With grief being such an individual experience, it takes a skilled and understanding person to meet all people where they’re at. This person is Jenny Sellers, the Global Operations Manager of Soaring Spirits International; a non-profit that helps widowed people through their grieving process. Having attended her first Camp just 10 weeks after losing her fiancee, Jenny developed a true passion for supporting new widows and widowers. Now she provides operational support for all Soaring Spirits programs, managing various offsite events, and providing additional logistical help to the Executive Team.Let’s dive into Jenny’s story and experience and learn how she holds events that offer support for those going through loss, grief, and healing. [00:01 - 06:00] Opening SegmentI welcome and introduce Jenny SellersGlobal operations leader for Soaring Spirits IntHelping people through the stages of grief Jenny talks about Soaring Spirits Community for those who are widowed Helping people through grief Jenny shares her story of becoming part of the Soaring teamLosing her fiance at the age of 31Struggling to feel understood Reaching out to Soaring Spirits Finding a community Started volunteering for the organizationBecame the global operations managers

[06:01 - 12:33] Recurrence and the Need for Different Options Jenny talks about the recurrence of the CampLike a family reunion The need for different types of support 40% returning campersThe differences offered to people in different stages The ability to change your schedule as per your needs Both men and women at each event All within peer support The need for Variance Transitioning to the virtual experienceTwo virtual additions included - 7-day turn around 

[12:34 - 26:22] Filling the Needs of Your Attendees While Going VirtualJenny’s guidance to those needing to go virtual Keep your attendees needs front and centerGet comfortable and dirty with the techAsk for help Logistics of the event Open virtual rooms Financing Sponsorship Giving back to the sponsors in a virtual setting Examples Recognition The importance of expertiseNot being talked ‘At’ Shared experience I talk about my experience helping someone through grief through a programHow my story connects to Jenny 

[26:23 - 33:51] Helping People Move Forward not OnThe demographics of the events Skewed exactly in line with the census data Family groups Resources Links belowHow Jenny has progressed through her grief Progress but no finish line Getting changed and shaped by the experience In a good place through the support from Soaring Spirits Permission to move on and look forward Not ‘move on’ but ‘move forward’Being easy on yourself The power of words

[33:52 - 41:25] Closing SegmentBringing people forward with youIt takes a special person to be trusted ‘Re-partnering’ The importance of space Jenny’s experience How to reach out to Jenny and the organizationLinks below Final words

Tweetable Quotes:“I decided if I could go and find one single person, and one phone number that I could use to support me through the upcoming months and years, it would have been a success.” - Jenny Sellers“Grief is a very individual experience, and we are all individual human beings… something that I might find beneficial early on might not be what somebody else would even go near.” - Jenny Sellers“I’m honored and proud to say that through the support of the programs we offer at Soaring Spirits… I’m truly in a good place. I’m happy again, and I’m looking towards the future.” - Jenny Sellers

Resources Mentioned:https://campwidow.org/ (Camp Widow)

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