Voltaire said, “Tears are the silent language of grief..”
Grief is an emotion that all of us experience at some point in our lives. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or a job, grief can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. However, it’s a necessary part of the healing process, and it’s essential to have a support system in place during these difficult times. One such organisation that is dedicated to providing support and education about grief is the “With You Foundation”.
The “With You Foundation” is a non-governmental organisation that was founded in late 2022 by former journalist Joel Vogt, who has experienced the pain of grief, due to the loss of his mother, Angela Vogt.
Joel Vogt
He recognized that grief was a complex emotion that wasn’t talked about enough and that people needed support and guidance to help them through the grieving process.
The organisation’s mission is to provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to share their experiences, educate the community about grief, and promote healing and self-care.
Through the use of colourful infographics, via social media, he has raised awareness and promoted his understanding of grief, so that individuals can feel more supported and less isolated during their grieving process.
“During the early stage of my grief, I did get some sort of support from close friends, Godmother and God sisters… but it was minimum and not enough as I craved. About a week or so after my mom’s funeral preparations were over, of course, everybody returned to their homes and I was left there in my eternal grief, not being checked on frequently given the fact that I was still in my bereavement,” Joel said.
Further he added, “So I also imagined how other people feel during their grief journey. Especially the ones who lack that support required or they deserve. So with a motive to fill that void and lend support, I launched this foundation.”
He highlighted that it doesn’t cost a thing to support the bereaved, beyond the early stage or two weeks after the funeral. It goes way beyond sympathy knowing that grief lasts forever.
“It’s more than words, it’s more than Bible quotes or scriptures…,” he mentioned.
“After I posted the teaser of the organisation, I must say I received tremendous support from a lot of people, some of whom I didn’t expect it from and that gives me courage and motivation to push and make this foundation as effective as I envisioned it,” Joel told this publication.
The end goal of the organisation, is to promote grief support, make grief a comfortable topic, while placing emphasis on it and helping others to heal so they can have hope of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and believing that the sunshine always comes after the rain.
Persons interested in supporting or joining the With You Foundation, can connect with them via social media: Facebook: With You Foundation & Instagram: sharinghope_withyou.
