Impact Story Series: Johanna’s Story

At our organization, we often say that grief doesn't follow a timeline, and healing doesn't happen in isolation.

That’s why we created this Impact Story Series: to highlight the real and personal stories of those who have accessed our free grief and wellness supports. These stories show what’s possible when community-led care exists and why access to these kinds of services matters so deeply.

Today, we’re honoured to share Johanna’s story, in her own words. Her reflection speaks to the heart of what we aim to do: offer compassionate, non-judgmental support to people navigating some of the hardest moments of their lives.

I want to share my reflections on my time using the support of the Centre for Grief and Healing (CFGH).

Your Centre helped me through the hardest time in my life. My mother passed away in August of 2023, 5 years after my father passed suddenly. I’m an only child and even though I have a very supportive husband and 2 children, I felt alone in that grief and alone in the world. It triggered some severe anxiety which I’d never before experienced and didn’t know how to deal with.

I googled grief support while I was waiting to see a therapist and found your organization.

Those group calls each week helped bring me back to myself, back to the present world and back to my immediate family. Knowing I wasn’t alone and that it was ok that I hadn’t moved on from my grief meant everything to me at the time.

I also found yoga again through a fundraising activity for your organization and found my way back to exercise which has such a positive impact on my mental health.

I will always be grateful for the support provided by your organization and never forget how it helped bring me back from a very dark and scary place to help me feel like I wasn’t alone in my grief.

Thank you.

Alongside Johanna’s words, she shared a photo of her parents and her youngest daughter as a baby; a quiet reminder of the deep love, memory, and connection that grief so often carries.

A photo of Johanna's parents and her youngest daughter, Vivian, as a baby.

We are so grateful to Johanna for trusting us with her story.

Every person who reaches out to us is carrying something difficult. The impact of being seen, heard, and supported, sometimes even for just one 90-minute group session, can be life-changing. This work is made possible by the dedication of our volunteers, our staff, and the generosity of our community.

If Johanna's story moved or resonated with you, we invite you to share it, learn more about our work, or consider supporting our mission in whatever way feels meaningful to you.

Together, we can ensure that no one has to grieve alone.