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(ST. JOSEPH) - The Berrien Community Foundation awarded Lory’s Place, a program of Caring Circle at Corewell Health South, a $10,000 project grant to support one year of continued grief work aiding the Community Grief Alliance program, and Community Grief Brunch. 

The Community Grief Alliance was formed in 2019 to continue the work of Lory’s Place into Benton Harbor. They have worked to address the complicated grief needs often associated in areas with health disparities and higher death rates. In 2019 and 2020, COVID-19 further devastated the already grief-stricken community. Yet few people, particularly among individuals who identify as Black or Hispanic, were utilizing the services provided by Lory’s Place. 

“We know many of our friends and neighbors are hurting and for people to heal well they need to mourn well,” said Stephanie Kohler-Pagan, director of Lory’s Place, Corewell Health South. “This program gives people an opportunity to share a meal and to tell stories about the people in their life who have died. It’s a safe space to connect with others who understand the significant feelings associated with the death of a loved one and begin to take steps in their grief journey.”