About Us

 Mission Statement / Vision

The MISS Foundation, established in 1996 by Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, is an international 501(c)3, volunteer based organization providing C.A.R.E. [counseling, advocacy, research, and education] services to families experiencing the death of a child.

Values

• We recognize that the death of a child at any age is one of life’s most tragic experiences;
• We honor the sacredness of every member of the family;
• We value integrity, kindness and respect in all we do;
• We provide mindful, compassionate and respectful care of others and ourselves;
• We embrace the commitment of lifelong care in the aftermath of a child’s death;
• We foster a healing environment in which individuals, families and communities may, when ready, experience a sense of hope for the future;
• We recognize the potential in human beings to emerge from their suffering, transformed, ready to help another.
• We promote a non-medicalized, community-based approach to grief including equine therapy with rescue horses, eco therapies through retreats and activities in nature, and mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga.

A Message from Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, Founder

Welcome to the MISS Foundation’s online support site. If you are a family member experiencing the death of a child, we extend our deepest empathy. There simply are not words to express the depth of the sorrow. We are here to share the pain and we want you to know that we will walk with you.

There is so much to learn and see in the MISS Foundation website. In addition to the online support site, we also have face-to-face support groups in certain areas and HOPE Mentors available all over the world. We have a network of Compassionate Bereavement Care providers who are specifically trained in traumatic grief who may be available to offer support services in your community. Our Forums offer online support group board 24/7, fully moderated for safe space. We have sections for families with specialty information for dads, grandparents, and siblings. In our professionals section, there is information on our workshops, resources, and speakers available to present in your facility about many topics relating to child death. We offer a contemplative retreat with skilled leadership that brings grieving families together each year in a beautiful and meaningful setting.

And there is so much more information contained in our pages…take your time and browse. Feel free to ask questions, and know that there is no greater tragedy than the death of a child. You do not walk alone.

Joanne Cacciatore, PhD
Founder

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