Grief is not just an emotional experience—it lives in the body. It can settle into our muscles, our breath, our appetite, and even the way we experience the world around us. One gentle way to navigate grief is through our senses, creating a somatic bridge that helps us release, honor, and soothe the pain of loss.

Touch can provide comfort when words fall short. Wrapping yourself in a favorite blanket, holding a meaningful object, receiving a hug, or practicing grounding techniques through touch and pressure can help calm the nervous system and create a sense of safety.

Smell has a unique ability to awaken memories. A loved one’s cologne, perfume, favorite flower, or familiar scent can evoke connection and remembrance. These sensory experiences can become sacred moments of reflection and comfort.

Taste often carries stories and traditions. Preparing a cherished family recipe, savoring a favorite meal your loved one enjoyed, or practicing mindful eating can help you reconnect with memories while remaining present with your emotions.

Sight invites healing through beauty and creative expression. Nature walks, painting, journaling, photography, and other artistic outlets can help process grief while offering moments of peace, meaning, and connection.

Sound can be a powerful companion on the grief journey. Listening to a meaningful playlist, hearing recordings of a loved one’s voice, engaging in music, or simply sitting with the sounds of nature can help us access emotions that are difficult to express.

When we intentionally engage our senses, we create opportunities for healing that honor both our loss and our continued connection with those we love.

If this resonates with you, we invite you to join us for our 7th Annual Wellness Retreat, Sanctuary for the Senses. Together, we will explore how our senses can support healing, restoration, and remembrance through immersive experiences designed to nurture the body, mind, and spirit. Come discover a compassionate space where grief is witnessed, healing is honored, and every sense becomes a pathway toward hope.

Fall Wellness Retreat

A Sanctuary for the Senses

~A Retreat for Grieving Hearts

Grab Your Tickets Now!

Our 7th Annual Wellness Retreat — A Sanctuary for the Senses — is a compassionate gathering created for grieving hearts of all kinds. Through intentional experiences designed to engage the five senses, we invite you to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and find gentle support in community.

This retreat offers space for rest, reflection, education, and healing through experiences such as a sound bath, grounding time in nature, sensory walks, guided breakout groups, and meaningful connection with facilitators and floating therapists throughout the day.

Whether your grief is recent or longstanding, you are welcome to come exactly as you are. This retreat is designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit with compassion, care, and understanding.

~A day designed to offer you rest, support and solace.

~An event to leave you refreshed and at peace, with new experiences to help you build a life filled with joy.

~Each ticket will include a mini-massage session with one of our thoughtfully hand-picked massage therapists.

Hosted at Tulu Vineyards, (formerly Grace Vineyards) a sprawling oasis that hosts weddings in Galt.

See our Past Wellness Retreats page for some of our facilitators who have served our community!

$97/person

Scholarships available, email us at hello@togetherwehealcommunity.org for more information.

Impact & Influence Radio: Jill Batiansila’s interview with John Robert Quinn

Listen to my interview with John where we talk about the importance of healing and creating spaces where individuals can find support, connection, and personal growth. Hear about my “why” for building this nonprofit and what I’m proud of so far!

Listen to the podcast HERE.

Focaccia Workshop ~ New Date!

During seasons of grief and loss, nourishment and community matter more than ever.

Join Crystal Dunn of Cooking Dunn Right for a comforting and hands-on workshop where you will learn to make sourdough focaccia and yeast focaccia while exploring the connection between gut health, wellness, and emotional healing.

Together we will slow down, create with intention, and experience how simple foods made from scratch can nourish both the body and soul.

After experiencing Crystal’s own life, she began to understand how deeply our health, nourishment, and emotional wellness are connected. This workshop was created to bring people together through food, learning, and healing.

In this class, you’ll learn both sourdough and yeast focaccia techniques while discovering the importance of gut health and intentional nourishment during difficult seasons of life. My hope is that each person leaves not only with fresh bread, but feeling supported, connected, and cared for.

$35/person

July 18th

Private residence in Elk Grove.

