Heal ing Our Ci ty A nne t t e Mar ch -Gr i e r PRESIDENT AND CO-FOUNDER M i l ton Dugger, J r. CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS Roberta’s House provides community-based grief support services to help heal and restore communities that disproportionately experience deaths and traumatic losses and are at risk for long-term physical and psychological consequences of repeated loss. Roberta’s House is for all children and families suffering the loss or death of someone special to have support and a safe place to heal and recover. We address grief as a public health preventative service. In our 16 years of service, we have served over 10,000 individuals and witnessed the transformative change of youth, families, and adults who have suffered significant losses. Our vision is for healthy, thriving families and safe communities. The death of a loved one is excruciating. And nothing in life prepares you for the day a loved one to homicide. While there is no “right way” to grieve, we are committed to ensuring that you don’t have to grieve alone at Roberta's House. We understand that children, men, and women all grieve differently. Roberta’s House Homicide Survivors Advocacy Program is pleased to offer this Community Resource Guide. Our HSAP support groups are an excellent way to share your story and get support from others. Roberta’s House has opened a new Family Grief Support at 10210 Greenbelt Road, Lanham, Maryland. Our Prince George’s County Campus will offer families a full range of grief support services and a safe healing space. If you have yet to have the opportunity to visit Roberta's House Baltimore or Prince George's County Campuses, we invite you to drop by for a tour or attend an upcoming event. We know the healing journey will have its highs and its lows. We also know that, as we have since 2007, Roberta’s House will be here to ensure that no one grieves alone. With gratitude, M e l in d a L a w son DIRECTOR OF SURVIVOR ADVOCACY PROGRA M This Guide is funded in part by the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention. All points of view are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of any State or Federal Agency.
Nothing in life prepares you for the day a loved one is lost due to homicide. While there is no “right way” to grieve, Roberta's House is committed to ensuring you don’t have to grieve alone. We understand that children, men, and women all grieve differently. Our Homicide Survivors Peer Support Groups are an excellent way to share your story and get support from others. The grief of murder may be even more challenging than the loss from disease because the answer to "why" is always a third party. People need to understand that gradually, in your own time, you can begin to find some solace in what has happened. Roberta's House Homicide Survivor Advocacy Program directly supports adults, children and families who have lost a loved one to homicide. Survivor advocates connect with the next of kin or family within 24-48 hours after notification to support the family in understanding the following steps and connecting them to needed resources. Our advocates provide ongoing support for survivors for one year. The Homicide Survivors Advocacy Program contains two initiatives: Rays of Hope and the Homicide Transformation Project. The Homicide Transformation Project is a 10-week professionally-led peer support group that meets will and addresses the needs of survivors of homicide through a comprehensive bereavement program. Questions? Contact Zina L. Harris, Program Manager [email protected] | (410) 235-6633 x 119 HHOOMMIICCIIDDEE SSUURRVVIIVVOORRSS AADDVVOOCCAACCYY PPRROOGGRRAAMM
Heal ing Our Ci ty Jeremiah’s death left me feeling broken. With each passing day, I was consumed with heartache and pain. There was nothing anyone could do to make me feel better; every day was and has been spent crying. Towards the end of summer, my Survivor’s Advocate encouraged me to join Rays of Hope, one of Roberta’s House’s family bereavement peer support groups. During this time, I was really angry and not cooperative at all, and my Advocate reassured me that someone was paying attention to what I was going through. On my first day of group, I was overwhelmed by the other mothers’ pain, pictures of their murdered loved ones, and all the crying that surrounded me. It was then that I decided that this would be my last day. I called my Advocate to explain how I was feeling, and she encouraged me to return, so I decided to. This time around, I sat and observed and saw how others were processing their grief. After a few weeks, I had enough courage to speak on my grief journey. When I began conversing with other parents, I felt I was seen and heard; they understood my tears and could feel my pain. Rays of Hope encouraged me to create my Facebook podcast, Screaming Mums. I created this as a forum to give other parents insight into what their children are going through. This has given me purpose and allowed me to discuss my son’s case. I don’t want to see another parent bury their kid. Roberta’s House made it ok for me to cry out loud, to be hurt, and to have no shame. It was ok. They were my safe space. I want other parents to know that no one will know your story if you don’t tell them. I want to tell my story to the world. Roberta's House Homicide Survivors Program is funded in part by the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention. All points of view are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of any State or Federal Agency. My name is Chadtina Curtis, and the loss of my firstborn son, Jeremiah Williamson, brought me to Roberta’s House. Jeremiah was only eighteen when he was murdered on June 22, 2022. Within a week of his death, a Roberta’s House Homicide Survivor Advocate contacted me to discuss the various bereavement supports they could offer me.
