Community Grieves Together: Resources for Healing in Summit County After Tragic Losses
The month of July proved to be a sorrowful time for the Summit County community, marked by the loss of four prominent individuals, including a child. These events have left many grieving, raising the collective consciousness of the need for support in dealing with loss. Among those we mourn are Rick Karden, a beloved teacher at Summit High School; Zander Smith, a 19-year-old graduate of the same school who tragically died in a motorcycle accident; and Jordan Labarre, a Breckenridge resident who was killed in Blue River. The community was also shaken by the untimely death of 1-year-old Zeldris Milo Maes, who lost his life near a park in Silverthorne. In response to this distressing pattern, resources have emerged to help community members navigate their grief.
Building Hope Summit County, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health, emphasizes the importance of reaching out when faced with such tragic losses, not only for those who were personally connected to the deceased but also for individuals who feel affected by the collective grief of the community. Kellyn Ender, the executive director of Building Hope, acknowledges that even those who didn’t know the deceased can feel a profound sense of sadness. She states, “It’s OK for you to be feeling really down, or for your own grief to be upset by these losses because of the way that they have happened and the tragedy that has come with them.”
Ender insists the importance of seeking support cannot be understated. Therapy can provide a dedicated space for individuals to talk about their struggles, free from the mutual give-and-receive nature of typical relationships. “When you go and see a therapist, that therapist is there for you, and that’s all,” she explains, highlighting the unique benefit of professional support during tough times.
Building Hope offers a scholarship program enabling community members to access up to 12 sessions of free therapeutic care with licensed professionals. The organization boasts connections with over 100 local providers, increasing to more than 200 when including additional available resources from nearby Eagle County and the Vail valley.
Flexibility in therapy is essential; Building Hope understands that not everyone needs long-term treatment. “Therapy doesn’t have to be scary or last forever,” Ender says. By providing both in-person and virtual therapy options, the nonprofit is prepared to meet individuals where they are in their grief journey. To get in touch, community members can reach out at 970-485-6271 or visit BuildingHopeSummit.org for more information.
In addition to therapy, Building Hope also facilitates more light-hearted events aimed at fostering community connections without directly addressing loss. These gatherings provide opportunities for solace and connection, offering a respite from grief while also allowing individuals to bond with others facing similar challenges.
In recognition of the need for additional structured grief support, the Summit County Coroner’s Office has initiated a new grief support group. Britt Lea, a deputy coroner, was inspired by the HeartLight Center and its virtual support offerings, leading her to establish the “Facing the Mourning” program. Each session of this program is designed to foster a sense of community among grieving individuals. “In these groups, you get to know the people that are in the group with you, and you become so close to them,” Lea notes, emphasizing the power of vulnerability and shared experiences.
Popularity for the group has grown rapidly, creating waitlists for each round due to the limited size. This small group dynamic, limited to eight to ten participants, fosters intimacy and connection. Therefore, the coroner’s office has expanded the number of sessions to accommodate demand. Participants partake in various exercises, including journaling and creating memorials for their loved ones, which serve as homework to be shared in subsequent sessions.
The meetings are intended for anyone dealing with loss, not just those grieving the death of a loved one. Addressing a range of grief experiences, including anticipatory grief from conditions like dementia, the program illustrates a comprehensive approach to healing.
“Facing the Mourning” sessions take place every Tuesday from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Summit County Coroner’s Office in Frisco, with upcoming rounds starting on September 9 and October 7. Interested individuals can register by emailing Britt Lea at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
As the Summit County community grapples with the waves of grief resulting from these tragic losses, it is clear that support systems are essential in navigating the complexities of mourning. Through the dedicated resources offered by organizations such as Building Hope and the Summit County Coroner’s Office, residents can find the necessary connection and understanding to move toward healing. The resilience of this community, coupled with newfound support systems, promises a hopeful path forward as people come together to honor the memories of those they have lost and to foster a renewed sense of belonging.
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