Parent’s Picks: Haven is Redefining Life After Loss
Bridging the Grief Gap for Bereaved Parents in Fargo In the delicate and often overwhelming world of child loss, Haven, a Fargo-based nonprofit, has emerged as a refuge of hope and healing for parents navigating unimaginable grief. Founded by Jen Burgard after the loss of her son Henry, Haven exists to ensure no parent has
Bridging the Grief Gap for Bereaved Parents in Fargo
In the delicate and often overwhelming world of child loss, Haven, a Fargo-based nonprofit, has emerged as a refuge of hope and healing for parents navigating unimaginable grief. Founded by Jen Burgard after the loss of her son Henry, Haven exists to ensure no parent has to walk that journey alone.
“There’s something so transformative about being able to look someone in the eye and know that they understand what you’ve been through,” Jen said.
Haven’s mission doesn’t begin and end with supporting families, it goes beyond and educates the broader community and healthcare systems on the compassion and care that bereaved parents deserve.
With services ranging from heartfelt Healing Gifts to community-centered workshops, Haven is not only a nonprofit, it’s a lifeline for families in Fargo-Moorhead.
“We believe that educating the general public on grief and loss creates a more empathetic and supportive community for us all. It’s about creating lasting change, not just for today’s grieving parents, but for generations to come,” Jen said.
Did You Know?
1 in 4 pregnancies in the U.S. ends in loss.
The rate of stillbirths in the U.S. has not changed since the 1940s.
Haven serves parents who have lost a child to miscarriage, stillbirth, infant death, or child death.
Healing Gifts for Heartbroken Families
At the heart of Haven’s mission are its thoughtfully curated Healing Gifts—packages designed to bring comfort to parents in the early days of grief. Each gift is filled with items that Jen herself found solace in, including hand-poured candles, journals, books, and local products. These gifts, often requested by friends and family for grieving parents, act as tangible reminders that they are not alone.
Haven Healing Gifts Include:
- Hand-poured candles
- Journals and books on grief
- Self-care items like bath salts and essential oils
- Gift cards to local businesses
- A carefully selected resource guide for parents
Anyone can request a Healing Gift for themselves or someone they know. “We want these families to feel seen, supported, and cared for,” Jen said.
A Growing Community of Support
In addition to Healing Gifts, Haven hosts various events throughout the year aimed at building a community. Their events range from simple family get-togethers to in-depth workshops and retreats.
Some of the most notable events include:
- Wreath Making Workshop: Held annually in December, this event helps parents create something beautiful in honor of their child.
- Floral Classes: Hosted every Mother’s Day to celebrate mothers who have experienced loss.
- Remembrance Retreats: Both single- day and overnight retreats where parents can come together to share their stories and find peace.
These gatherings offer parents the chance to not only connect with others who understand them but also to engage in healing practices in a safe and supportive environment.
Haven provides vetted and up-to-date resources for grieving families.
Like recommended media and other online resources, along with remembrance items you can shop for. See all of their resources at havenmidwest.org/resources
The Landscape of Loss
Recognizing that healing takes many forms, Haven hosts a podcast called “Landscape of Loss,” where families share their stories of grief and survival. This podcast has become a powerful tool for raising awareness about child loss and helping families connect with those in similar situations. Episodes can be found on all major streaming platforms and directly through Haven’s website at havenmidwest.org
Awareness Through Education
Haven’s mission extends far beyond the families it serves directly. The organization is committed to transforming how the healthcare system and the community approach the reality of child loss. Haven works closely with hospitals and nursing schools to educate healthcare providers on the importance of compassionate care for bereaved parents.
“We want to ensure that parents in our community have access to the best care possible when faced with the unimaginable,” said Jen. “Grief is complex, and the care provided in those early days can shape a family’s healing journey.”
In partnership with local healthcare providers, Haven has introduced several trainings and resources to educate nurses, doctors, and hospital staff on how to best support families who have lost a child. They’ve also developed resources that help families navigate the medical system to make sure they feel empowered and cared for.
Support Haven’s Mission
Haven relies on the generosity of the Fargo-Moorhead community to continue its important work and ensure the nonprofit continues to live by its mission—to redefine life after loss. Donations ensure that Healing Gifts remain available, events stay free for families in need, and retreats offer scholarships for parents who could otherwise not attend.
With child loss affecting 1 in 4 pregnancies, Haven’s role in the community is critical. Their work is making strides in ensuring that every grieving parent feels supported, seen, and heard.
If you or someone you know is navigating the heartbreak of child loss, visit havenmidwest.org to learn more about the services Haven offers, request a Healing Gift, or find information about upcoming events.
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Published November 22, 2024
