Family Gathering

Family Gathering

The Family Gathering is an annual effort to reach families who have been impacted by the pain of experiencing a missing and/or murdered loved one in Minnesota. Each year in November, JWRC hosts the gathering for families to share their story and comfort each other through their combined strength. By taking time to gather in a supportive, healing environment, participants leave feeling empowered and connected to others with similar traumatic experiences. The goal is to help equip participants to move from their isolated experience to a place where they are not alone. The Family Gathering is a time to honor a loved one, give and receive support and renew hope.

"Dwelling on the past without taking action to move forward in a positive way can cause greater pain and can immobilize you further. Circle time is painful but helpful." - Family Gathering Participant

Families bring objects of meaning to represent the person that’s missing.