I care for you...You care for me... We care for each other! INFO@ROBERTASHOUSE .ORG | (410) 235-6633 928 E NORTH AVE , BAL T IMORE MD 21202 | (410) 235-6633 24/ 7 HOMICIDE ADVOCAT E SUP PORT L INE 1 -844-227 -3478 I F YOU ARE IN NE ED OF SUP PORT : A SURVIVOR ADVOCAT E W I L L BE STANDING BY TO ANS W ER YOUR CAL L .
Roberta's House programs and peer support groups provide compassionate grief services in Baltimore City and Prince George's County, Maryland communities. All our programs are free and range between 8 weeks to 6 months. They include programs for adults, families, youth, and community outreach. Roberta's House is a national leader in bereavement care. Since 2007 thousands of individuals and families have transformed their grief and found purpose through the loss of someone close. Our peer support groups help adults cope with change and readjust to the loss. As you progress towards hope and healing, being with others experiencing similar feelings provides comfort and support. Our groups consist of ten to fifteen members. Our new Center's intimate atmosphere will help create a sense of community and support where you can express feelings and memories. Grief is challenging and takes many forms. If you feel overwhelmed physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually, lose your appetite, or cannot sleep, these are all signs of grief. Roberta's House programs can help you adjust to the new normal, and our adult support groups are convened several times a year. ROBERTA'S HOUSE ADUL T PROGRAMS & SUP PORT GROUPS
Men of Loyalty and Dignity Dealing with grief and loss can be particularly challenging for men. As men, we are socialized and taught to bury our emotions or dismiss our feelings. Men of Loyalty and Dignity (M.O.L.D) is a peer support group specifically for men. This group is designed to help men navigate their grief journey and provides them with a safe place to share their grief experiences. If you or someone you know has experienced the death of someone close and is experiencing grief in unhealthy ways, such as explosions of anger, abusive drinking, or controlling behaviors in their relationships, Roberta’s House offers support for men to grieve healthily. A Time of Sharing A Time of Sharing is an adult support group for individuals ages 18 and over who have experienced the loss of someone close and are seeking to find meaning in their lives. A Time of Sharing support group sessions, facilitated by professional counselors, use a holistic view (mind, body, and spirit) to help survivors understand their grief experience and guide them through their grieving process. This program is offered four times each year for eight weeks (mind, body, and spirit) to help survivors understand their grief experience and guide them through their grieving process. This program is offered four times each year for eight weeks. weeks. For more information contact Robyn Cash, [email protected] or at (410) 235- 6633 ext. 118. Rays of Hope Rays of Hope is a family peer support group sponsored by the Homicide Survivors Advocacy Program. This group is for families with children ages 2 - 17 who have experienced a death due to homicide. Rays of Hope support groups are offered throughout the year in Baltimore City and Prince George’s County. Contact Melinda Lawson, [email protected]. (410) 235-6633 ext. 121.