*Address will be emailed before class along with other supplies you’ll need to bring.

Class is limited to 10 people.

Register for the Workshop

Walking Wellness

Come walk with us!

Thursday, July 16th

Herberger Park, Elk Grove

6811 Peninsula Way Elk Grove, CA 95758

9am

Walking Lead: Jill Batiansila

Phone: (916) 202-3188

*Please text Jill to with any questions.

Walking distance: 2-3 miles

Intensity Level: Slow to Moderate pace

Get outside and walk with others! It’s always better together!

Interested in getting outside for fresh air and exercise, but don’t have a walking partner? Go with a group!

*This group meets once a month.

Register for this Walk

Writing as a Healing Art

This week, June 24th & July 22nd

5:30pm-7:30pm

In-Person

Light of the Valley, Room 105 of the back buildings.

For adult grievers, whether the loss is fresh or longer ago, come to a writing session with Jan Haag, a longtime Sacramento writing workshop leader. We'll use the Amherst Writers & Artists method, an encouraging way of writing what needs to be written without criticism. Jan will offer prompts that you can respond to or ignore and write whatever you like—it doesn't have to be about grief or loss. At the end of our writing time, she'll invite people to read aloud what they've just put down on the page (by hand or on a laptop or tablet).

Listeners respond with what they like, what stays with them and what is strong about the writing.

The AWA method presumes that all work is fiction, so we refer to "the narrator" of the piece. We concentrate on the writing itself, not the story, so we don't ask questions. We admire what we like in the writing, and when it's our turn to read, we listen and soak up the love coming at us!

(This is not a drop-in class.)
*Free.

Register for this class.

Craft & Cry

A crafting session for bereaved mothers and women navigating infertility.

Hosted by Jamie & Jazz

Sunday, July 12th

1-2:30pm

Light of the Valley, Room 105 of the back buildings.

9270 Bruceville Rd, Elk Grove, Ca.

In 2025, Jamie and Jazz connected during an online Navigating Grief series through Sharing Parents. They met up for a walk and talk with Together We Heal which quickly grew into regular "craft and cry" sessions at local coffee shops and craft studios—resulting in a safe space to create, cry, and honor their babies together.

For Jamie, crafting has been a huge part of her healing journey since the loss of her son, Noah. From collaging and junk journaling to making stickers, sun-catchers, and sewing, art has helped her channel her energy into something tangible. Jamie is dedicated to honoring and normalizing grief through her Etsy shop, PinkSlothShoppe, which funds free care packages for families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. You can explore her work and mission at griefandwhimsy.org.

For Jazz, crafting provided a much-needed reprieve while finishing her Bachelor’s degree, and became a beautiful way to honor her son, Teddy. Jazz finds comfort and connection in junk journaling, crocheting, and building community with fellow loss moms.

Join Jamie and Jazz at our upcoming event for crafting, crying, and community. Bring your own craft or use any of the materials provided to create a collage.

Register for Craft & Cry

Grieving Mothers’ Circle ~ Bereaved Moms’ Support Group

*Next meeting July 7th.

We are honored to offer a new support group for mothers who have experienced child loss. Together We Heal Community strives to bring much needed resources to the grieving community.

We present to you “Between Love & Loss- A Grieving Mothers’ Circle”.

A safe and compassionate space for mothers who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of their child. This support group will be facilitated by two moms who know this pain firsthand. A Mothers' Circle was created with the deep understanding of child loss, where our beloved children will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Our hope is that we grieve in community by sharing our children’s’ lives and speaking openly about our feelings and thoughts in a supportive environment. Tears, laughter and all other feelings are welcome, without judgment.

A Mothers' Circle is a place where no explanation is needed. Where your child's name can be spoken out loud. Where you will be surrounded by moms who accept and understand you and your grief.

The journey of child loss is one we never signed up for, but it does not need to be walked alone.

Once a month, drop-in meetings.

Free.

Upcoming meetings: Every first Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm

Location: Light of the Valley Church,

9270 Bruceville Blvd. Elk Grove, Ca.

Room 105 of the back buildings.

For more information on this group, please visit our website page HERE.

Fundraiser Restaurant Night for TWHC

Drop in anytime (Bond Location Only) between 7am and 9pm on July 7th and mention us! Panera will give 20% back to Together We Heal Community. Mark your calendars!

GriefShare Groups

A GriefShare support group is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. Through this 13-week group, you’ll discover what to expect in the days ahead and what’s “normal” in grief. Since there are no neat, orderly stages of grief, you’ll learn helpful ways of coping with grief, in all its unpredictability—and gain solid support each step of the way.

In-person

$20. Includes handbook.

Offered at the following Elk Grove Churches:

Creekside

St. Peters

LifePoint

*Grief Share offers sessions all over the United States. Wherever you live, there is a group near you!

Click here to see all locations.

Session 5 Overcoming Loss~

General Grief Group

(**We are changing this grief group from 8 weeks to 5 weeks.)

Fall Session begins August 13th, 2026

6-8:30pm

Overcoming Loss Support Group is a 5-week experience in understanding the impact of loss and pathways to healing.

Facilitated by Daniel Hernández, M.A. Clinical Thanatologist, educator and consultant.

This group is for death related losses only.

Free.

The Overcoming Loss experience will explore the following:

~An understanding of the biology of grief.

~Explore current state of bereavement.

~What are normal grief reactions.

~How Loss has impacted your personal life.

~Identify personal barriers to mourning and understands one’s journey

to growth and healing.

~An understanding of the trajectory of the healing experience.

~Rituals for healthy healing.

*Requires the completion of five weeks’ experience. It is not designed for those who will attend occasionally. It is a short-term experience that is built on important steps to embrace loss in our everyday living.

FILL OUT THIS INTEREST FORM if you’re interested in participating

in our Session 5 group.

Held in Elk Grove in-person.

**Space is limited to 10 adult individuals.

Local Ongoing Support Groups

Sutter Health:

“Grief Companions” (ongoing drop-in group)

1st and 3rd Thursdays each month from 5-6pm

Call Karen in Chaplain office to enroll.

Motherless Daughters

1st Wednesday of each month from 5-6pm (Begins March 2026)

Call Karen in Chaplain office to enroll.

Infant & Pediatric Loss Support Group

Call Sharon in Chaplain office to enroll.

Sutter Chaplain Office (916) 781-1146

Spanish Speaking Grief Group provided by Yolo Cares Hospice & Sutter Health

Todos hemos perdido a seres queridos, y muchas veces nos hace falta platicar.

Esta es una oportunidad de conexión para personas que han pasado por la pérdida de un ser querido, totalmente GRATIS. Ofrecemos un grupo de apoyo
donde podremos conectar y encontrar un lugar seguro para explorar las emociones que son parte del trayecto del duelo. Estando juntos en comunidad podremos compartir nuestros duelos y esperanza, al igual que la fuerza y valentía para seguir adelante, con nuestros seres queridos siempre a nuestro lado.

Para registrarse en este grupo envíennos un correo a
emiranda@yolocares.org, o llámennos al (530)758-5566
Se reúne: Segundo y Cuarto Martes de cada mes
6pm - 7pm
Primera reunión – 8 de julio, 6pm
Hospicio YoloCares 1909 Galileo Ct., Suite C Davis, CA 95618

For more information visit Yolo Cares Website Calendar HERE

Dignity Health:

Widowers Grief Group

Every other Monday

11am-12:00 noon

3400 Data Drive

Rancho Cordova, Ca. 95670

General Grief Group

Every other Tuesday

2-3pm

3400 Data Drive

Rancho Cordova, Ca. 95670

*For any questions contact the Bereavement Department:

Araxia Manukyan, LCSW

(916)-265-7710

Hear to Heal with Sac County PIOID Coalition (A support group for anyone who has lost a loved one to opioid or fentanyl.)

