powerful approach drives our mission, making our volunteers not just participants, but the very heart of our organization.

Why Volunteer With Us?

Volunteers are our greatest asset. They bring empathy, support, and personal experience to help others through similar grief journeys. By dedicating countless hours, our volunteers ensure that no one in our community has to face their grief alone.

Our volunteers, who have all been bereaved themselves, have completed rigorous training through our Provincial Quality Assurance programs, equipping them to offer unparalleled support and compassion.

How Can You Make a Difference?

Your involvement can provide crucial support to those grieving within our community. The programs and services we offer, which are made possible by our volunteers, include peer support groups, one-on-one counseling, and community education initiatives. By volunteering, you not only aid others in their times of need but also find a supportive community for your own grief journey.

How to Get Started

Ready to make a significant impact?

Simply click the Volunteer button at the top of our Get Involved page to fill out the Volunteer Application form.

Once submitted, a member of our dedicated volunteer team will contact you to discuss the next steps.

For more information on volunteering or any other inquiries, please reach out to us at [email protected] or via our contact form on the contact page.

Join us today and be a part of a community where compassion meets action. Together, we can continue to support the bereaved and make a lasting difference in the South Eastern Ontario region.
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Did you know that all services offered by BFO-SER are provided by volunteers? We are so thankful for the dedication of our volunteers.

Saviez-vous que tous les services de FEO-RSE sont offerts par des bénévoles? Un gros merci pour votre dévouement.

Thank you St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre for helping to create these beautiful baskets for local children and teens who have lost a loved one. Staff and visitors of the Centre have been donating frequently requested items. Nominate a child or teen online today: https://bfoser.ca/easter-basket-nomination/