The funding supports services in MetroWest Massachusetts for those who have lost a loved one to suicide.
The Parmenter Foundation awarded $40,000 to Samaritans to provide grief support services to individuals in MetroWest communities who have lost a loved one to suicide.
“Losing a loved one to suicide is a painful and difficult experience. Our support groups connect those who have lost someone to suicide, which offers community and understanding for those who are grieving.,” said Kathleen Marchi, CEO and President of Samaritans. “We are grateful to The Parmenter Foundation for providing this funding to Samaritans so we can offer support for families in MetroWest Massachusetts who are grieving the loss of their loved ones.”
The award from Parmenter supports SafePlace meetings hosted by Samaritans—peer support groups for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. The free, drop-in meetings are facilitated by trained volunteers who have also lost a loved one to suicide and allow people to talk and connect with others who understand the complicated emotions that come with this type of loss.
The funding also supports individual visits with suicide loss survivors for those who are grieving, clinical training for mental health professionals, and support for schools and community groups responding to suicide loss.
“With the increasing rates of death due to suicide, we must continually strengthen our support for those left behind, facing this unique grief experience. We are proud to partner with Samaritans, Inc., an expert organization in this complex sector that provides exceptional care to those bereaved by suicide loss, to further inspire hope and healing in our community,” said Angela Crocker, executive director for The Parmenter Foundation.
The Parmenter Foundation, based in Wayland, MA, provides hope for MetroWest community members of all ages in need of compassionate end-of-life care or bereavement support. The foundation provides educational and inspirational resources to help people navigate through the grief process, build resilience, and heal.
For nearly 50 years, Samaritans, Inc., based in Boston, MA, has lent an ear to the struggling, a community for the grieving, and educational workshops so everyone can be a part of suicide prevention. Samaritans provides free and confidential services throughout Massachusetts.
How to Access Grief Support Services
SafePlace meetings for suicide loss survivors are held in-person on the first and third Tuesday of every month from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Samaritans Office, 41 West St, 4th Floor, Boston, MA. Meetings for parents or guardians who have lost a child to suicide are held on the third Saturday of every month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Ben Speaks Office, 360 Woodland St, 2nd Floor, Holliston, MA. Virtual meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
