It’s never an easy time to deal with the loss of a loved one. However, the staff and volunteers at the non-profit Hope for Bereaved continue to make the grieving process a little easier.

Pictures of Walt Stein’s parents are among hundreds of photos in the hallway of Hope for Bereaved.

“What’s on this wall are pictures that people bring in. Sometimes it’s copies of the obituary, a memorial card from the funeral, or just a picture that they love with their loved one,” said Hope for Bereaved Counselor Walt Stein.

Walt first came to HOPE in 2009 to get help to cope with the loss of his dad and his late partner Wes.

“I came here to get help and then I started volunteering and working here,” Stein said.

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is something that can turn our world upside down. During the pandemic — many like Walt continued to counsel people via Zoom. Last year, in person group and one-on-one counseling resumed.

Julie Corn lost her husband Robert unexpectedly last year. With two small children at home she needed a place to turn.

“It was kind of on a weekly basis.  Whatever I was feeling or thinking and we would talk about it.  But, what was great was that Walt and the counselors here, they can relate to your stories, so they will weave in their own experiences because they do understand grief so well,” said Julie Corn, who uses Hope for Bereaved services.

The service HOPE provides is invaluable at a time when many more people are dealing with death due to things like COVID and suicides, the non-profit has been busy.

“There’s a lot of people right now who are calling from other areas of the state, other parts of the country to get help.  So, we’re either doing it by Zoom with them or by phone,” said Stein.

That's a sure sign that HOPE will do all it can to help. The non-profit charges nothing for its services. Donations and support through memorial brick and bench purchases at the Butterfly Garden of HOPE provide funding.

“Just seeing just how much they appreciate it, sometimes they’ll just come to an area and sit, have a picnic, bring balloons, bring flowers, in honor of their loved ones,” said Butterfly Garden of HOPE volunteer Kathy Cardina.

While we all learn to grieve and cope in our own way, it’s comforting to know that people like Walt Stein are here for us in the time of need.

“It’s through, time, talk, and tears that we heal,” said Stein.

HOPE is always looking for volunteers to help provide services in the community. In addition, the non-profit is getting ready to host one of its largest fundraisers of the year this Saturday.

Registration is open for the 12th annual Remembrance Run and Walk this Saturday at Long Branch Park in Liverpool. For more information just visit HopeforBereaved.com.