The Forever Need: Why We’re Building a Network for Grief Support

Grief is a journey no one should have to walk alone. And yet, too many Albertans do. And too many don't even know they're carrying grief in their hearts.

At Lean on Me Network Association, we’re not just addressing a problem—we’re filling a void. Grief touches every single person at some point in their life, but when someone needs support in their grief, the answer is often complicated, delayed, or insufficient. No available resources. No therapists in their town. No local grief programs. No time off work. No idea where to start.

We believe the answer should always be “yes.” Plain and simple.

When someone needs help with their grief, they shouldn't have to pour through google results looking for something that helps. They shouldn't have to jump through hoops with doctors to get referrals. They shouldn't have to hide how deeply they're hurting while hoping it someday gets better or easier.

Grief is not a mental illness—it’s a human experience. But in Alberta, grief is often stigmatized, misunderstood, or simply ignored.

Some people are lucky enough to find support through a funeral home grief group or through an AHS psychologist. But many are not. Especially in our rural communities. Especially in First Nations communities. Especially if you’re low-income, elderly, or young and without a voice.

So what are we doing about it?

Every dollar is a step towards making change. Every donation helps.

We’re building a province-wide network that supports people through grief, no matter their background or bank account. We fund therapy for those who can’t afford it. We train local leaders to offer grief support in areas that have no programs. We raise awareness, challenge stigma, and tell the truth: grief is real, it’s heavy, and it needs support.

Grief never goes away. But the way people experience it and their ability to heal from it, makes all the difference in what it means to carry grief forever.

We’re not here to replace what exists—we’re here to strengthen it. We partner with funeral homes, health providers, researchers, and community organizations.

We’re working toward a future where a grieving senior doesn’t have to wait three months for help.

Where an elder struggling with cultural grief doesn’t have to suffer alone.

Where a teenager in a farming town doesn’t have to Google “why do I feel like this?” in the middle of the night and find nothing that fits.

Where a woman struggling with fertility doesn't have to pretend her loss "isn't as bad" as someone else's.

Where a widow doesn't have to apologize for crying months after the funeral.

Our first year’s goals are simple: get 15 vulnerable Albertans the grief therapy they need ($30,000). Fund the training of 10 local grief specialists ($30,000). Roll out our awareness campaigns. Host our first gala. Build momentum.

You could give someone a chance to heal. Therapy costs $200 an hour. You could give them that first sessions.

You could give someone a chance to help. Training for the Grief Recovery Method costs $3,200. You could be the first $100 towards providing a community with a new, permanent resource.

If grief is universal, then so should be the support.

Donate today to make a difference.

Yours,

Jes Knoop Founder