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Testimonials

From Our Families

This place is amazing. Life changing. So much warmth, love, compassion and encouragement. When I felt like I could not go on, could not tread water anymore, they were there with a lifeline.
Sandy Schlossin
When  you lose someone you love, everything changes.  We lost our husband/Dad tragically and unexpectedly.  Losing him turned our world upside down.  Brighter Days Grief Center is such a gift to us and others who have lost a loved one.  They connected us with the resources we needed in the areas of therapists for my myself and my three young children, an insurance broker to help navigate how to find affordable health insurance, support groups and events, as well as financial assistance and more.  When life changes in this way and everything feels so overwhelming, Brighter Days Grief Center is there to help.
Janelle Connolly
Brighter Days I thank YOU for every facet of support YOU continue to give. To the world, my husband’s been gone nearly two years. But you understand that to ME it’s Day Two: it’s my second birthday WITHOUT David, after 45 years of celebrations WITH him. And now I understand this is how grief unfolds: soon it will be my children's second birthdays without their father; next will be David’s second birthday that WE are not with him. And so on and so on. Many anniversaries of wonderful memories but each brings us back to Day One. Thank you for providing the space to embrace understanding.
Nancy Fursetzer
My precious mom passed away on August 17, 2017. Its been a year, and I still haven't been able to catch my breath. There have been so many moments I've thought that I'm not grieving 'right'. After all, it's been a whole year! Shouldn't I have moved on and rejoined life? Brighter Days has never tired of reminding me that there are no reasonable expectations in this place; my pain, loss, sadness are real, valid and mine. There is no timeline for me to follow. I'm not on or off any healing schedule. From coffee in their office, to books and materials, to texts and calls; Brighter Days Grief Center has never once given me a message that I have reached my limit on support. I'm not over Mom's death, and I don't need to be. This void will simply be a part of my life, and I am learning-at my own pace-how to live with it. Not move on from it, but with it. I'm here-alive-today in part because of Brighter Days Grief Center. Thank you for not telling me the unbearable pain will go, rather, for standing with me in it as I live through it and begin to heal.
Karen Kelly
I remember about 5 months after my son Chris passed away, I had not one person that experienced child loss. The feeling of being alone was the most lonely and awful feeling. I was not in a good place. I found Brighter Days online and sent an email in the evening while I was sitting by myself thinking I may hear back in a week. I heard from you in 10 minutes. Carolyn you were my anchor. My feeling of hope. So thank you for all you have done.
Heidi Nelson
I just have to say, everything, and I mean everything you do/have done on behalf of Brighter Days and the individuals that have suffered a loss, has been phenomenal. You do the right thing, you say the right thing and most importantly you are making a difference in so many lives. Thank you doesn't even seem enough.
Diane Galleger
Brighter Days Grief Center has been a beacon of light and hope for my family during such a difficult time in our lives. Having such a welcoming and comfortable place that offers a full range of support surrounding loss for my entire family made such a difference. I don’t know where we would have been without them. You really feel enveloped by a community of support when you walk through their doors and we are so very grateful for the important and invaluable work that they do. I would highly recommend reaching out to them as you travel through your grief journey.
Kristy Boike
