The Lost & Found Grief Center provides grief support to individuals and families from Springfield and the surrounding counties. They work with the bereaved to give education and support as they travel their journey of grief to find peace, hope, and a new normal as they face life without their deceased loved one. The center was founded by Dr. Karen Scott & Shawn Askinosie (former attorney turned chocolatier). Shawn experienced the death of his dad as a teen ager and struggled into adult hood with unresolved grief. Dr. Scott had worked as a counselor for a number of years and specialized in work with terminally ill teens. Their vision for creating a center where the needs of grieving families could have their needs met became a reality in 2001.
The original groups were held at Shawn’s law office. As the organization grew and Shawn changed careers, a large donation was made to make a down payment on a new facility by Chuck and Ginger Foster. The facility that the Lost & Found Grief Center now calls home is named the Conor House, in honor of Chuck & Ginger’s son that passed away at the age of 4. The house is a beautiful legacy for his short life. Today, their grief center serves over 180 individuals in any given month and continues to grow.
"Lost & Found Grief Center provides grief support services, at no charge, in a safe and supportive environment for children, young adults, and their families grieving the death of a loved one."
Their Beliefs:
"At Lost & Found Grief Center, we believe that every person deserves the opportunity to grieve in a supportive and understanding environment. Our society often fails to understand or support the needs of those in grief."
Learn more about Lost & Found Grief Center at their website.
Hear the full interview for January's SDM: The Lost & Found Grief Center.
Hear the full interview for January's SDM: The Lost & Found Grief Center.