Families Healing Together Families Healing Together is a program where families and children ages 5-17 receive support and encouragement from their peers, other caring adults, and professionals. Families Healing Together brings families together for a meal and ageappropriate support groups that address their experiences and challenges with grief and learn new ways to move forward. Bereavement Ministry Training Roberta’s House offers community leaders, healthcare professionals, educators, and clergy the opportunity to gain insight and information that will help strengthen their ability to assist children and families grieving the loss of a loved one. The intensive educational bereavement workshops prepare participants to understand grief and the grieving process thoroughly. The workshops are given through Roberta’s Houses’ experienced and licensed professionals on various topics. Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) are awarded to mental health professionals and clergy. Visit https:/robertashouse.org/events for our upcoming dates! Un Tiempo de Compartir Un Tiempo de Compartir es un grupo de apoyo para adultos mayores de 18 años que han experimentado la pérdida de un ser querido. El grupo de apoyo sirve de guía y apoyo a los sobrevivi- entes, ayudándoles a entender el proceso de duelo y ofreciendo información para ayudarles a superar el proceso de pérdida. La duración de este grupo es de 8 semanas. Para más información Elizabeth Matienzo-Bray [email protected] 0 (301) 880-5500.
Roberta's House Healing Ourselves Through Peer Empowerment (H.O.P.E.) educates, empowers and supports women who have suffered a fetal or infant loss. Through a partnership with B'more Healthy Babies, the H.O.P.E. project helps mothers through the healing process, connect with others, and teach healthy ways to cope and thrive. Life After Loss and Still A Mom are two support groups of the H.O.P.E. Project. Each group supports women who have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth, pregnancy or infant loss for up to one year. H.O.P.E. is the project for you if: you experienced a pregnancy or infant loss; feel like you are the only one out there who feels this pain; or if you feel isolated in your grief. Questions? Contact Shacoya Curry at [email protected] (410) 235-6633 ext. 110 Losing a baby means the loss of dreams for the baby's future. Many parents may feel they were robbed of time to get to know their child, and friends and family may never have met the child. Because infant loss follows a short life, some people find loved ones treat the loss as if it were a miscarriage—not the loss of a living child, which can compound the pain and increase stigma.
Roberta’s House Youth Services Grief and Emotional Wellness Program provide safe environments for youth ages 5-17 to openly communicate various losses, especially losses due to the death of someone close, that they have experienced and helps these youths develop healthy coping skills. Changing the Game Changing the Game Teen Support Groups empowers high-risk teens ages 13-17 who’ve experienced multiple losses with the wisdom and understanding of transforming their lives to create a productive, purposeful life for themselves and society. Through peer support groups, youth learn healthy coping skills and connect with other teens and adults to strengthen social support and improve their emotional, physical and spiritual wellness. Youth Peer Ambassadors Our Peer Ambassador initiative is youth-centered and strategically built to develop youth leaders or peer ambassadors. Peer Ambassadors are youth who have received developmentally appropriate grief training and act as liaisons between their bereaved peers and adult providers. Youth learn about the grief process and how to appropriately channel their emotions while having the opportunity to practice and demonstrate those skills. The Program focuses on resilience and emphasizes the skills that youth already possess to buffer them from difficult emotions—anger, sadness, loneliness, and anxiety. YOUTH PROGRAMS Questions? Contact Dorenzer Thomas [email protected] (410) 235-6633 ext. 116
Growing Through Loss, a 10-week in-school support group Good Grief Workshops: a one-hour educational workshop that educates and raises awareness about grief; and Professional development workshops for educators. School-Based Grief & Emotional Wellness Project The program provides safe environments for youth ages 5-17 to openly communicate about the various losses, especially losses due to the death of someone close. Participants to develop and sustain healthy coping skills. The Project includes three primary interventions: school-based workshops, training, peer support groups; a Peer Ambassador Initiative; a weekend bereavement camp; and community outreach and engagement. Our school-based initiative includes: Camp Erin® Baltimore Camp Erin® Baltimore is a bereavement camp for children ages 6 – 17. Camp Erin blends the familiar environment of a fun-filled, high-energy overnight camp with grief counseling, education, and emotional support. The free weekend experience combines traditional camp experience with grief support activities. Trained and screened camp leader volunteers are extraordinary people who make a big difference in the lives of grieving children. Through Camp Erin, children and teens with similar grief experiences have the opportunity to meet and make lasting friendships. Camp Erin® Baltimore is in partnership with the Eluna Network. For more information email us at [email protected].
