Gina Spence Program Offering Support Services
The Gina Spence Program offered condolences following the recent tragic events in Bermuda, and reaffirmed its commitment to providing “support for grief and loss of any kind.”
A statement from the organization said, “The Gina Spence Program [GSP] extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the recent tragic events in Bermuda. In response to these unprecedented times, GSP has reaffirmed its dedication as the only organization on the island providing specialized, immediate support for grief and loss of any kind. Our rebranding and expanded services are a direct response to our community’s needs, particularly during these unprecedented times of distress.
“When GSP first started to provide help and support to grieving families over two decades ago, there was no police liaison officer, and no Gang Violence Reduction Team. Through our persistent advocacy, along with others in the community, these roles have now been established, and we commend the invaluable work these entities perform today. We were standing with the Jones family during the loss of Shaundae Jones back in 2003 and have continued to do so for many other grieving families. Our focus has always been on the most vulnerable victims of murder: the children. These children, who can’t articulate their hurt and pain, are often lost and sometimes forgotten in the mayhem of murder.
“What sets GSP apart from any other helping services or charity is the personal experience and deep empathy embedded in our foundation. I, Gina Spence, as the CEO and founder, have lost two immediate family members to gang and gun-related violence within one year. This firsthand experience with trauma, pain, healing, and the essential needs of these families drives our mission and informs our approach, making our support not only professional but profoundly personal.
“GSP has recently undergone significant transformations to better serve our community. We are the sole provider of 24-hour crisis clinical support in Bermuda, focusing particularly on children and families immediately after traumatic incidents involving violence. Our unique approach ensures that the vulnerable are not only heard but are actively supported through their grief journey to success.
“Our Champions Program has demonstrated a profound impact by directly addressing the needs of children who are often forgotten in the wake of violence-related grief. We remain the only service in Bermuda that supports, tracks, and serves this demographic of people lifelong. To date, we have provided grief and loss support to over 88% of the 96 recorded Champions, with 96% of these young individuals graduating from high school and 86% engaging in educational and community extracurricular activities. The Champions Program works closely with each child and their family to provide immediate and ongoing support, to help mitigate the long term effects of trauma, and to foster resilience among the youngest members of our community.
“The Gina Spence Program Healing Hearts Program, that was launched over a year ago, has been instrumental in providing grief and loss counseling services to over 100 individuals, addressing various traumatic experiences including death, road fatalities, and serious illnesses. This program emphasizes our commitment to our community, that faces over 40 different types of losses on a yearly basis, and that deeply affects all individuals and families. The Healing Hearts Program is now available to the community at large, offering support to anyone facing grief and loss of any kind. Our grief specialists offer a holistic approach to healing, inclusive of individual counseling and group therapy sessions, ensuring that our clients receive the best clinical support through their grief journey.
“As we continue to support those affected by recent events, GSP remains steadfast in its mission to ensure no one in Bermuda has to face their grief alone. We invite the community and stakeholders to join us in this critical work—supporting our mission financially or by volunteering can make a significant difference in the lives of many.
“The Gina Spence Program, a beacon of resilience and clinical and professional care, has been at the forefront of community support since 1991. As we evolve, our focus on grief and loss is evident through innovative programs like the Champions and Healing Hearts initiatives as they ensures that we continue to meet the increasing needs of our community.”
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