No one wants to lose a child. But in the tragic instance when that happens, Haven provides a community of support for parents who’ve endured that tremendous and distinct loss. The organization was founded by Jen Burgard in 2017 after she lost her son Henry just days before she was going to be induced as a way to honor her child but also ensure no other parents dealing with that kind of loss felt alone in their journey.
"Some of the best support comes from others getting in touch to tell you they have been there and they were surviving," Burgard said in a 2018 Forum article . "They had survived this unimaginable loss, and you could too."
Haven provides hope, healing and support to parents who have suffered loss at any stage, and offers a safe space to love those children and each other.

Some of the healing resources Haven offers include literature, remembrance items options, support networks and, new in 2022, a podcast called “ Landscape of Loss, A Haven Podcast ”.
The podcast, which launched in April with the rebrand from Hopeful Heart Project, aims to share stories of parents enduring loss and sharing stories of their children in a healing practice.
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The first episode featured “engaging and open hearted father Jeremy Scott Nelson” in an episode named “ How Loss and Grief Changes Your Perspective ” with additional episodes released about bereavement photography and writing about loss.
Haven also curates and delivers healing gifts to grieving parents as a way to offer comfort and healing. The items that have been gifted include candles, journals, self-care items, books and gift cards.
In addition, Haven hosts events for mothers and fathers who have experience loss as another form of healing and to foster community support. Past events include an annual remembrance service in October, a three-day healing retreat, volunteer opportunities, healing workshops, and more.
Learn more about Haven and its services at havenmidwest.org .