We know the early years of grief will be extremely difficult for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide.
Your First Step
We acknowledge our fellow loss survivors as partners. We know this is not a journey you want to be on and we commend you for taking the first step with Our Black Rose for your own self-care. You will never be the same after your loss- we know we certainly aren’t. But, there is still beauty in the world around you and support from others walking your path.
Our Care Package
The care package presents as a black box tied with a teal ribbon and the contents of the package are encased in purple tissue paper to honor the national suicide prevention colors of teal/purple. Materials in the care package include:
A black rose on materials- a symbol of beauty and life existing even in darkness
A letter from our family to the loss survivor
A journal and pen for memories and grief support- writing can be beneficial in suicide grief
A pre-addressed postcard requesting contact information of the family member and information of the deceased with key dates. Our Black Rose sends cards on difficult days within the first year of loss (birthdays, holidays, death day, etc.). Returning this information to Our Black Rose is entirely optional.
Seeds of Remembrance- a packet of forget-me-not seeds as a sign of continued life and love
A tote bag to hold important items and memories
Bracelets to help build community and diminish stigma of suicide loss
A listing of free 30-minute legal advice from participating attorneys at the Allegheny County Bar Association (relevant in Allegheny County only)
A handbook for survivors of suicide
Local support groups, tips on self-care, and publications focused on suicide grief and how to talk to children
If you or someone you know is a suicide loss survivor, please fill out this form to receive a free Our Black Rose care package. It is our hope that the gifts and resources in the care package can provide some small comfort at this most difficult time.
You can expect the care package to arrive within two weeks of the request.
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Survivor Partners
Thank you to friends/family who reach out to Our Black Rose on behalf of someone they know suffering a suicide loss. Your support and understanding is vital to the unique grief and isolation suicide loss survivors feel following the loss of their loved one.
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Care Package Partners
We are also grateful to our partners who provide resources to our care packages: Allegheny County Bar Association, Highmark Caring Place, UPMC, the Association of Suicidology, & the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Additional Resources
Helpful Books
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The Gift of Second: Healing from the Impact of Suicide
by Brandy Lidbeck
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No Time to Say Goodbye: Surviving The Suicide Of A Loved One
by Carla Fine
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After Suicide Loss: Coping with Your Grief
by Jack Jordan, Ph.D.
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It's OK That You're Not OK
by Megan Devine & Mark Nepo
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Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief Paperback
by David Kessler
Testimonials
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Receiving the Our Black Rose Care Package made me feel like I was not alone with this tragedy, that so many other people are going through this as well. The booklet I have read several times and has helped me to cope with this loss.
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It was a beautiful package. I found the Handbook for Suicide Survivors most helpful. Journaling has been helpful and the journal is beautiful too.
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I had never heard of Our Black Rose until today. Wonderful caring charity. The note included with the care package from Our Black Rose to Survivors of Suicide. Beautiful. I appreciate your heart inspired work so much.
Make a Donation
Join us in offering a helping hand to families affected by suicide, where your donation can be a beacon of hope and support in their journey of healing.