Grief is something that all people have in common, whether it is the death of a realtive, friend or pet.  Journey of Hope is a nonprofit organization that helps children and their families process grief because of the death or impending death of a loved one. JOH provides a facilitated peer group program that is offered  two times a month free of charge to children and their families. 

I have been familiar with Journey of Hope since it was founded in 1997 by Plano ISD counselors and teachers, and nurses from the Medical Center of Plano hospital.  As an elementary school counselor in Plano ISD, I saw first hand how difficult it was for children to process the death of a loved one. I saw how the loss effected their schoolwork, their emotional health and relationships.  My heart would ache for them and their loss and sadness. I am grateful for this organization, as I was able to refer the family to JOH and as the months went by I saw the positive influence of the program in these children's lives. 

I became a member of the JOH Board of Directors in 2013 and now serve as the Board President.  Because we are a nonprofit organization, fundraising is an ongoing process for us to support these children.  Our three major fundraisers are: Warren's Walk: Stepping Out for Grieving Children, a Celebrity Golf Tournament and Breakfast with the Easter Bunny.  Please join me in supporting JOH with a donation and by becoming part of my Walk Team on Saturday, September 26, 2015.