VOLUNT E ER PROGRAM QUEST IONS? CONTACT KE L L I BROOKS, VOLUNT E ER COORDINATOR KBROOKS@ROBERTASHOUSE .ORG (410) 235-6633 X 106 Roberta’s House’s volunteers are a wonderful gift to the community. Our volunteers are at the heart of all we do to help and support survivors through their grief journey. Our team comprises a dedicated group of volunteers from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life. Our volunteers give their time, talent, energy and support to help create a safe place where grieving children, teens, adults, and families can come together to heal. Consider volunteering at Roberta’s House! There are many ways to get involved. Your gifts and talent can help us with office work, mailing, public relations, graphics, art, website, and fundraising. We also have opportunities to volunteer in a group as a facilitator. We continually recruit volunteers to facilitate our peer support groups for children, teens and adults. Join our team of fantastic volunteer facilitators to help create a safe place where grieving children, teens, and families can come together. A 24-hour training is required. Visit www.robertashouse.org/volunteer to learn more!
COMMUNI TY RESOURCES Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office Serves victims/witnesses of all crimes in Baltimore City. 120 E. Baltimore Street, 9th floor Baltimore, MD 21202 443-984-6000 Maryland Crime Victims’ Resources Center/MCVRC (Statewide Nonprofit) Baltimore City Advocates and provide legal support to victims in Maryland. 1001 Prince Georges Blvd, Suite 750 Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 310-952-0063 Maryland Division of Corrections – Victim Service Unit Assists in the registered crime victims with notification of the offenders, release and incarceration. 6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 310 Baltimore, MD 21215 410-585-3331 1-866-606-7789 Maryland Parole Commission Provides written notification of parole hearing and result to victims. 6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 301 Baltimore, MD 21215 410-585-3213 Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Provides victims' rights attorney to enforce victims’ rights. City Hall-Room 341 100 N. Holiday Street Baltimore, MD21202 410-396-0125 U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim-Witness Coordinator Provides victims and witness assistance for federal crime victims. 36 S. Charles Street, 4th floor Baltimore, MD 21201 410-209-4800 Criminal Justice Support Education Baltimore City Public Schools Administrative Office 200 E. North Avenue Baltimore, MD 21202 443-984-2000 Head Start (St. Vincent De Paul) at Patterson Park Offers Head Start service to low-income Children ages 3 to 5. 1415 N Caroline Street Baltimore, MD 21213 410-625-4215 South Baltimore Learning Center Provides a supportive and transformative Education for adult for adults who are eager to learn. 28 E. Ostend Baltimore, MD 21230 410-625-4215 Strong City Baltimore Helps people who do good do more with the work of community-based initiative and leaders 2101 E. Buddle St Baltimore, MD 21218 410-261-3524
COMMUNI TY RESOURCES Employment All Walks of Life Provides outpatient Mental Health 107 E. 25th Street Baltimore, MD 21218 410-558-0032 Employment Center-Our Daily Bread Provides meals, and clothing offers job readiness training and placement assistance. 725 Fallsway Baltimore, MD 21202 667-600-3435 Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake Provides pre-owned clothing, furniture, houseware, and more. 222 East Redwood Street Baltimore, MD 21202 410-837-1800 Maryland New Directions Helps people with resume writing and employment. 2700 North Charles Street, Suite 200 Baltimore, MD 21218 Mayor’s Office of Employment Development Offers job assessment and career development. Eastside One-Stop Career Center 3001 East Madison Street Baltimore, MD 21205 410-396-9030 STRIVE Provides work force development and family Stability 2201 N. Monroe Street Baltimore, MD 21217 410-EMPLOY-1 (410-367-5691) Career Center in Park Heights Provides training and services. 3445 Park Heights Avenue Baltimore, MD 21215 410-225-0870 City Temple Baptist Church Provides food, clothes and referrals. 317 Dolphin Street Baltimore, MD 21217 410-383-8040 410-462-4800 Energy Assistance Bring ID, SS Card, BGE bill, a lease or letter of Intent from the property owner 2700 N. Charles Street, Suite 202 Baltimore, MD 21218 410-396-5555 Prologue, Inc. Service for homeless persons with mental Illness. 3 Milford Mill Rd Pikesville, MD 21208 410-653-6190 (Baltimore County resident only) Financial Support Funeral Homes March Funeral Homes East, Inc. 1101 East North Avenue Baltimore, MD 21202 410-727-3300 Vaugh Green F.S 4905 York Rd Baltimore, MD 21212 Wylie Funeral Homes, P.A. 701 N. Mount Street Baltimore, MD 21217 410-462-4070
