Step by Step: Growing the Network While Growing Myself

Since starting my non-profit journey, I've had the pleasure of familiarizing myself with the wonderful world of social media. Creating content for Lean on Me Network Association (LOMNA) is easy—because grief care for all Albertans just makes sense. I can go on and on and ON about why it's important and the effects grief has on people. Now I get to create content that can reach so much farther than my voice ever could.

The need for accessible, compassionate grief support is obvious, and every step we take to expand our reach is a step toward a stronger, more resilient community. But reaching new people, gaining visibility, and growing this mission means stepping out of my comfort zone—and that’s not always easy.

Personal Growth is the most rewarding kind.

Building LOMNA has required me to push beyond the familiar, to engage with new audiences, and to advocate on a larger scale than ever before. I never imagined I'd be starting off with a provincial program, but I guess it's "go big or go home." Everyone deserves help.

It’s one thing to have a vision for grief support; it’s another to stand up, speak out, and ensure that vision reaches those who need it most. Every conversation, every interaction, and every one of these initiatives challenges me to grow in ways I never expected. But the discomfort of growth is nothing compared to the importance of making sure no one in Alberta walks through grief alone.

One of the biggest steps I’ve taken is committing to my own professional development. I’m excited to share that in March, I will be officially certified as a Grief Recovery Method Specialist! This training will allow me to not only serve as a new source of direct grief support but also to better guide others as they pursue their own grief support certifications. Training people within their own communities is at the heart of LOMNA’s mission, and having firsthand experience in these programs means I can provide better mentorship, encouragement, and resources to those who step up to fill the gaps in Alberta’s grief network.

And I’m not stopping there. The next certification I’ll be pursuing is Edu-Therapy, a highly developed grief support program with a strong focus on First Nations communities. This is a crucial step in ensuring that Indigenous Albertans have access to culturally competent grief care that acknowledges the deep layers of historical, collective, and personal grief. LOMNA has a strong commitment to working with First Nations communities, and this certification will be another way we strengthen that partnership.

These new certifications aren’t just about adding credentials to my name—they’re about deepening my understanding of grief care, expanding my ability to serve, and ensuring that no one faces grief without the support they need. More than that, they’re about equipping others to do the same. By pushing myself through these trainings, I’ll be in a better position to encourage, guide, and fund the training of future grief support specialists across Alberta.

Stepping beyond my comfort zone isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary. If LOMNA is going to make a difference, I have to continue growing, learning, and reaching new people. Most importantly, I have to learn how to own my ambitions and speak out about what's important to me.

If you’re reading this, I hope you’ll consider stepping out of your comfort zone too—whether that’s by learning more about grief support, volunteering, donating, or simply sharing our mission with others. Together, we can ensure that every Albertan who needs grief support hears one simple, powerful message: you are not alone.

Yours,

Jes Knoop Founder