The Not So Terrible Twos
On Sunday February 23rd, A Haven turned two! Two years ago, we checked the mail and found that our 501(c)3 status had been approved. We had the official greenlight to become Chester County’s family grief center. We were humbled. Excited. Nervous. Overwhelmed.
It’s amazing to think about the changes, both big and small, these two years have brought to us.
Our deeply committed board has grown! These wonderful people have been steering the ship behind the scenes, and have always believed that we could do what we set out to do. Our board trusted that we could build a safe and welcoming space, and that families would find their way to us. Because of that trust and support, we’re making that vision a reality everyday. Give our wonderful board a shout out below!
We have three staff members now and are able to branch out in new ways to support children and families in their communities. Three cheers for Michelle, Liz, & Kate!
Our volunteer base is growing, and our volunteer training has transformed into a full day session packed with information about supporting grievers at every age. We laugh and get creative and leave that day feeling inspired by the potential of what’s to come. Because of our wonderful volunteers, we are able to add even more groups to our busy schedule. We know that this work could not happen without the compassion and commitment from our volunteers. Call out your favorite volunteer memories in the comments below and let them know how valuable their time is!
We now have our own beautiful space in the heart of Chester County! Have you been to visit us? Come for a tour and see where the magic happens! Get comfy on our couches and imagine what our gathering room is like when it is filled with the sound of ping pong and punching bags, and loud little voices eager to catch up week after week.
These are some of our biggest and most notable changes, but it’s really the smaller, more subtle moments that drive home for us how meaningful this work is. It is the transformation that a family makes from week 1 of group, walking in slowly clutching coats and bags, huddling together quietly on a bench to week 8 when they come running in the door, shedding their coats on the way and shouting to friends. It’s the moms who greet each other for the first time with wide, uncertain eyes wondering “will she get it…?” to then leave a group session weeks later with a tight hug and a “text you tomorrow” once they’ve realized that yes, she does get it. It’s look the comes across a 9 year old’s face in opening circle when he hears for the first time another child his age say “my Dad died.”
We have been so proud to watch the big ways in which A Haven has changed, but it’s the smaller changes, the week by week shift from a place that is a symbol of sadness and loss to a comfy second home that is a symbol of hope and solidarity, that have really shown us what a wonderful gift it is to grow another year older.
From our A Haven family to yours, thank you for growing with us. We are so honored.
Happy birthday, dear A Haven.
Written by: Kate Lannan, Community Services Director