Members have developed this resource for others, informing of some of the things that they wish they had known within the first 24 hours. Lamination is optional. It is large enough so it does not get lost easily and you can post it on your fridge to use the calendar on the back to mark important dates. If you would like this resource, let us know. We can mail you one in 2-4 business days. Click to preview
More Services, Links and Resources
12-week groups
We run 12-week facilitated counselling group support periodically throughout the year.
If you have experienced a death due to homicide and are interested in participating in one of the 12-week groups, please contact us. A facilitator will follow up with you to give you more information about the groups and to answer all of your questions. You will be informed about when and where the next group will be held. You can also sign up here by checking off the box for participating in the 12-week group: Sign up for group
Referrals
If you know someone who has experienced a homicide or you are a professional working with someone who has experienced homicide and you would like to refer them to us, we look forward to working together with you to help others in our communities. Contact us for more information or download our flyer or pamphlet to give to them.
Facilitator & Professional Development Training
If you are interested in learning how to facilitate a group in your area or would like more information about being of service to individuals and families after a homicide, contact us about the training program. Families and individuals have unique needs and the last thing we want to do is refer them to someone else who refers them to someone else and so on; nor is it helpful to hear "I'm sorry. We can't help you here - we aren't qualified for that." You can be that shining light of hope for them. If you identify yourself as someone who may come into contact with a person who is mourning, grieving and bereaved after a homicide, this training can benefit you.
Monthly Meetings
Lean On Me will be hosting supportive monthly meetings for all group members on the first Wednesday each month in Hamilton. All members who have participated in the 12-week group support program are invited to attend and stay connected with others during challenging times throughout the year.
We understand that some of our members are from various communities outside of the Hamilton area so we are working on establishing support in those areas with need or locating the best resources for families in their communities. If you would like to be informed about our upcoming meetings, send us an email to let us know.
Nourishment for Survivors Program
As of May 2011, Lean On Me has started a pilot program with the support of Hamilton Police Services Victim Services Branch called 'Nourishment for Survivors' to help provide families with refreshments and comfort food while they are attending court. Since we are 100% volunteer, we rely on community contributions and donations. We would like to thank Project Concern for helping this become a reality. Our gratitude also goes to Sam Marchese from Fortinos on Dundurn St. for donating a $100 gift card that allowed us to purchase water, juice, fruit, and granola bars from his store to start the program off and Nancy from National Pizza and Wings who donated an extra large pizza for lunch for 6 family members. It has been a huge relief to families to know that people in the community care. We hope to see this become an ongoing program, not just in Hamilton but in other communities as well.
Building Awareness
Lean On Me has held numerous fundraising and awareness events. Many people in our communities across the Golden Horseshoe are coping with and survive sudden, unexpected, violent or traumatic experiences. However, these people may not know what services are available to them or how to find support. Violence, and specifically homicide, impacts the whole community and by helping to build awareness, we are helping our community. Read More
Find out about our upcoming events here
Fundraising
All funds go directly to services provided by Lean On Me to help support people coping with and healing after the death of their loved one. We are a completely transparent organization and all questions about funds - who has provided funding and our commitment to put 100% of it towards services that benefit the members - are answered openly. We receive no government funds and many of the members themselves have contributed their personal time and money to help others in the group.
Donations
If you are an individual or an organization that would like to donate, Thank You!
You are helping to provide valuable services and support for people who have suffered the homicide of a family member or friend. Your donation will change lives.
Download our Pledge Form.pdf and submit by email, fax, or mail 1063 King Street W. Ste 235, Hamilton, ON L8S 4S3. You can also click here to donate with Mastercard or Visa or debit (through Paypal, no sign up required)
You can donate anonymously if you wish but we like to acknowledge all of the people and organizations that have made a positive contribution to the members' lives. Some people also choose to donate in memorium of a loved one or make a request that we use the donation toward a specific service. We will provide a receipt to all those who donate.
Acknowledgements
People working on behalf of the following organizations have helped us in the past by contributing human, financial or in-kind resources, such as providing a meeting space:
Thank You