Brighter Days is an amazing group of people who unconditionally give of themselves to come alongside those going through the difficult journey of loss. I met Carolyn through a mutual friend and instantly felt a connection to her beautiful heart for those grieving and connecting them to resources and people. I know that my family’s life would have been so different and healthier if an organization like this existed when I lost my dad days before my 12th birthday. Thank you Brighter Days for touching so many lives already!
Beth Jones
I truly do not have the words to describe how much Brighter Days means to our family. When we lost our Daughter in December of 2016, we felt so incredibly lost and weren't aware of any resources available to us. We eventually found and tried a couple different options and they ultimately were not what we were hoping for. If we had known about Brighter Days, I feel as though our grieving process would have been a very different experience for us and our Daughters. Now, I have made it a mission to spread awareness and connect those in a vulnerable position to this essential piece of healing. We are forever grateful and will continue to share the generosity, empathetic hearts and love they continue to show others. THANK YOU!
Missy Rogers
Brighter Days Grief Center offers support and resources that provide hope and healing to families who are struggling with grief. I am so thankful that Brighter Days Grief Center is here to help other families like mine. To have been handed a card by the officer with a number that I could call would have been a lifeline at a time I felt I was drowning.
Melody Richards
Brighter Days Grief Center has brought me so much comfort, relief and emotional support throughout coping with the loss of my daughter. They helped me find an excellent grief counselor and I also tried a session of ART therapy at their location which made a huge difference. I recommend you go in and see their space. It is inviting and calming, they welcome you with open arms. Thanks to Carolyn and Jennie, you have made my days a little easier. ​
Natasha Carter
Brighter Days Grief Center has brought such needed services to our community. Losing a loved one is a heart wrenching experience and you often feel so alone in your grief. To have a place to go where people understand, where it is okay to grieve, where you can be embraced by a supportive community - it is so comforting. Thank you for giving grieving people in our community a safe harbor of hope and healing.
Jessica Jallow
It was such a pleasure to meet you today at the "Walk to Remember". Thank you so much for your kindness and empathy and for welcoming me and my kids so compassionately. We had a wonderful morning remembering and celebrating my husband Tyler on his birthday. I was dreading the extra grief that would accompany this day but instead we smiled, laughed and truly enjoyed our whole day because it started with such a great experience and opportunity to remember him this morning. Your impact is HUGE! Thank you so much for what you do. I will be sharing Brighter Days with everyone I can to help spread your influence.
Heather Mundy
It immediately feels like you are being embraced with a big hug when you walk through the doors of Brighter Days. The staff is compassionate, kind and available to help you with whatever your grief need may be. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and it honestly feels like "home." I am so grateful that they now have a grief group that focuses on death due to addiction. When I lost my beautiful daughter, Kellie, to an accidental overdose in 2016, there were no services like this available for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Brighter Days.
Beckie Lillehei
Brighter Days was there for us in every way imaginable during our darkest hours. An entire network of people who know what it's like to hurt and want to help heal those experiencing grief.
Rachel Erickson

