Did You Know…
One out of four pregnancies will end in a miscarriage. Each year, approximately 24,000 babies are stillborn in the United States and globally, there are 44 miscarriages every minute. Of those who experience this type of loss, nearly 30% of them experience symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), 1 in 10 will experience depression and many others will suffer from anxiety related mental health issues. Others endure isolation, loneliness, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Many of these women lack support not only from medical and mental health professionals, they lack basic support from friends and family. Women tell us they have their symptoms and feelings dismissed by both doctors and loved ones, often grieving alone in silence. Even in 2023, there is a significant amount of shame and stigma associated with this type of loss.
How Can We Make a Difference?
We are not therapists or counselors, instead, we are a movement to empower women to grieve and celebrate the lives they lost together, with other mothers.
Evidence suggests that social support can be critical in mitigating the grief response following pregnancy loss, and receiving that support from another woman who has also lost a baby makes an even bigger impact.
“It is...important that the wider public are aware that miscarriage is associated with significant psychological impacts regardless of the length of the pregnancy. Social networks play an important role in supporting women following this event and positive support experiences can play a role in buffering women’s experiences of grief, loss and psychological distress following miscarriage. Many studies have reported that for most women, speaking to other women who have experienced miscarriage themselves was the most helpful support they received, as they often felt that these women understood their experience more fully."
(Source: Miller, E. J., Temple-Smith, M. J., & Bilardi, J. E. (2019) https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0217395)
Here’s How You Can Help
Become an advocate
When you become an Advocate, you become part of a woman's healing journey. Your monthly gift assists in creating a safe haven for mothers, connecting them to the people who can help them the most--other bereaved mothers.
Your partnership would contribute toward healing experiences, support ongoing programming and propel our vision to expand Gathering Hope's offerings to more women locally and across the country.
Annual Gatherings (In-person & Virtual)
Quarterly Book Club
Monthly Video Series
Bi-Monthly Email Encouragement
Connections to Counselors
Annual Wave of Light Ceremony
Socials
Facebook groups
Book Suggestions
Gift & Memorial Ideas
Timely Tender Totes
Gathering Hope needs heroes like YOU to partner in this movement!
For the cost of two cups of coffee a month, Advocates empower bereaved mothers, encourage them with HOPE and provide life-changing experiences.
““I feel encouraged, I feel supported, I feel hope. Thank you for holding space to share and voice my experience without the shame.””
Can we count on you to help us make a difference in the life of a grieving mother? We believe in the power of community and gifts of any size will make an impact. Thank you for believing in this mission and walking with us, so that we can walk alongside others in their time of need!
Peyton Lauderdale and Carol Vantine,
Gathering Hope Co-Founders
“What you all have created is a safe place beyond anything I’ve ever seen.... I have never felt so welcomed and loved.”
““Gathering Hope’s yearly events have been such a healing experience for me! I’ve found so much comfort and understanding each time, both through God speaking to my heart during worship, and through the community of women that he has brought together. This is such a needed ministry and I am so thankful to benefit from it has a guest in 2018 and to serve through it by returning as a table leader in 2019. I love being a part of the community we create together! Thank you for committing to provide a safe place for mothers like me.”
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Why Giving Matters: Meet an Advocate
““Let’s change the way our culture reacts to hard situations from avoiding it, to being willing to step out of our comfort zone. It’s up to us to be the change and bring awareness.””
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every gift to Gathering Hope is tax-deductible. Your well-stewarded gift creates healing partnerships for grieving mothers. Donate online today, or if you prefer, make checks payable to:
Gathering Hope
PO Box 1631
Aledo, TX, 76008
