Over the first six months of my tenure as CEO of The Compassionate Friends, I have had the honor of connecting with so many of our TCF leaders, volunteers, members, and friends. These interactions have reminded me that even in the darkest, most devasting parts of our lives, there is the opportunity to care for ourselves and others, to build connections, and to lean on one another. The TCF slogan, We Need Not Walk Alone, is lived out by so many within our community of love and compassion. Across TCF, we are locking arms with one another and standing on the shoulders of so many who came before us to provide safe, supportive space. If you are not already connected with one of our TCF chapters, click HERE, to access our TCF chapter locator.
Also, if you have not already done so, visit our webinar page HERE to view one of our archived supportive webinars. We are offering two opportunities each month to attend live recorded sessions that offer validation, information, coping ideas, and tips for taking care of ourselves and others in the midst of profound loss. We also encourage you to connect with others on one of our more than 40 private Facebook pages and other online community support programs HERE. I also want to give a special shout to our TCF SIBS community. If you are a bereaved sibling and have not yet connected with the many support opportunities, you can find more information HERE. Our TCF SIBS leadership is strong, innovative, and caring. Wherever you may be in your grief, please know that we are here for you. If you are not sure where or how to plug into support, please send us a message HERE.
Over these past six months, I have also been able to meet and get to know like-minded organizations founded, led, and run by other thoughtful, caring people, some who are also TCF members. Our TCF community is strong and so is the greater community around us. As an organization, we are stronger when we lock arms with those outside of our organization to honor the meaningful work and service of others creating space for those living with profound loss. We will be building out our resource list on the TCF website. If you are aware of other programs and opportunities, please share them with us HERE and we will be sure to include them. While we do not endorse other programs or organizations, we do want our membership to be informed and have the chance to explore what others are doing.
Additionally, we are at an important juncture within our organization where we have an opportunity to continue this commitment, and work alongside one another in new ways to strengthen our TCF community. Many of you have participated in one of our Town Hall meetings or one of our in-person gatherings and training events to learn more about these new opportunities to grow together, spread the word about TCF, and increase funding to ensure that those who come behind us have the same safe, supportive space. As an organization, it is imperative that we raise the funds needed to expand our staff and volunteer base nationally, regionally, and locally.
As we do this, we will be able to more effectively provide the training, support, and resources necessary to stand up all of our chapter services, add support group meeting locations, increase our online community capabilities, grow our volunteer base, and ensure that those who need support have a place to be with others who understand. In the first quarter of this year, we have built out the collateral structure, and plan to increase our fundraising capabilities. All of us can be ambassadors and fundraisers for this mission we love so dearly. If you have connections, relationships, or would like to learn more about ways to support TCF or get involved with our fundraising efforts, email us HERE to connect to what we are doing.
Finally, wherever you might be in your grief, we want you to know that you are not alone. Our community is here for you. We are a strong community because of our thousands of volunteers and members who make space for one another. Let’s keep growing together so that all who need us find the support they need most. We are The Compassionate Friends, We Need Not Walk Alone.
Use the chapter locator to find out information about chapters in your area. Locate a Chapter by selecting your state and zip code.
