THE AWAKENING GRACE FOUNDATION
Arrows of Hope- Care Packages
Our care packages are fondly referred to as “Arrows of Hope” as we like to think we are sending out a bit of hope to each family that receives one. These Arrows of Hope care packages include a handmade memorial bear, comfort items, a journal, snacks, books, and remembrance items such as a keychain and charm bracelet with a birthstone customization.
Burial Garments
Awakening Grace has been blessed with wedding dress donations by families from across the world. These dresses are used to create beautiful, one of a kind burial garments for babies lost during pregnancy and infancy. Burial garments include sleep sacks for early miscarriages, angel wraps for late miscarriages, and gowns/suits for stillbirths and infant losses. Burial garments can be requested from the organization directly, but are also given to local hospitals to be provided at the time of loss.
Bereavement Doula Support
Awakening Grace walks alongside families during the birthing process. We provide trained doulas that specialize in pregnancy loss and stillbirth. Our doulas will assist you in the pre-labor, labor and post-labor processes as well as present you information pertaining to funeral homes, funeral services, cremation, specialized molds of your baby, etc. Our trained volunteers will also offer you our services which include but aren’t limited to photography, financial assistance, future peer support, and professional counseling. Please call our directors immediately if you or a friend are in need of our bereavement doula services.
Miscarriage Kit
Awakening Grace provides families with miscarriage kits that allow mothers to recover their baby during active labor. These kits are given to local families as active labor is time sensitive so shipping normally doesn’t get the kit to the mother in a timely manner. Directions available in English and Spanish.
Photography
Awakening Grace has local professional photographers in northwest Iowa that volunteer to capture photos of your child. Many families are hesitant to take photos at first, but are extremely grateful after time. We encourage families to take photos solely of their baby, them with their baby, and family members meeting their baby. Some families choose to print these photos and keep them displayed in their homes as a memorial. Photography is time sensitive to labor, and is usually taken in the hospital, at the family’s home (if they delivered at home), or at the funeral home.
Financial Assistance
Awakening Grace understands how the loss of a child may cause financial distress, and we are here to help. We have the financial means to make a donation to a family for medical bills or funeral services.
Peer Support
Meeting with families of loss often helps the individuals grieve and heal from their loss. Speaking with an individual who has similarly experienced this type of loss can feel validating. We will always empathize and validate your feelings, emotions and reactions. Awakening Grace is here for you. We offer a monthly virtual support group as well as a Facebook support page. These are safe places to share your grief, the ways you are healing, and how you are remembering your baby.
Counseling & Therapy Resources
Awakening Grace can suggest local professional counseling and therapy services for you. Thankfully, there are databases that we may use to find a therapist closest to you, no matter where you are located.