COMMUNI TY RESOURCES Grief Care Roberta’s House Family Grief Support Center Provides grief support education programs for children and adults. 928 E. North Avenue Baltimore, MD 21202 410-235-6633 Charm City Caskets and Urns Floral arrangement, obituaries & videos. 5512 The Alameda Baltimore, MD 21239 410-967-6262 Cremation Society of Maryland Provides cremation services. 301 Fredrick Road Catonsville, MD 21228 410-788-1800 Social Security Administration Burial Assistance 1-800-772-1213 Bureau of Child Health & Immunization Offers vaccinations to children and adults 1200 E. Fayette Street Baltimore, MD 21202 410-396-4454 Cancer Screening (Breast and Cervical) Serves State of Maryland 6401 York Road, 3rd Floor Baltimore, MD 21212 410-887-3432 Housing Support Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services Healthcare Access Maryland care Coordination Provides connections to mental heath Treatment, housing and other services 100 N. Holiday Street 410-396-4900 Aging Services Provides a list of low-income housing and apartments in Baltimore. 417 E. Fayette Street Baltimore, MD 21202 410-396-4932 New Vision-House of Hope Provides supportive services for veteran Families (SSVF) Program 300 E. Lombard St, Suite 1000 Baltimore, MD 21202 410-466-8558 Healthcare Baltimore City Health Department Trauma programs focusing on youth violence prevention. 101 E. Fayette Street Baltimore, MD 21202 443-984-3564 410-396-43698 Bureau of Child Health & Immunization Offers vaccinations to children and adults. 1200 E. Fayette Street Baltimore, MD 21202 410-396-4454
COMMUNI TY RESOURCES Legal Support Criminal Aid and Assistance to Victims of Crime in Maryland 6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 206 Baltimore, MD 21215 1-888-679-9347 410-585-3010 Maryland Legal Aid Provides legal aid in civil matters to qualifying low-income clients. 500 E. Lexington Street Baltimore, MD 21202 410-951-7777 1-800-999-8904 Telephone Intake: 410-951-7750 Toll-Free Telephone Intake: 1-866-635- 2948 Lawyer Referral & Information Service of the Bar Association of Baltimore City Provides general legal questions and referrals to lawyers practicing in Baltimore. 629 Courthouse East 111 North Calvert Street Baltimore, MD 21202 410-539-3112 Bon Secours Women’s Resource Center Drop-in center offers breakfast and lunch. 10 N. Pulaski Street Baltimore, MD 21223 410-362-3547 Manna House Provides the homeless of Baltimore City with assistance. 435 E. Street Baltimore, MD 21218 410-889-3001 Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland Provides nutritious meals for seniors throughout Maryland. 515 South Haven Street Baltimore, MD 21224 410-558-0827 Moveable Feast Provides food and service to individuals living with HIV/AIDS or breast cancer. 901 North Milton Avenue Baltimore, MD 21205 410-327-3420 Mental Health Counseling Roberta’s House Behavioral Health Program Provides grief counseling to children, adults and families. 928 E. North Avenue Baltimore, MD 21202 410-235-6633 Meals Beans & Bread A homeless day resource program that serves meals, healthcare, employment services 400 S. Bond Street Baltimore, MD 21231 410-732-1892