1st Tuesday Bi-Monthly from 6-7pm on Zoom

www.sacopioidcoalition.org

info@sacopioidcoalition.org

Hospice of Amador & Calaveras Grief Support Groups:

(Held at different locations)

Young Adult Grief Support Group

Griefbusters (School aged children)

Death Cafe (In-person & online)

Grieving Parents Support Group

Caregiver Support Group

Amador County Grief Group (In-person)

Calaveras County Grief Group (In-person)

(All are welcome, free of charge)

For more information, please contact Tonya Garcia, Chaplain & Bereavement Coordinator.

Tonya.Garcia@HospiceofAmador.org

(209) 223-5500

Friends For Survival Groups:

Grieving Men Group (first Tuesday)

Tuesday, May 5th

6pm PT / 7pm MT / 8pm CT / 9pm ET

*This free virtual meeting is just for men, with any type of loss by suicide.*

Register

Grieving Moms Group (first Thursday)

Thursday, May 7th

6:30pm PT / 7:30pm MT / 8:30pm CT / 9:30pm ET

*This free virtual meeting is for mothers who have lost a child. We have a special breakout room for moms who have lost their only child.* 

Register

Open Group (second Monday)

Monday, May 11th

3pm PT / 4pm MT / 5pm CT / 6pm ET

*This free virtual meeting is open to all loss survivors.* Special loss breakout rooms available.

Register

Spouse & Partner Group (second Thursday)
Thursday, May 14th

6pm PT / 7pm MT / 8pm CT / 9pm ET

*This free virtual meeting is for anyone who has lost a spouse or partner.*

Register

Open Group (fourth Wednesday)

Wednesday, May 27th

6pm PT / 7pm MT / 8pm CT / 9pm ET

*This free virtual meeting is open to all loss survivors.* Special loss breakout rooms available.

Register

*In-Person Groups and Writing Cohorts also available. See all at Friends For Survival.

KARA Children’s Grief Camp, July 10 to 12, 2025 at Camp Arroyo in Livermore, Please call (650) 321-5272 or email camp@kara-grief.org to apply and with any questions.

Writing Submissions Wanted!

Now accepting writing submissions! Jan Haag and I decided that your writing pieces needed a place to live online!

Whether you write with us every month or on your own, we invite you to share your pieces of finished writings with us and our community!

Some guidelines for our submissions:

*Keep them around 500 words, please. (This can be an excerpt from a longer piece, if you wish.)

*The topic should be about any type of loss. It can be a poem or a story in any form.

*Include your name.

*Send as a word document.

*Submissions will be lightly edited, if needed for grammar. If there is anything major, Jan will contact you directly.

*Send your submissions to us at hello@togetherwehealcommunity and add “Writing Submission” in the subject line OR click HERE to take you to the page.

Movement Community with E-Motion

We wrapped up our E-motion Movement Community Spring Cohort this last week with our Bereaved Mothers and ended with an evening together at the Lantern Festival at Gibson Ranch.

Next month we will also be walking the Davis Moonlight 5k together as a culminating activity. We are so honored to have met these incredible women and walk for 8 weeks with them: So much so that we couldn’t say goodbye. We have become more We are continuing to walk monthly with them until our Fall Cohort starts in Sept/October. (Exact date coming soon)

This fall group will be for anyone who has lost a family member. Details and registration coming soon. We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with E-Motion. Learn more about them and if a movement community is in your area by visiting their WEBSITE.

Jars of Joy News & Updates

We are now delivering our flowers to the community! Go grab one or more and give them to someone you know who could use the joy!

We are thrilled to add another few locations to the list!

You can now get our flowers weekly (first come, first serve) to the following locations: (on Thursdays or Fridays)

Rescaté Coffee (Thursdays)

The Discovery Shop Elk Grove (American Cancer Society Shop) (Fridays)

Elk Grove Vitamins (Thursdays)

Tule Coffee House (Fridays)

Blossom Eco Nail Salon (Thursdays)

F&M Bank (Fridays)

togetherwehealcommunity.org

hello@togetherwehealcommunity.org