From our Partners

Faith’s Lodge is proud to partner with Brighter Days Grief Center to help families after the death of a child. While we may be a small part of the service that Brighter Days offers, we are grateful for the chance to share resources so that grieving families have a roadmap to hope and healing. From the staff to the facilities to the bevy of support services, Brighter Days Grief Center is a shining ray of hope for anyone facing a journey of grief after the loss of a loved one.
Kelly McDyre
Executive Director, Faith's Lodge
Angel Foundation strives to support families during all stages of their cancer experience, from the initial diagnosis, through treatment and beyond. That being said, we are lucky to live in a community so rich in resources, such as Brighter Days Grief Center, that can offer more specialized services to guide families through the grieving process. The unfortunate reality of working for a cancer organization is that many of those we serve die from this disease, leaving behind grieving family and friends. Supporting our families fully is truly a collective effort between multiple organizations; we couldn’t do the important work we do without other organizations stepping in and helping at a deeper level.
Sarah Manes
Former VP of Programs and Community Relations, Angel Foundation
There isn’t a person in this world who won’t be affected by loss at some time in their life. To have a place, a resource, a community to connect with as you explore the new terrain that is grief, is an absolute necessity – Brighter Days Grief Center is joining our community as this very resource. Gilda’s Club Twin Cities looks forward to collaboration with Brighter Days to enrich the tremendous resources in the Twin Cities as well as to enhance support for those impacted by loss and grief.
Kelly Grosklags
LICSW, Conversations with Kelly
Brighter Days has quickly become an invaluable resource for individuals and families facing the many challenges that come with the loss of a loved one. The blend of compassion and knowledge makes the center the perfect place to match up services with individuals in significant and meaningful ways. Several of my grief counseling clients have been linked with exactly the resources they needed just when they needed it. I am blessed to know about Brighter Days!!
Laura Mortenson
Former MSW, LICSW, Allina Health Hospice
Brighter Days Grief Center has been an amazing partner and grief support resource for The BeliEve Foundation. Their staff is compassionate and completely invested in the well-being of those who have lost a loved one. I never hesitate to recommend them to the families we serve, knowing they will be welcomed with open arms and fully supported in their path toward healing.
Angie Hatcher
Executive Director, The BeliEve Foundation
I had the privilege of spending some time @ Brighter Days Grief Center and want others to know what a treasure they are for the grieving community. Our family has experienced the death of two sons, more than 20 years ago. How we could have benefited from the services and endless resources offered by Brighter Days. Please help spread the word to anyone you know who is trying to navigate the rocky terrain of grief and loss. They don't have to do it alone.
Donna Mathiowetz
Author, Speaker
Brighter Days is an invaluable resource for me, and for the families I serve because the experience of death and its impact doesn’t begin or end when someone dies. When someone we love is facing terminal illness, we need our community to rally around us before, during, and after to help everyone process what is experienced, to find meaning in how the experience relates to our relationship within ourselves and in the world, and to negotiate how life continues on while tending to the whole gamut of emotions that arise. I consider Brighter Days an important and cherished partner in our efforts to do just that. I find peace knowing there is a collaborative of such loving, committed people through Brighter Days that I can refer families to who are in need of care, community, and a safe place to land. It’s a beautiful partnership that I am profoundly grateful to be a part of.
Christy Moe Marek
End-of-Life Doula, Tending Life at the Threshold
Brighter Days Grief Center is a beacon of light and avenue of hope for those struggling with grief, providing resources for body, mind, soul, and spirit. I would hope Brighter Days Grief Center becomes a template for other centers across our nation as they are a true example of proactive grieving and what shining by example is; it's being there when the need is there. Whether a raw griever, a seasoned griever or anticipating a loss they are a wheelhouse of resources for the bereavement journey. They empower those devastated by trauma and loss by giving them the best tools available to navigate their own journey, and provide assistance where needed to support that journey. If you build it, they will come. Thank you for building Brighter Days Grief Center.
Mitch Carmody
CGSP, CCP Author, Speaker
I'm honored to partner with such an incredible organization that is changing lives every day. There aren't words for the need that Brighter Days is fulfilling for grieving families. Brighter Days encompasses everything I wish I had during my early years of grief and beyond! What an invaluable resource for every hurting heart in MN. I'm honored to recommend Brighter Days to grieving families I work with in the Twin Cities area. Carolyn has a heart of gold, and she goes above and beyond to make sure every family has exactly what they need during their time of need. Every grieving heart deserves to know they are not alone. Brighter Days makes this possible and more! Keep up the great work!
Angela Miller
A Bed for My Heart
Brighter Days Grief Center offers support and resources that provide hope and healing to families who are struggling with grief. I am so thankful that Brighter Days Grief Center is here to help other families like mine. To have been handed a card by the officer with a number that I could call would have been a lifeline at a time I felt I was drowning.
Melody Richards
Grief Counselor, Hope Renewed Counseling
We had the fortune of crossing paths with Brighter Days Grief Center soon after the loss of our beloved wife and mom to cancer in early 2018. Our hearts were broken and we were longing for one last connection to her. Out of our pain and loss came “Rudolph’s Bluebird Houses.” The compassion and support we received from them was invaluable; we are so humbled to be partnered with the same center we needed during such a hard and devastating time to provide our bluebird houses and birdhouse workshops built to inspire hope while moving forward through grief. We would highly recommend reaching out to them for resources, support and community surrounding loss.
Rudolph's Bluebird Houses

When  you lose someone you love, everything changes.  We lost our husband/Dad tragically and unexpectedly.  Losing him turned our world upside down.  Brighter Days Grief Center is such a gift to us and others who have lost a loved one.  They connected us with the resources we needed in the areas of therapists for my myself and my three young children, an insurance broker to help navigate how to find affordable health insurance, support groups and events, as well as financial assistance and more.  When life changes in this way and everything feels so overwhelming, Brighter Days Grief Center is there to help. ~Janelle Connolly

