Terrence’s dad died when he was young. Carolyn lost her partner to murder. When these and many more arrive at the doors of Atlanta Mission, they carry with them deep burdens of grief. Whether loss has marked their childhoods or adult lives, all of our clients need loving support to process difficult emotions and chart a path forward. 

Atlanta Mission’s Transformation Model includes not only food and shelter but mental health services to address the emotional needs our clients possess. We’re convinced that successful emergence from homelessness requires addressing the whole person. From triage to graduation from our residential programs, Atlanta Mission staff is committed to connecting our clients with the care they need to flourish again.

Our research shows that 55% of our clients spend their free time alone. If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, that alone time can feel oppressive. Alcohol and drug use can easily fill the empty space and time, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression can set in. 

Atlanta Mission knows the power of community, and we harness that power as we wrap our services around those who are vulnerable and grieving in our care. Our social workers connect clients with mental health resources like support groups in the metro area, and residential programs include chapel services and Bible studies to offer spiritual support in small groups.

As we integrate clients into communities, we also address the trauma and loss they have experienced. Many of the clients we serve come to us with no hope for a better future. Our goal is to inspire them and let them know they are not alone. We offer one-to-one counseling and trauma-informed care to help clients face life’s sorrows, process them, and move forward. Life skills classes reinforce that there is, indeed, life after loss, reminding our clients that, no matter what they’ve faced, there’s still so much life left to live.

July is Bereaved Parent Awareness Month, and we’re honored to walk with clients this month — and every day — as they grieve and integrate the losses they carry with them. Whether mourning the loss of an immediate family member or friend, our clients can find hope as we partner together for their emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing.