Come as you are.
Find hope, help, support, understanding and compassion. Our meetings are for parents, grandparents and adult siblings after the death of a child at any age, from any cause.
Monthly meeting
- When
- First Thursday of every month
6:30 to 8:45 pm - Where
- Brandon Regional Library, Meeting Room 1
619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon, FL 33511
Room 1 is through the glass doors on your left as you enter.
Virtual meeting
- When
- Third Thursday of every month
7:00 to 8:30 pm - Getting the link
- Email us and we’ll send you the Zoom link. We don’t post it publicly, to protect the privacy of the families who attend.
If a meeting moves because of a holiday, we’ll post the change here.
What to expect
- Who comesUsually 20 to 25 people: mothers and fathers, grandparents and siblings. There are often a few new faces, and both men and women share openly here.
- The circleWe begin together, sharing our children’s names and as much or as little as we want. No one has to speak.
- Topics and speakersThere’s always a topic planned, and sometimes a guest speaker. But sharing comes first. When newer families need extra time, we give it to them, so each meeting follows what the group needs that night.
- Smaller groupsWhen time allows, we break into small groups of two or three. Debbie tries to pair people who have something in common, so the conversation feels more personal and less overwhelming. Many parents find it easier to open up here.
- Coming back togetherAfterward, anyone who wishes can share one thing that came to mind, something helpful or something they hadn’t realized before. Even this is optional.
- ConfidentialWhat is shared in our circle stays in our circle.
- What this isn’tOur meetings are peer support, not counseling or therapy, and they are not religious. People of every faith, or none, are welcome. You’ll find understanding, kindness and compassion from people who have walked this road too.
Try three meetings
First meetings can feel heavy. Please give us three meetings before you decide. Each one is different, with different people and often a different topic, and many parents tell us the second or third meeting is when it began to help.
Gatherings and events
Annual Candle Lighting
Sunday, December 13, 2026, 6:00 pm
Brandon Christian Church. We begin with a potluck, so please bring a dish to share.
Our Candle Lighting is held in conjunction with The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting, when families around the globe light candles so the light circles the world for a whole day. Come light a candle in memory of your child, grandchild or sibling.
Walk to Remember
Planned for April 2027 in a local park, and open to the whole community: anyone grieving a child or someone they love. Date and place coming soon.
Want to help plan it, sponsor it or donate a raffle prize? See ways to help.
More ways to connect
Craft group
About once a month on a weekend, a few of us make something in memory of our children: painted hope rocks, star ornaments with our children’s photos, paint-by-number. No experience needed.
5K walkers
Some of our families sign up for local 5Ks together and walk in memory of their children. Join us for one, or just come cheer.
Ask us about upcoming dates, or watch our Facebook page.
I’m here for you. You’re not alone.