The Missing G.R.A.C.E Foundation is located in Rogers, Minnesota.
It is a free standing facility that offers support to area families and serves all of the area hospitals.
Stephan and Candy started the foundation after the loss of their daughter.
Originally they provided online support but the center has since grown in to a place that offers a safe haven for families to grieve as well as a place for professionals to learn how to best serve these families.
The founders desired to "support families who have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss and to educate, raise awareness and further the research of stillbirth"
Their mission statement describes their organization as a:
"National nonprofit organization that provides education and bereavement materials for Professional Care Providers as well as resources and support for families that have experienced a pregnancy loss, infertility, or adoption. The heart of the mission of G.R.A.C.E is helping families Grieve, Restore, Arise, Commemorate and Educate"
We had the opportunity to do a site visit and I have to say that this place is the coolest place I have ever seen for someone who is struggling with the loss of a baby.
The center is absolutely beautiful and you can tell that the people that work there really care about the families that they serve.
I know that my photos will not do it justice but I felt I really wanted to share a little bit about this place.
If you happen to live in the Minneapolis area, this a place that you have to see.
You walk in to the office and are greeted by friendly staff.
The color combination works to soothe and relax the visitor
Here is a view of the reception desk
The waiting area with photos of much loved babies
A room for private counseling
A place to have a snack or hold a meeting
A room for support group meetings.
Or the area can even be used for memorial services or remembrance events.
They have a well stocked library for personal and professional use.
And in the library area there is this castle that children can play in.
The center provides child-care during support group meetings so that the parents can come and not worry about who is taking care of their other children.
Candy said that the castle is a very popular place ~
They also offer a gift shop where you can purchase things for yourself or for someone that you know who may be grieving.
Volunteers put together GRACE care baskets and totes in this large assembly room in the basement.
Anyone can order one of these - just go to the Missing G.R.A.C.E. website to order one.
They ship anywhere.
I will admit that I am just a tad bit jealous of this lovely facility.
I would LOVE to have a place like this here in Orange County where families could come and be supported.
Even our perinatal hospice patients could come and get support prior to their delivery.
It could serve all of the hospitals in the area.
It could be a safe haven for families in this area to grieve.
If only...
If only I had the funds
If only we had a place to build.
If only we had the staff to run the organization.
If only...
It may be a pipe dream but this is what I want for my patients.
I walked away with a renewed vision and would hope to someday run a place such as this....
Debbie
