My name is Julie Efrance; after the sudden, heartbreaking loss of my 19-year-old son, I experienced firsthand the overwhelming isolation and lack of accessible support for grieving families especially in Black communities. While struggling to navigate my own grief, I also witnessed my surviving children and my late son Elmer's friends grappling with pain, with few culturally sensitive resources to turn to.

This profound personal journey inspired me to create Elmer Bereavement Support Services a lifeline for families enduring the unimaginable. No one should have to face grief without compassionate, tailored support.

Why This Matters:

Grief doesn’t follow a rulebook. Yet, systemic barriers often leave marginalized communities without adequate bereavement care. Families facing sudden loss whether due to violence, illness, or accidents are left to cope alone, compounding their trauma.

How will this fundraiser be beneficial: Elmer Bereavement Support Services will provide:

• One-on-one counseling Trauma-informed therapy for individuals and families.

• Peer support groups Safe spaces to share stories and heal together.

• Practical guidance Help navigating funeral costs, legal processes, and mental health resources.

• Community outreach Workshops and advocacy to break the stigma around grief in Black communities.

How You Can Help:

We’re raising £7800 per month to go towards staffing (licensed grief counselors specializing in sudden and traumatic loss), hiring a venue, and funding free support groups and workshops for bereaved families.

Every penny ensures no family is left to grieve in silence.

Join Our Mission:

If you’ve ever felt the weight of grief or simply believe no one should carry it alone please donate or share this campaign. Together, we can turn pain into purpose.

Donate now. Share widely. Be part of the change.

#ElmerBereavement #GriefSupport #BlackMentalHealth #SuddenLoss