Rituals of Remembering receives a grant from Healing Illinois!

Rituals of Remembering series at Mercy Gardens of Peace and Healing received a grant from Healing Illinois / Field Foundation! 

This grant will fund 4 more 2-hr monthly workshops in the garden in March - June as well as a Rituals of Remembering workbook I'm creating which will feature creative prompts, writings on grief, participant work, as well as document we've been up to in the garden. 

Last month we unexpectedly lost our dear friend and fierce leader Ms. Bertha Purnell — we are heartbroken. Bertha really was the anchor of our work here at Mercy Garden, connecting us with meaning and experience to the neighborhood and the neighbors we served. I am honored to have worked with her for this short and meaningful time—we will deepen our commitment to this work in her honor and continue Bertha’s legacy. You can learn more about Berth and her work in this beautiful video below.

With everything that has been going on, I am grateful to have the support to dive back into this community work surrounding grief, remembering, and survivorship of those affected by gun violence. I really love doing this series.

Thanks to everyone who has attended and supported Rituals of Remembering and Mercy Garden so far— in particular I want to thank my friends and collaborators Gaby, Mary Ann, and Yari. I'm so grateful for these women and all they do. Thank you to Neighborspace, Mothersonamission28, Moms Demand Action, and Natalie Perkins.

First event will take place around the Spring Equinox (Saturday after March 20th) — meet us in the garden

From Mary Ann about Bertha:

“Bertha loved deeply and fiercely. Her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends were her heart. She poured her passion into serving not only those closest to her, but also the homeless, the incarcerated, and those marginalized because of their gender, beliefs, or choices. Her compassion knew no boundaries, and her dedication to uplifting others left an indelible mark on everyone she touched.

I am proud to say I walked beside her, learning from her, and standing in awe of her strength and grace. I will continue to walk this path in her name and in honor of her family, carrying forward the mission she lived so fully.

Rest well, my friend. You worked tirelessly, loved boundlessly, and accomplished all that you were sent to do in this world. Your legacy will continue to inspire us all.”