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Bereavement & Grief

HOPE Program

hands holding stones with HOPE program text
Peer support program for bereaved CAF members and military families.

The HOPE Program offers continuous peer support and education on grief, to help bereaved CAF members and military families to better understand the grief process and provides coping strategies. Grief is more than “just” sadness, it can affect your actions, emotions, thoughts, your physical and mental health, and spirituality. The program is helping bereaved members and families to ensure that they are receiving the needed emotional support. It is difficult to imagine the magnitude of pain associated with the loss of a loved one. The program can help ease the isolation experienced after loss. Our volunteers have experienced the loss of a loved one, they understand and are there to lend a listening non-judgemental ear and share their own lived experience. They are available to help members and families who have experienced a loss to navigate through their grief journey.

Who We Are

The HOPE program was created in 2006 with the help of families who have lost a military loved one. The program matches trained volunteers who offer confidential peer support to bereaved CAF members and families. 

HOPE peer volunteers get involved to make a difference for those whose lives have been touched by the loss of a loved one. They understand well the grieving process because they have experienced it. HOPE peer volunteers are there to support the member and family with compassion, without judgment and to help them normalize their pain by being a model of HOPE.

While there is access to civilian bereavement support, as part of the military family, HOPE peer volunteers are able to provide unique support that is not available elsewhere, one where there is a common understanding of the military lifestyle and community. 

Mr. Jim Davis, Father of Cpl Paul Davis

“The single most important phone call I received following the death of my son, Paul, was from another father who told me, Mr. Davis, you are now where I was 3 months ago.” We could relate and this made a difference for me, it was the beginning of my healing journey.” – Mr. Jim Davis, Father of Cpl Paul Davis

Mrs. Angela Reid, mother of Cpl Christopher Reid

“My experience through HOPE has been as helpful to me as it has to my peers. Each time, there is something new learned about the similarities in our grief and healing. It is a rewarding experience filled with understanding, growth and HOPE.” – Mrs. Angela Reid, mother of Cpl Christopher Reid

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