Grief's Gate to Joy

Community safety

West LA South LA East LA Central LA

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

We have an unaddressed mounting grief crisis. Over the past 3 years, 57% of Americans experienced a significant loss, 32% mourning the death of a family member/close friend. In L.A. County, the Jan 2025 wildfires destroyed over 12,000 homes, plus businesses, jobs, and displaced more than 200,000. Studies indicate that 39% of natural disaster survivors develop prolonged grief disorder, depression, or PTSD. First responders–given trauma but not grief assistance–are particularly vulnerable; from 2018 and 2025, 1,405 died by suicide nationwide. National issues–political division, economic instability, and systemic inequities–further compound grief. Grief contributes to widespread feelings of isolation and loneliness. A recent Gallup survey shows 20% of U.S. adults experience loneliness daily, a condition linked to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and premature death. Despite clear need, access to grief support remains limited, particularly in heavily impacted communities.

This grant will support expansion of the 4 yr old program, a compassionate and vital online grief program now serving 8–10 participants at a time via Zoom. From the convenience and safety of their own space, participants attend up to three one-hour online meetings each week, held in a safe, accepting space where they can move through grief and trauma—no matter how long it takes—toward renewed joy.
Uniquely the program is not limited in duration to a few months or a year as almost all do. Nor is there restriction based on source of grief.
This holistic program allows people to feel all their griefs, share openly without judgment, and begin to lift layers that grief leaves behind. It helps them choose to open to their future instead of isolate, stuff feelings, shut people out, or commit suicide .
Instead of counseling/instruction, participants are gently supported through embodied practices like meditation, open dialogue, readings from respected grief recovery texts, and managing physical items and environments. Meetings close with optional Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a trauma-informed tapping method shown to reduce anxiety, stress, and PTSD.
This work is essential. Amid pandemic fallout, wildfires, and national upheaval, grief is everywhere. This program meets people exactly where they are, helping them build self-care, self-trust, and joy—no matter the shape of their sorrow. With grant support, awareness can be spread, more sessions added, the leader certified EFT/TFT

Los Angeles County urgently needs long-term grief care, especially after the January 2025 wildfires that destroyed 12,000+ homes and displaced over 200,000 people. Prolonged grief, depression, and PTSD are rising, especially among first responders. Unaddressed grief increases risk of heart disease, stroke, and suicide as well as alcohol/drugs. My program, Grief’s Gate to Joy, fills a critical gap—offering consistent, holistic support through meditation, sharing, physical grief processing, and trauma-informed EFT. With 30+ years in healing arts, personal experience with deep grief, and somatic training, I am uniquely prepared to guide this work. I create safe, lasting spaces for true healing. Funding will allow me to deliver weekly support to more of those most in need without delay—restoring connection, resilience, and joy in a time of crisis. The cost of inaction is too high. Grief, left untreated, can become deadly. This work must be supported now.