Page 54 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2024

GIVING BACK
Junction Grief Center
story by Cherie Ward
photos courtesy of Junction Grief Center
Grief does not have a cure, but sometimes a bright healing light can shine when kindred souls come together in support of each other.
That’s exactly what Randi Page, Katie Latch, and Amber Carroll set out to do for the community when they began the Junction Grief Center in Ocean Springs. Latch and Page both lost their husbands in 2021. Carroll learned her son suffered from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome around the same time.
The trio leaned on each other and soon realized the road to surviving their own tragedies included helping people just like them. The center, known as the J, allows a safe space to share sorrow- filled feelings with people who understand the impacts, fluctuations, misconceptions, and isolation of grief.
The Christ-based, non-profit center offers group therapy for people who have experienced the loss of a child, sibling, spouse, or parent as well as support for dementia care, infertility, and other medical issues.
The J also has Camp Journey for children who have lost a loved one from their immediate family. The camp engages children ages 5-12 in music therapy, creative art activities, recreation, and expressive art groups. All camp volunteers are certified and have walked through a significant loss of a loved one.
Therefore, Page, Latch, and Carroll don’t just sympathize with those who have experienced grief and loss. They deeply understand and allow for healing at everyone’s own pace.
Visit thejunctionms.org to learn how to volunteer or for additional program information.
Junction Grief Center
8216 Ocean Springs Rd., Ocean Springs www.thejunctionms.org
Bacot Foundation of South Mississippi
Together We Are Making a Difference
www.bacotfoundation.org
54 | December 2024
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