Joined on the Journey 2025
Saturday, August 16, 2025, 0900 - 1300
Joined on the Journey Offers Healing and Hope for Bereaved Parents
Free Event in Fayetteville on August 16 Provides Support After Child Loss
Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare-and navigating that grief can feel isolating and endless. But a local nonprofit is working to ensure that no grieving parent has to walk that road alone.
Parents Left Behind, a Northwest Arkansas-based nonprofit organization, is hosting its annual event, Joined on the Journey, on Saturday, August 16 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Central United Methodist Church in downtown Fayetteville (19 W. Lafayette St.). This free half-day gathering is open to all parents who have experienced the death of a child—regardless of their child’s age, how long ago the loss occurred, or the circumstances surrounding it.
The event offers a safe, welcoming space for grieving parents to feel seen, supported, and less alone. Attendees will participate in small group discussions on topics such as identity after loss, caring for a grieving body and mind, managing friendships and isolation, navigating faith struggles, and honoring your child’s story. All groups are facilitated by trained leaders and offer time for shared reflection, conversation, and connection.
“Grief is heavy, but it’s even heavier when it’s carried in silence," says TaNia Brewer, Executive Director of Parents Left Behind and a bereaved parent herself. "Joined on the Journey reminds families that there’s a community here that understands and is ready to walk with them."
In addition to group sessions, the event includes comforting touches such as:
A memorial slideshow to honor and remember each child represented
Free breakfast snacks and lunch, provided by local donors
Childcare with therapeutic sibling activities, led by caring volunteers
Comfort items, grief resources, and take-home support tools
Time and space to simply connect with others who truly understand
This year marks the 11th Joined on the Journey gathering, and attendance has grown steadily each year—demonstrating the deep need for accessible, compassionate grief support in the community.
Parents Left Behind, the nonprofit behind the event, offers year-round resources for grieving families, including a certified grief book club, yoga for grief and trauma, men’s nights, monthly support groups, and retreats for both mothers and fathers.
While the event is free of charge, registration is required to help organizers plan for meals, materials, and childcare.
To register or learn more, visit www.parentsleftbehind.org
Whether your loss is recent or decades old, you are welcome here. Show up just as you are—together, we can carry the weight of grief with more hope and a little less loneliness.
Category: Community | Local / Community
Free Event in Fayetteville on August 16 Provides Support After Child Loss
Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare-and navigating that grief can feel isolating and endless. But a local nonprofit is working to ensure that no grieving parent has to walk that road alone.
Parents Left Behind, a Northwest Arkansas-based nonprofit organization, is hosting its annual event, Joined on the Journey, on Saturday, August 16 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Central United Methodist Church in downtown Fayetteville (19 W. Lafayette St.). This free half-day gathering is open to all parents who have experienced the death of a child—regardless of their child’s age, how long ago the loss occurred, or the circumstances surrounding it.
The event offers a safe, welcoming space for grieving parents to feel seen, supported, and less alone. Attendees will participate in small group discussions on topics such as identity after loss, caring for a grieving body and mind, managing friendships and isolation, navigating faith struggles, and honoring your child’s story. All groups are facilitated by trained leaders and offer time for shared reflection, conversation, and connection.
“Grief is heavy, but it’s even heavier when it’s carried in silence," says TaNia Brewer, Executive Director of Parents Left Behind and a bereaved parent herself. "Joined on the Journey reminds families that there’s a community here that understands and is ready to walk with them."
In addition to group sessions, the event includes comforting touches such as:
A memorial slideshow to honor and remember each child represented
Free breakfast snacks and lunch, provided by local donors
Childcare with therapeutic sibling activities, led by caring volunteers
Comfort items, grief resources, and take-home support tools
Time and space to simply connect with others who truly understand
This year marks the 11th Joined on the Journey gathering, and attendance has grown steadily each year—demonstrating the deep need for accessible, compassionate grief support in the community.
Parents Left Behind, the nonprofit behind the event, offers year-round resources for grieving families, including a certified grief book club, yoga for grief and trauma, men’s nights, monthly support groups, and retreats for both mothers and fathers.
While the event is free of charge, registration is required to help organizers plan for meals, materials, and childcare.
To register or learn more, visit www.parentsleftbehind.org
Whether your loss is recent or decades old, you are welcome here. Show up just as you are—together, we can carry the weight of grief with more hope and a little less loneliness.
Category: Community | Local / Community
Starting Price Per Person
Free
Other Information
Where
Central United Methodist Church
6 West Dickson Street
Fayetteville Arkansas 72701
United States
( Religious - Church - Temple )
6 West Dickson Street
Fayetteville Arkansas 72701
United States
( Religious - Church - Temple )
Event Organizer Contact
More Events
Event ID: 255662
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