( ENSPIRE She Did That ) Kimberli Gross Creates Living Shattered Support Group And Releases Book To Assist With Grief
ENSPIRE Contributor: Gabrielle Maya
Kimberli Gross is the visionary behind Celebrate Still, Inc., a 501 ©(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women who have experienced loss and are processing grief. Through guidance and rediscovering, this nonprofit promotes therapy and offers a supportive community. Gross has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management and a Master’s degree from Liberty University in Human Services Counseling, specializing in crisis, trauma, and grief. Through her educational pursuits, Gross built a foundation for creating a sustainable initiative such as Celebrate Still, Inc.
Her story began from a personal journey when she learned to process grief after losing her mother in 2004. There are healthy and constructive ways to grieve, and Celebrate Still, Inc. brings community into their cause, unlike during her own time of need when there was none. In addition to her professional and philanthropic endeavors, the native of Baltimore, Maryland, is an Air Force veteran who served during the 9/11 attacks.
Gross’s military service shaped her mindset, empathetic approach, and unique perspective, which shines as a beacon of hope for others. She is helping individuals become resilient and forge a new path. Through a group called Living Shattered Support Group, she brings the community to the forefront. In addition, her book Living Shattered: A 21-Day Faith-Fueled Journey through Grief provides insight into how to process and manage your grief.
Prepare to dive into Gross’s nine core values and the creation of Celebrate Still, Inc. Along with the masterclasses her workshops offer, her military experience as a Veteran and how it shapes her approach to healing. Lastly, learning about her writing process for the Living Shattered journal and self help book and more.
Explain the nine core values of Celebrate Still, Inc. and how they shape your business and help with the process of grief over time vs other methods or approaches.
1. Togetherness
At Celebrate Still, Inc., the value of Togetherness is about creating a compassionate and supportive community. Grief can be an isolating experience, but by fostering empathy, normalizing the grieving process, and building a strong community, we ensure that no one has to face their journey alone. Unlike other methods focusing on individual therapy or self-help, we emphasize the power of connection. Our community-based approach allows individuals to share their experiences, find solace in others who understand their pain, and feel less alone in their grief. This collective support is a key differentiator, making healing more relatable and less overwhelming.
2. Strength
Strength is cultivated through courage, education, and resilience. Celebrate Still, Inc. empowers individuals by providing the tools and knowledge they need to understand and navigate their grief. We encourage courage in facing loss head-on, resilience in adapting to a new normal, and provide educational resources to help individuals make informed decisions about their healing journey. Unlike other approaches focusing solely on immediate relief or coping mechanisms, we emphasize long-term growth and empowerment. This focus on strength helps individuals cope with their loss and emerge from their grief with a renewed sense of purpose and the ability to thrive.
3. Healing
The category of Healing at Celebrate Still, Inc. is centered on promoting overall well-being, fostering hope, and maintaining transparency. We prioritize our community members’ mental, emotional, and physical health, ensuring they are holistically cared for. Our commitment to hope ensures that even in the darkest times, individuals can see a path forward. Transparency in our interactions builds trust, creating a safe and supportive environment where healing can occur. Compared to other methods that might focus on a quick fix or overlook the importance of a positive outlook, our approach is dedicated to fostering long-term healing and a hopeful future, helping individuals rebuild their lives with confidence.
By organizing our core values into Togetherness, Strength, and Healing, Celebrate Still, Inc. offers a comprehensive and compassionate approach to grief that stands apart from other methods. Our focus on community support, empowerment, and holistic well-being ensures that individuals cope with their grief and find the strength and hope to move forward and live fully.
At Celebrate Still, Inc., these values of Togetherness, Strength, and Healing are more than just guiding principles—they are deeply rooted in my personal journey. My own experience with grief and the pursuit of education shaped these values. They are the collective result of my desire to build the community that I wished had been there for me.
I understand firsthand the profound pain of loss and how isolating and overwhelming grief can feel. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to ensure that no one has to go through it alone. The values we uphold at Celebrate Still, Inc. reflect my commitment to creating a space where people can find comfort, empowerment, and hope—just as I sought to find in my own journey.
I share these values with sincerity and compassion, knowing they are not just ideals but the foundation of a community built to support and uplift those navigating the difficult path of grief. My hope is that through Celebrate Still, Inc., we can walk this journey together, providing the care and strength I know makes all the difference.
What masterclasses do you offer, and what can participants expect when joining your workshops?
At Celebrate Still, Inc., we provide a variety of masterclasses and workshops, each designed to offer meaningful support and practical tools for those navigating the difficult journey of grief. Here’s what participants can expect:
1. One-on-One Coaching
Our personalized coaching sessions are tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. During these sessions, we work together to map out specific goals and define actionable steps to help you find a new normal after a loss. This individualized approach ensures you receive the guidance and support needed for long-term healing and growth.
2. Living Shattered Support Group
The Living Shattered support group is a unique and powerful resource designed to be interactive and engaging. Unlike typical support groups, our sessions are dynamic, offering real, practical tools that clients can use daily to navigate the challenges of grief. Additionally, the group fosters a strong sense of community, reminding participants that they are not alone. These sessions are held twice a month by cohort and are closed group sessions, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all members.
We also offer the flexibility for churches, organizations, and families to host smaller, in-home sessions, where I will personally come to facilitate the group. This option allows for a more intimate and personalized experience, making it easier for participants to connect and engage with the material in a comfortable and familiar setting.
