The month of June is, among other things, the time of year when we celebrate our fathers on Father’s Day. It is another of the many occasions with the potential to trigger feelings of grief and loss. Having lost my own dad five years ago, I anticipate the experience of my own twinges—and perhaps stabs—of sadness.
Cleveland, Ohio (May 25, 2023) - Cornerstone of Hope's education director, Julia Ellifritt, and former client, Mike Smith, were recently asked to share how traumatic loss can affect the mental health of survivors in a feature on Ideastream Public Media/WKSU.
Cleveland, Ohio (May 24, 2023) - Cornerstone of Hope Founder Christi Tripodi was recently awarded the Inaugural Clara Barton Award by the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio at their 2023 Hero Awards breakfast held at the Cleveland Marriot Downtown at Key Tower on May 24, 2023.
When I look back on that year the pain is ever present but love and joy are what fill my heart the most. It was the hardest yet simplest time in my life. And although it felt like nothing made sense, everything did.
Cleveland, Ohio (April 20, 2023) - Cornerstone of Hope Founders Mark and Christi Tripodi were recently featured on Catholic Cemeteries Association's CCAirwaves podcast, "Inspiring Stories of Healing and Hope." The April 20 segment highlights how the loss of their son Bobby was channeled into what is now Cornerstone of Hope, an organization that brings hope to children, teens, and adults who have experienced the death of a loved one.
Cleveland, Ohio (April 16, 2023) - Cornerstone of Hope recently published a feature on Cornerstone of Hope that will be shown periodically to Spectrum viewers across Ohio for an entire month. The feature article/video, "Sparked by personal loss, Cornerstone of Hope offers space to grieve," by Dominic Ferrante, includes an interview with Mark Tripodi, Co-Founder and CEO, and highlights the organization's twenty year anniversary of serving grievers that began with the loss of son, Bobby, at the age of three to meningitis.
Cleveland, Ohio (April 4, 2023) - Cornerstone of Hope's Education Director, Julia Ellifritt, was recently interviewed on WEWS Cleveland's podcast, "Voices for Change" hosted by news anchor Danita Harris. The April 4 segment, "Gun Violence and Children" addresses nationwide parental concerns in response to the latest school shootings that took place on March 27, 2023, resulting in the deaths of three children and three adults at a private Christian elementary school.
Arguably one of the most beautiful, poetic descriptions of what we can hope for, both for ourselves and our loved ones who have died, is the verse from 1 Corinthians: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man what things God has prepared for those that love Him.”
Funds Raised Will Provide Affordable Services for Grieving Children, Teens and Adults
Nonprofit bereavement center Cornerstone of Hope recently hosted its annual tasting event, Taste of Hope, on Thursday, September 8, 2022. The event was held on the grounds of Cornerstone of Hope, located at 5905 Brecksville Road, Independence, Ohio 44131. The event raises funds annually for Cornerstone of Hope’s Financial Assistance Program, which provides affordable services for grieving children, teens and adults in need. This year, Taste of Hope raised nearly $135,000 — exceeding last year’s total by more than 25 percent. The exponential increase will allow Cornerstone of Hope to respond to the record high demand seen in 2022 and anticipated in 2023 for grief counseling, support groups and children’s bereavement camps.
450 guests enjoyed a casual evening of spectacular food and drink samplings from over two dozen area restaurants, plus entertainment and raffles. Several Ohio government officials were in attendance including the Mayor of Independence, Gregory P. Kurtz and State Representative Thomas F. Patton.
A highlight of the evening was the speech given by Taste of Hope’s “Toast of the Night” honoree, Kelsey Loushin, President of Eldercare Professionals of Ohio, LLC. Kelsey gave a moving testimony describing how she has gone full circle from advocate, to client, to support group facilitator for Cornerstone of Hope’s Overdose Loss support groups. She stated:
“… If you’ve experienced a loss … this is the place that can help…. They’ve helped me, I see the changes in people as they go through groups … I watch them understand that in spite of their loss, they can live with it, survive it, and thrive ultimately.…”
Presenting Sponsor for Taste of Hope 2022 was Enerco Group Inc./Mr. Heater, Cynthia & Allen Haire, supporters of the organization since 2004. Additional event sponsors included Covia Holdings, LLC, Miceli’s, Premier Truck Sales and Rental, Inc., and Tito’s. Participating restaurants this year included Pier W, Corleone’s Ristorante & Bar, Delmonico’s Steakhouse/Hospitality Restaurants, Luca Italian Cuisine, Mallorca Restaurant, and many more.
Cornerstone of Hope is a nonprofit comprehensive bereavement support center that has served Northeast Ohio communities for almost 20 years. Cornerstone of Hope is dedicated to providing counseling, support, and education to grieving children, teens and adults. Therapy and Christian counseling services, support groups, children’s grief camps, and professional trainings are conducted by Master’s level, licensed clinicians who have extensive experience working with grief and trauma. All of Cornerstone’s support services are offered at an affordable cost. For more information and contact details for each office location, visit cornerstoneofhope.org.
In the weeks and months that followed 9/11, we shared with our church family, our friends, and colleagues the news of Becky’s tragic passing. Our church family kept saying how “strong” we were during this trial. We didn’t feel strong at all; I give God all the glory for any strength others observed in us. He was truly our rock and our fortress through this dark time in our lives.
CLEVELAND
5905 Brecksville Road
Independence, Ohio 44131
(216) 524–4673
COLUMBUS
1550 Old Henderson Road
Suite E-262
Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 824–4285
LIMA
2963 Blue Jacket Court
Lima, Ohio 45806
(419) 581–9138
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