Brighter Days I thank YOU for every facet of support YOU continue to give. To the world, my husband’s been gone nearly two years. But you understand that to ME it’s Day Two: it’s my second birthday WITHOUT David, after 45 years of celebrations WITH him. And now I understand this is how grief unfolds: soon it will be my children’s second birthdays without their father; next will be David’s second birthday that WE are not with him. And so on and so on. Many anniversaries of wonderful memories but each brings us back to Day One. Thank you for providing the space to embrace understanding. ~Nancy Fursetzer

My precious mom passed away on August 17, 2017. Its been a year, and I still haven’t been able to catch my breath. There have been so many moments I’ve thought that I’m not grieving ‘right’. After all, it’s been a whole year! Shouldn’t I have moved on and rejoined life? Brighter Days has never tired of reminding me that there are no reasonable expectations in this place; my pain, loss, sadness are real, valid and mine. There is no timeline for me to follow. I’m not on or off any healing schedule. From coffee in their office, to books and materials, to texts and calls; Brighter Days Grief Center has never once given me a message that I have reached my limit on support. I’m not over Mom’s death, and I don’t need to be. This void will simply be a part of my life, and I am learning-at my own pace-how to live with it. Not move on from it, but with it. I’m here-alive-today in part because of Brighter Days Grief Center. Thank you for not telling me the unbearable pain will go, rather, for standing with me in it as I live through it and begin to heal. ~Karen Kelly

I remember about 5 months after my son Chris passed away, I had not one person that experienced child loss. The feeling of being alone was the most lonely and awful feeling.  I was not in a good place. I found Brighter Days online and sent an email in the evening while I was sitting by myself thinking I may hear back in a week. I heard from you in 10 minutes. Carolyn you were my anchor. My feeling of hope. So thank you for all you have done. ~Heidi Nelson

I just have to say, everything, and I mean everything you do/have done on behalf of Brighter Days and the individuals that have suffered a loss, has been phenomenal. You do the right thing, you say the right thing and most importantly you are making a difference in so many lives. Thank you doesn’t even seem enough. ~Diane Galleger

Brighter Days Grief Center has been a beacon of light and hope for my family during such a difficult time in our lives. Having such a welcoming and comfortable place that offers a full range of support surrounding loss for my entire family made such a difference. I don’t know where we would have been without them. You really feel enveloped by a community of support when you walk through their doors and we are so very grateful for the important and invaluable work that they do. I would highly recommend reaching out to them as you travel through your grief journey. ~Kristy Boike

Brighter Days is an amazing group of people who unconditionally give of themselves to come alongside those going through the difficult journey of loss. I met Carolyn through a mutual friend and instantly felt a connection to her beautiful heart for those grieving and connecting them to resources and people. I know that my family’s life would have been so different and healthier if an organization like this existed when I lost my dad days before my 12th birthday.  Thank you Brighter Days for touching so many lives already! ~Beth Jones

I truly do not have the words to describe how much Brighter Days means to our family. When we lost our Daughter in December of 2016, we felt so incredibly lost and weren’t aware of any resources available to us. We eventually found and tried a couple different options and they ultimately were not what we were hoping for. If we had known about Brighter Days, I feel as though our grieving process would have been a very different experience for us and our Daughters.  Now, I have made it a mission to spread awareness and connect those in a vulnerable position to this essential piece of healing. We are forever grateful and will continue to share the generosity, empathetic hearts and love they continue to show others. THANK YOU!  ~Missy Rogers

Brighter Days Grief Center offers support and resources that provide hope and healing to families who are struggling with grief. I am so thankful that Brighter Days Grief Center is here to help other families like mine. To have been handed a card by the officer with a number that I could call would have been a lifeline at a time I felt I was drowning. ~Melody Richards, Author, Grief Counselor

Brighter Days Grief Center has brought me so much comfort, relief and emotional support throughout coping with the loss of my daughter. They helped me find an excellent grief counselor and I also tried a session of ART therapy at their location which made a huge difference. I recommend you go in and see their space. It is inviting and calming, they welcome you with open arms. Thanks to Carolyn and Jennie, you have made my days a little easier. ~Jessica Jallow