By participating in our workshops and masterclasses, you can expect a compassionate, supportive environment where your individual needs are prioritized. You’ll find the tools and community necessary to navigate grief and begin your healing journey.
You are known as an Air Force veteran. How has serving in the military helped you process grief and develop more empathy?
I was blessed to serve alongside some of the greatest people ever during my time in the Air Force. While I didn’t experience combat directly, I served during the 9/11 attacks, a time that deeply impacted me and those around me. I have friends who fought in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, and through them, I witnessed the profound effects of loss and grief.
Although I did not lose anyone personally in the 9/11 attacks, I learned that death speaks a universal language—one that transcends borders, cultures, and experiences. It taught me that no one is exempt from needing support, love, or compassion, regardless of their background or uniform. The pain and anguish I saw in everyone’s eyes during that time is something that stays with me, a constant reminder of the importance of empathy in the face of loss.
This experience has profoundly shaped how I approach grief today. It has deepened my commitment to being there for others and offering the support and compassion that everyone needs during their most challenging times. Remembering those moments has fueled my passion for creating a community where no one has to navigate grief alone and where everyone can find the understanding and care they deserve.
Tell us about the purpose of “Living Shattered: A 21-Day Faith-Fueled Journey through Grief” and its benefits for readers.
“Living Shattered: A 21-Day Faith-Fueled Journey through Grief” is not just a journal; it’s a compassionate companion I created to walk alongside you during one of life’s most difficult times. The purpose of this journal is to offer a gentle, nurturing space where you can explore your grief with the support of faith, which I believe is an unshakable source of healing.
As someone who has personally walked the path of grief, I bring my professional insights and deeply personal experiences to every page. My goal is to share with you the real-life tools and wisdom that have helped me on my own journey, hoping they will provide you with comfort and guidance on yours. This journal is written with heartfelt empathy, ensuring that it speaks to the depths of your emotions in a genuine and supportive way.
“Living Shattered” weaves together the stages of grief with the raw, real-life feelings accompanying loss. It’s a space where you can safely express and understand your emotions without judgment. I wanted this journal to be a place where you could sit with your sorrow, embrace your feelings, and begin to heal—always with courage and grace.
The benefits of ”Living Shattered” are deeply personal. It offers a flexible structure to fit your unique journey, allowing you to move through your grief at your own pace. The faith-centered approach gives you strength and hope, helping you navigate each day with a little more peace and direction. I hope that this journal will help you not just survive your grief but find a path that honors your loss and leads you toward healing and renewal.
What was your writing process, and did you use your experience to create the Living Shattered journal
The writing process for “Living Shattered: A 21-Day Faith-Fueled Journey through Grief” was deeply personal and spiritual for me. I began with prayer—my hope was and continues to be that this journal would meet my readers exactly where they are in their grief journey. I prayed that it would guide them closer to healing, not by forgetting their loved ones, but by helping them find ways to express grief in a healthy manner, honor those memories, and, most importantly, discover a way to live their new normal.
While research and education were integral to creating this journal, they were the easier aspects for me. The more challenging part was drawing from my own memories and personal journey with grief. This required revisiting some of my life’s most painful and challenging moments, reflecting on what worked for me and, just as importantly, what didn’t.
Every tool, reflection, and prompt in “Living Shattered” has been crafted to offer something real and meaningful—something that can truly support my readers on their path to healing. My goal was to create a resource that provides guidance and profoundly understands the complexities of grief, offering comfort and empathy born from shared experience.
Are any Events for Celebrate Still, Inc. coming up?
1. Living Shattered Support Group
We are launching our 3rd Living Shattered Support Group this September. This group meets twice a month, with each cohort lasting for 10 weeks. It’s a wonderful opportunity for participants to engage in a supportive and interactive environment to gain real tools to navigate daily life after loss. It also offers the added benefit of community, ensuring that no one has to go through their grief journey alone.
2. Happy for the Holidays Concert
Our 4th annual Happy for the Holidays concert is set for December 6, and it’s quickly becoming a cherished family favorite. The goal of this holiday event is to intercept the holiday blues and bring together grieving hearts to enjoy a night of soulful renditions of holiday favorites, contemporary classics, and beloved traditions. We are thrilled to welcome back Stellar and Dove-nominated artists Julia McMillan and Will McMillan—both incredibly talented and, as it happens, my beloved siblings. We’re also deeply grateful for the support of my incredibly gifted cousins, who graciously performed during the first three years of this event, helping to establish it as a special tradition.
In addition to these returning favorites, the concert will feature a display of phenomenal local talent, showcasing the diverse and vibrant artistry within our community. This mix of family, returning favorites, and fresh voices ensures a night of music and entertainment that truly resonates with the heart.
This concert is more than just an evening of entertainment; it’s a chance to help people begin looking forward to Christmas again. Many attendees have shared that this event has become a highlight of their holiday season, helping them find joy during a time that can be particularly difficult. The concert also serves as a fundraiser for the Brenda Mae Nursing Scholarship, a cause very close to my heart. This scholarship pays homage to my mother by supporting aspiring nurses who share her passion for helping others.
These events are designed to bring comfort, joy, and community to those navigating grief, and I’m incredibly grateful to be able to offer them.
To learn more about processing grief in a supportive community, visit https://celebratestill.org/. For more detailed information. Follow Gross on Instagram to view her achievements as an author and coach. Click here to join the Living Shattered Support Group.
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