Healing Together, One Step at a Time
Programs and services designed to guide, comfort, and connect you as you move through life’s tender and difficult spaces.
How We Work Together
We are building a sanctuary of support, a place where grief is witnessed, held, and honored. As programs take shape, we are currently inviting people to join our email list to receive updates and to be part of the process as offerings become available.
As a nonprofit, The Waiting Place is committed to making grief support as accessible as possible, with many offerings provided at no cost and any fees shared clearly in advance. We are actively working to reduce financial barriers and welcome conversation if cost is a concern, because no one should have to navigate grief alone.
Upcoming Events
In this calendar, you’ll find events hosted by The Waiting Place, along with gatherings where Patti Merrill is speaking and carrying the heart of this work into the community. Some are intimate spaces for reflection and support. Others are opportunities to listen, learn, and sit alongside others navigating grief and life’s tender transitions.
Each listing includes the details you need to decide what feels right for you. You’re welcome to join when and if the timing feels aligned.
Resources in the Community
Grief support does not live in one place or come from a single source. While The Waiting Place Foundation is building its own programs and offerings, we also believe in the importance of sharing trusted resources that already exist within the community.
This page brings together therapists, events, and organizations offering care, education, and connection for those navigating grief and loss. Some are partners we collaborate with, while others are shared simply because they provide meaningful support. We offer these resources as options, not expectations, so you can explore what feels right for you.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We cannot build this community without you. Your support allows us to create and sustain programs, retreats, and resources for anyone navigating grief, transition, or emotional overwhelm. Every contribution helps ensure that no one has to face their journey alone and that our mission of compassion, presence, and connection can continue to grow. By joining us, you become an essential part of a movement that honors grief, nurtures healing, and fosters community for all who need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Waiting Place is for anyone experiencing grief in any form—including the loss of a loved one, traumatic life changes, anticipatory grief, or long-term unresolved sorrow. Our offerings are designed to support individuals, families, and communities at different stages of the grieving process.
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The Waiting Place is spiritually grounded and welcomes people of all faith backgrounds—or none at all. While faith and spirituality may be present in some offerings, participation is always invitational and never required.
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Not yet. The Waiting Place is currently in the funding and development phase. Our long-term vision includes a physical, nature-centered space for in-person gatherings and healing programs. Until then, we are offering select programs and resources online and through community partnerships.
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Our current offerings and active programs are listed on our Programs page. As The Waiting Place grows, additional programs will be introduced in alignment with our mission and available resources.
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Our long-term vision is to offer grief support that is free and accessible to everyone. As we build toward that goal, some services currently have low fees to help cover basic costs. One-on-one spiritual companionship with Patti is offered at a starting rate of $20, and workshops and support groups are offered at low cost, beginning around $10. We are committed to reducing financial barriers wherever possible and welcome conversation if cost is a concern as we are receiving ongoing support.
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Yes—our long-term plan includes partnering with licensed, grief-informed therapists and mental health professionals. The Waiting Place is designed to be a complementary space for healing, working alongside clinical care and offering additional layers of support through education, community, and spiritually grounded practices.
Take a look at the therapists we currently partner with! -
The Waiting Place is supported through donations, grants, partnerships, and future program revenue. As a nonprofit organization, all contributions directly support program development, operational costs, and the long-term creation of our physical grief center.
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You can financially support The Waiting Place Foundation by visiting our Give page, where one-time, monthly, quarterly or annual donations can be made securely online.
Every contribution helps us continue building spaces where grief can be carried with compassion and community.
If you’d like to donate services or resources please contact us here. -
The Waiting Place Foundation is currently in the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. While our application is still pending, the IRS commonly recognizes qualifying donations retroactively to the organization’s filing date where permitted by law. We recommend keeping your donation receipt for your records and consulting a tax professional with any questions regarding deductibility.
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While volunteer opportunities are currently limited, we welcome those who feel called to support this work. If you are interested in volunteering or partnering with The Waiting Place, please reach out through our Contact page.