Brighter Days Grief Center has brought such needed services to our community. Losing a loved one is a heart wrenching experience and you often feel so alone in your grief. To have a place to go where people understand, where it is okay to grieve, where you can be embraced by a supportive community – it is so comforting. Thank you for giving grieving people in our community a safe harbor of hope and healing. ~Natasha Carter

It was such a pleasure to meet you today at the “Walk to Remember”. Thank you so much for your kindness and empathy and for welcoming me and my kids so compassionately. We had a wonderful morning remembering and celebrating my husband Tyler on his birthday. I was dreading the extra grief that would accompany this day but instead we smiled, laughed and truly enjoyed our whole day because it started with such a great experience and opportunity to remember him this morning. Your impact is HUGE! Thank you so much for what you do. I will be sharing Brighter Days with everyone I can to help spread your influence. ~Heather Mundy

It immediately feels like you are being embraced with a big hug when you walk through the doors of Brighter Days. The staff is compassionate, kind and available to help you with whatever your grief need may be. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and it honestly feels like “home.” I am so grateful that they now have a grief group that focuses on death due to addiction. When I lost my beautiful daughter, Kellie, to an accidental overdose in 2016, there were no services like this available for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Brighter Days. ~Beckie Lillehei

Brighter Days was there for us in every way imaginable during our darkest hours. An entire network of people who know what it’s like to hurt and want to help heal those experiencing grief. ~Rachel Erickson

From our Partners and Practitioners

Faith’s Lodge is proud to partner with Brighter Days Grief Center to help families after the death of a child. While we may be a small part of the service that Brighter Days offers, we are grateful for the chance to share resources so that grieving families have a roadmap to hope and healing. From the staff to the facilities to the bevy of support services, Brighter Days Grief Center is a shining ray of hope for anyone facing a journey of grief after the loss of a loved one. ~Kelly McDyre, Executive Director, Faith’s Lodge

Angel Foundation strives to support families during all stages of their cancer experience, from the initial diagnosis, through treatment and beyond. That being said, we are lucky to live in a community so rich in resources, such as Brighter Days Grief Center, that can offer more specialized services to guide families through the grieving process. The unfortunate reality of working for a cancer organization is that many of those we serve die from this disease, leaving behind grieving family and friends. Supporting our families fully is truly a collective effort between multiple organizations; we couldn’t do the important work we do without other organizations stepping in and helping at a deeper level. ~Sarah Manes, Vice President of Programs and Community Relations, Angel Foundation

There isn’t a person in this world who won’t be affected by loss at some time in their life. To have a place, a resource, a community to connect with as you explore the new terrain that is grief, is an absolute necessity – Brighter Days Grief Center is joining our community as this very resource. Gilda’s Club Twin Cities looks forward to collaboration with Brighter Days to enrich the tremendous resources in the Twin Cities as well as to enhance support for those impacted by loss and grief. ~Ali DeCamillis, Program Director, Gilda’s Club Twin Cities

Brighter Days is like no other resource I know of. As a grief therapist, it’s important for me to know and trust my referral network. Every time I refer to BDGC, I hear back about how they were embraced by knowledge, love, acceptance, and given hope. Hope isn’t easy in grief…. as a therapist and donor, Brighter Days is on the top of my list! Thank you Carolyn for being the amazing pulse that keeps this community believing. ~Kelly Grosklags, LICSW, Conversations with Kelly

Brighter Days has quickly become an invaluable resource for individuals and families facing the many challenges that come with the loss of a loved one. The blend of compassion and knowledge makes the center the perfect place to match up services with individuals in significant and meaningful ways. Several of my grief counseling clients have been linked with exactly the resources they needed just when they needed it. I am blessed to know about Brighter Days!! ~Laura Mortenson, MSW, LICSW, Allina Health Hospice