COMMUNI TY RESOURCES Advance Behavioral Health Off-Site Counseling Services Provides mental health services 5820 York Road, Suite 202 Baltimore, MD 21212 301-345-1022 Institute for Healing (Mental Health Clinic) Provides psychiatric evaluation and treatment 9419 Common Brook Road, Suite 208 Owings Mills, MD 21117 410-864-0211 (New mobile treatment service for Baltimore County) Kennedy Krieger Institute, the Family Center Provides mental health assessment and treatment for children, adolescents, and families Affected by abuse and neglect 1750 E. Fairmount Avenue Baltimore, MD 21231 443-923-5980 Laurel Helping Hands Provides individual, family and group counseling for behavioral and mental health concerns. Laurel Amory Anderson & Murphy Community Center 422 Montgomery St. Laurel, MD 20707 240-294-1304 Walter P. Carter, Fayette Street Clinic Provides adult counseling, psychiatric care & Drug treatment 701 West Pratt Street, 3rd Floor Baltimore, MD 21201 410-328-2207 Roberta’s House Provides 10-week peers support groups for children, adults and families. 928 E. North Avenue Baltimore, MD 21202 [email protected] 410-235-6633 Reflective Image Counseling 5707 Calverton Street, Suite 1A Catonsville, MD 21228 410-788-8597 410-788-8794 The Compassionate Friends: Greater Baltimore Chapter Peer support group for parents who lost their children. 6200 N. Charles St Baltimore, MD 21212 410-560-3358 Peer Support Groups Substance Use Treatment Behavioral Clinic Baltimore – Substance Abuse Systems Provides early intervention, treatment and recovery for individual dealing with mental health and substance abuse outpatient shelter housing for homeless clients. 2310 N. Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21218 410-844-4110 Mountain Manor Treatment Center Substance abuse treatment facilities for adults and adolescents. 3800 Frederick Avenue Baltimore, MD 21229 410-233-1400 Mental Health Counseling
ROBERTA’S HOUSEPrince George's County Campus 10210 Greenbelt Road Suite 120, Lanham, MD [email protected] robertashouse.org (301-880-5100
Ro b e rt a ’ s Ho u s e p r o v i d e s tr a u m a -i n f o r m e d c a r e a n d a d d r e s s e s g ri e f a s a p u b l i c h e a l t h s e r v i c e . We b e l i e v e a l l c h i l d r e n , a d u l t s , a n d f a m i l i e s s u f f e ri n g t h e l o s s o r d e a t h o f a l o v e d o n e s h o u l d h a v e s u p p o rt a n d a s a f e p l a c e t o h e a l a n d r e c o v e r. Staff Milton A. Dugger, Jr., Chair, Board of Directors Michelle Powell, Vice Chair Annette Mach-Grier, President Victor March, Treasurer Olivia Farrow, Secretary About Roberta's House Leadership Charmaine Hopkins, Finance Director H. Alexander Satorie-Robinson, Ed.D., Development Director Melinda Lawson, MA, MACT, Director of Survivor Advocacy Aneesha Scott, LCSW-C, LICSW, Clinical Director Dorenzer Thomas, MSW-CRCCPA, Acting Youth Services Program Director Shacoya Curry, Acting H.O.P.E. Program Manager (410) 235-6633 [email protected] Board of Directors robertashouse.org Roberta’s House is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, gender indentity, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, skin color, marital status, genetic information or parental status.
Roberta's House 928 E North Ave Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 235-6633 [email protected] www.robertashouse.org Tax ID: 26-0517415 CFC #60944 United Way & Combined Charity ID #7987 Roberta's House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations to which are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. A copy of our current financial statement is available by contacting Roberta's House at 928 E North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202 and/or 410-235-6633. Documents and information submitted to the State of Maryland under the Maryland Charitable Solicitations Act are available from the Office of the Secretary of State for the cost of copying and postage. Give the Gift of Hope Construction on the rooftop is expected to be completed by 2025. Once completed, the rooftop will feature meditation garden, a solarium for rituals and ceremonies, and outdoor program space. Your contribution will help us cross the finish line on our capital campaign. Roberta’s House monthly giving program ensures that those experiencing the loss of a loved one receive the support they need. Club members get exclusive benefits including quarterly newsletter, advanced access to events and an annual thank you reception. $800 sends a youth to Camp Erin $250 supports community crisis outreach materials $125 buys materials for quilting initiative Your donation today helps grieving children, adults and families find support and a safe, place where griefis turned to hope. For more information or to create your gift, please visit: robertashouse.org/give Monthly Giving Raise the Roof 10210 Greenbelt Road Road #120 Lanham, MD 20706 (301) 880-5100