TEARS Foundation
The TEARS Foundation is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Washington and, now, Oregon, that seeks to compassionately assist bereaved parents with the financial expenses they face in making final arrangements for their precious baby who has died. Many of the founders and volunteers at The TEARS Foundation have experienced the loss of their own baby, and want to reach out in this way to support newly bereaved parents in their time of devastating sorrow.

The TEARS Foundation also has support groups to assist these families with the grieving process. Last year in Washington, approximately 900 babies between 20 weeks gestation to under 1 year of age passed away. The TEARS Foundation was able to assist 140 of those families with funeral expenses. We are excited to announce that The TEARS Foundation will have an Oregon chapter starting in 2009. Currently, Oregon has approximately 440 babies between 20 weeks gestation to under 1 year of age pass away each year. Shawna Lapp will be the Executive Director for the Oregon Chapter of The TEARS Foundation.

If you are interested in helping with this foundation, please give Shawna a call at (503) 925-0377 or send an e-mail to her at shawna.lapp@tactron.com.

Volunteer Photographers Needed
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org) is a nonprofit organization that provides photography and videography services for bereaved families. Volunteer photographers take heirloom photographs that become an important part of the healing process. They allow families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits of their lives. Megan Vowell is looking for local photographers to volunteer with the organization. E-mail her at meg@newlifedoula.com.

Bilingual Support Volunteers Needed
Brief Encounters is in need of bilingual volunteers who are willing to be on a support referral list for parents who are non-English speaking. There is an immediate need for a parent/volunteer who speaks Arabic, but all languages are needed and welcome. If you would be willing to donate your time to help non-English speaking parents who may not have access to support otherwise, please call Pat at (503)699-8066 or send an email to pat@tearsoup.com

Support Volunteers Needed
BE is looking for volunteers to help return phone calls and provide support to other bereaved parents. Volunteers typically return phone calls one day per week, from your own home. To volunteer, please call Pat at (503) 284-7426.

Hospital Liaison Program
If you would like to volunteer to be a liaison from BE to a local hospital, please call Pat at (503) 284-7426.

Counseling Referrals
Referral information for counselors in the greater Portland area with expertise in the area of pregnancy or infant loss is available by calling us at (503) 699-8006.

If you are a professional with expertise in the field of pregnancy and infant loss and/or family or individual counseling, and would like to volunteer your services or have us consider including you on our referral list, please contact Pat at (503) 284-7426.