Brighter Days Grief Center has been an amazing partner and grief support resource for The BeliEve Foundation. Their staff is compassionate and completely invested in the well-being of those who have lost a loved one. I never hesitate to recommend them to the families we serve, knowing they will be welcomed with open arms and fully supported in their path toward healing. ~Angie Hatcher, Executive Director, The BeliEve Foundation

I had the privilege of spending some time @ Brighter Days Grief Center and want others to know what a treasure they are for the grieving community. Our family has experienced the death of two sons, more than 20 years ago. How we could have benefited from the services and endless resources offered by Brighter Days. Please help spread the word to anyone you know who is trying to navigate the rocky terrain of grief and loss. They don’t have to do it alone. ~Donna Mathiowetz, Author, Speaker

Brighter Days is an invaluable resource for me, and for the families I serve because the experience of death and its impact doesn’t begin or end when someone dies. When someone we love is facing terminal illness, we need our community to rally around us before, during, and after to help everyone process what is experienced, to find meaning in how the experience relates to our relationship within ourselves and in the world, and to negotiate how life continues on while tending to the whole gamut of emotions that arise. I consider Brighter Days an important and cherished partner in our efforts to do just that. By helping to connect families to my services sooner than later, Brighter Days helps ensure the deep work of legacy and planning can be done while there is still energy and clarity to do so. This supports both the dying and their circle of support through the process, and long-term after death. Likewise, I find peace knowing there is a collaborative of such loving, committed people through Brighter Days that I can refer families to who are in need of care, community, and a safe place to land. It’s a beautiful partnership that I am profoundly grateful to be a part of. ~Christy Moe Marek, End-of-Life Doula, Tending Life at the Threshold

Brighter Days Grief Center is a beacon of light and avenue of hope for those struggling with grief, providing resources for body, mind, soul, and spirit. I would hope Brighter Days Grief Center becomes a template for other centers across our nation as they are a true example of proactive grieving and what shining by example is; it’s being there when the need is there. Whether a raw griever, a seasoned griever or anticipating a loss they are a wheelhouse of resources for the bereavement journey. They empower those devastated by trauma and loss by giving them the best tools available to navigate their own journey, and provide assistance where needed to support that journey. If you build it, they will come. Thank you for building Brighter Days Grief Center. ~Mitch Carmody CGSP, CCP Author, Speaker

I’m honored to partner with such an incredible organization that is changing lives every day. There aren’t words for the need that Brighter Days is fulfilling for grieving families. Brighter Days encompasses everything I wish I had during my early years of grief and beyond! What an invaluable resource for every hurting heart in MN. I’m honored to recommend Brighter Days to grieving families I work with in the Twin Cities area. Carolyn has a heart of gold, and she goes above and beyond to make sure every family has exactly what they need during their time of need. Every grieving heart deserves to know they are not alone. Brighter Days makes this possible and more! Keep up the great work! ~Angela Miller, Author, A Bed for My Heart

Brighter Days Grief Center offers support and resources that provide hope and healing to families who are struggling with grief. I am so thankful that Brighter Days Grief Center is here to help other families like mine. To have been handed a card by the officer with a number that I could call would have been a lifeline at a time I felt I was drowning. ~Melody Richards, Grief Counselor, Hope Renewed Counseling

We had the fortune of crossing paths with Brighter Days Grief Center soon after the loss of our beloved wife and mom to cancer in early 2018. Our hearts were broken and we were longing for one last connection to her. Out of our pain and loss came “Rudolph’s Bluebird Houses.” The compassion and support we received from them was invaluable; we are so humbled to be partnered with the same center we needed during such a hard and devastating time to provide our bluebird houses and birdhouse workshops built to inspire hope while moving forward through grief. We would highly recommend reaching out to them for resources, support and community surrounding loss. ~Rudolph’s Bluebird Houses

Executive Director, Highmark Caring Place

Brighter Days Family Grief Center focuses on bringing families back together after the death or terminal diagnosis of a loved one by addressing the many psychosocial and logistical needs of each family member. Trusted by hospices, schools, and communities since 2017, Brighter Days provides no cost and compassionate services to Minnesota children, adults, and families.    

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