Lost & Found Grief Center: Comprehensive Company Profile

Background

Mission: Lost & Found Grief Center is dedicated to improving lives within the community by offering professional grief support services that provide help, hope, and healing to those experiencing loss.

Vision: The organization envisions a world where no one grieves alone.

Primary Focus: Established in 2000, Lost & Found Grief Center has over two decades of experience in supporting grieving individuals and families. The center offers therapeutic grief support groups and workshops at no cost, ensuring accessibility for all. Their services cater to children, families, young adults, and adults, emphasizing personalized care to select appropriate programs for each individual.

Industry Significance: As a comprehensive grief center, Lost & Found Grief Center implements structured, research-based routines to provide emotional safety, particularly for children. Their commitment to evidence-based practices and community education underscores their pivotal role in the grief support sector.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives:

• Personalized Support: Tailoring programs to meet the unique needs of each grieving individual.

• Community Education: Raising awareness and educating the community on supporting those who have experienced the death of a loved one.

• Accessibility: Providing services at no cost to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder access to support.

Areas of Specialization:

• Therapeutic Grief Support Groups: Facilitated by professionals with master's degrees in counseling or social work, these groups offer a safe environment for sharing and healing.

• Workshops and Educational Programs: Designed to equip individuals and the community with tools and knowledge to navigate grief.

Primary Markets Targeted:

• Children and Adolescents: Support for preschoolers through high schoolers who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver.

• Parents and Caregivers: Concurrent support groups for parents or caregivers while their children attend sessions.

• Young Adults and Adults: Tailored grief support services addressing the unique challenges faced by these age groups.

Financials and Funding

Revenue: As of May 2025, Lost & Found Grief Center's annual revenue is estimated at $750,000.

Funding Sources:

• Donations: The center relies on generous contributions from donors and the community to offer services at no charge.

• Fundraising Events: Organized events aimed at raising funds and awareness for the center's programs.

Utilization of Funds: Funds are allocated towards maintaining and expanding therapeutic grief support groups, workshops, community education initiatives, and ensuring the provision of services by qualified professionals.

Pipeline Development

Current Programs:

• Therapeutic Grief Support Groups: Ongoing sessions for various age groups, facilitated by trained professionals.

• Community Workshops: Educational programs aimed at equipping the community with knowledge and tools to support grieving individuals.

Future Initiatives:

• Expansion of Services: Plans to extend support to additional counties within southwest Missouri.

• Digital Resources: Development of online materials and virtual support groups to reach a broader audience.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies: While specific proprietary technologies are not detailed, the center utilizes a tech stack that includes platforms like Shopify, Facebook, and Google Font API to enhance their online presence and outreach.

Scientific Methodologies:

• Research-Based Programs: Implementation of structured routines grounded in research to provide emotional safety, especially for children.

• Evidence-Based Practices: Application of methodologies proven effective in grief support and counseling.

Leadership Team

Key Executives:

• Mike Woody: Appointed as Acting Executive Director in October 2022, following a tenure as Interim Director.

• Gen Nelson: Joined as Program Director in October 2022, bringing expertise in program development and implementation.

• Mehl Maigi: Assumed the role of Marketing Director in October 2022, focusing on enhancing the center's outreach and visibility.

• Brittany Johnson: Appointed as Program Coordinator in October 2022, contributing to the coordination and facilitation of support programs.

Leadership Changes:

• Tasha Ganson: Hired as Chief Operating Officer in July 2020, overseeing operational aspects of the center.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics:

• Prevalence of Grief: Approximately 1 in 10 children in Missouri will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18.

• Impact of Unresolved Grief: Teens with unresolved grief are five times more likely to complete suicide, and children with unresolved grief are nine times more likely to drop out of high school.

Competitor Analysis:

• The Dougy Center: Based in Portland, Oregon, it offers support groups and services to grieving children and young adults. Its peer support program and network of children's grief services make it the first of its kind in the United States.

• Bo's Place: Located in Houston, Texas, Bo's Place provides free support programs for children and families who have experienced the death of a loved one. Services include grief support groups, community outreach programs, and education and training.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

National Alliance for Children's Grief: In January 2024, Lost & Found Grief Center partnered with the National Alliance for Children's Grief for the "Flip the Script" campaign, aimed at changing the conversation about grief.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations:

• Community Engagement: Emphasis on building strong relationships within the community to enhance support networks.

• Volunteer Involvement: Opportunities for community members to engage as facilitators, greeters, or event committee members, fostering a sense of collective responsibility.

Competitive Advantages:

• Personalized Care: Tailoring support programs to meet the unique needs of each individual.

• Professional Facilitation: Groups led by professionals with advanced degrees in counseling or social work, ensuring high-quality support.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Expansion Plans:

• Geographical Reach: Extending services to additional counties within southwest Missouri to support a larger population.

• Digital Initiatives: Developing online resources and virtual support groups to provide accessible support beyond physical locations.

Strengths Positioning for Future Objectives:

• Established Reputation: Over 20 years of dedicated service in grief support.

• Research-Based Approach: Commitment to evidence-based practices ensures effective and reliable support services.

Contact Information

Website: Lost & Found Grief Center

Social Media:

• LinkedIn: Lost & Found Grief Center

Headquarters: Springfield, Missouri, USA