Finding Joy After Losing a Parent

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We are on a mission to create moments of joy for children who have experienced the pain of losing a parent. Through compassion and support, we ensure these children feel loved, seen, and encouraged to seek the rainbow after the storm.

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Grieving the Loss of a Parent

We understand that we can’t take away your family's grief. Instead, we want our Joy Kids to experience joy even as they cope with losing a parent. Dr. Robert Holden describes joy as:

-- Read more from Dr. Robert Holden

Supporting Children Through the Challenges of Losing a Parent

These qualities are especially important for children grieving the death of a parent, who often face significant, long-term emotional impacts. Studies show that children who experience the loss of parents may encounter increased anxiety, concerns about further loss, separation fears, and worries about family safety (Dowdney, 2000; Haine et al., 2008).
Beyond emotional challenges, the death of a parent often brings other hardships, such as moving, changing schools, or adjusting to new caregivers. Financial pressures may mean teens take on jobs or responsibilities to support their family. When the surviving parent is also grieving deeply, their capacity to provide the support needed can be limited.
At The Joy Mission, we may not be able to erase these hardships, but we can help. We support grieving children by funding counseling services and creating moments of joy that offer them relief and connection. By supporting children in how to cope with losing a parent, we foster positivity, resilience, and an awareness of joy even on dark days.

Our Story

How The Joy Mission began and why we exist today.

On November 11, 2016, my little sister, Meredith Lawler, was just minutes from her home when she was struck head-on by a drunk driver. Six days later, after suffering massive brain injuries, surrounded by family and friends, Meredith took her last breath.
 
Our world, as we knew it, was over.
 
Meredith’s daughter, Mia, was just shy of two years old. Meredith adored Mia, who brought so much light and joy into her life. In their last days together, they baked cookies, wore matching moccasins, and soaked in the November sunshine. Meredith had big dreams for Mia, but their time together was cut heartbreakingly short.
 
Now seven years old, Mia lives with her grandmother, "Lala." She carries so much of her mother’s spirit — fiery and imaginative. Over the years, we’ve been uplifted by our community, who poured love and joy into Mia’s life. This incredible support inspired me to do the same for other children who, like Mia, are grieving the death of a parent.
No matter a child’s age or the circumstances of their parent’s passing, losing a parent is a profound heartbreak. At The Joy Mission, we honor these children’s grief while providing opportunities to find joy. Joy can change our outlook, inspire creativity, and linger in the heart — it is often unreasonable, untroubled, and, quite simply, enough.
 
The Joy Mission was created to serve children who have lost parents. Though we can’t replace what’s missing, we can fill their lives with moments of joy and love. One day, we hope to reach every child experiencing this loss, creating joy and a sense of belonging in every season.

Press

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'A sense of relief:' Non-profit donates presents to children whose parents were killed in Lewiston mass shootings

PORTLAND (WGME) — It's been six weeks since the mass shootings in Lewiston, and victims and their families are still processing their loss right before the holiday season.

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Metro Atlanta organization helps make holidays special for children dealing with loss

The Joy Mission has made it its mission to check off the lists for children in the metro Atlanta area who have lost their parents.

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Cobb County high school club helping bring joy to kids dealing with tragedy

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - A group of high school students is making it their mission to help spread joy to kids who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

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We are driven to honor Meredith’s legacy by serving Mia and the 1.5 million other children who have lost a parent. We want every child to feel loved, to find joy, and to seek the rainbow after the storm.
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