Sibling Strong Initiative

17/01/2026

There are moments in grief when your heart and soul quietly ask for a break.

In this clip from the Mending Piece by Piece Podcast, Ben Harris reminds us of something deeply important: moments of laughter, comfort, and joy are not something to feel guilty for. They are not a sign you’ve forgotten your loved one. They are your soul creating space to survive.
Grief is not meant to be constant suffering. We move in and out—leaning into our pain, then leaning back into life, and returning again. Grief doesn’t disappear—but neither does life.

If you’ve ever felt relief followed by guilt, please hear this:
💙 Joy does not cancel grief
💙 Rest is not betrayal
💙 Grief is part of life—and so is living

🎧 Full conversation on the Mending Piece by Piece Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple.

16/01/2026

In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Linda Falasco sits down with Ben Harris to explore grief, su***de loss, resilience, and the healing power of peer su...

14/12/2025

Coming in 2026: a new chapter in sibling loss support.

The Sibling Strong Initiative will bring expanded programming, digital resources, and year-round community connection.

We’re just getting started.

06/11/2025

Still looking for survey respondents!!!

If you KNOW anyone who's lost a sibling (or a sibling-like relationship, including step-siblings, half-siblings, God-siblings, etc.), please take this survey YOURSELF!

And if you're a surviving sibling yourself, please take this survey as well.

https://forms.gle/s1pV5sQ8G5vydjtx7

Thank you!
Ben Harris and Kim Burditt Bartlett

27/10/2025

We’re growing what we do — and we’d love your input!

The heart of Sibling Strong Retreats has always been connection — building a supportive community of surviving siblings. As we grow, we’re shaping a new year-round model that extends that support beyond retreats.

Your feedback matters. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts in our short survey:
👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkJs7jz-tfjTwcjTBV83dOtyFbcPo6xkibKpSUJirIkY3YUg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104934110489536667013

💜

Thank you!!!
Ben Harris and Kim Burditt Bartlett

Help Shape a New Way to Support Bereaved Siblings Sibling Strong Retreats is exploring a new way to bring connection and healing to grieving siblings — through gift memberships to a peer grief support community that family and friends can give as a meaningful act of care. This short survey (3–4 ...

13/08/2025

Are you an adult grieving the loss of a sibling? You don't have to walk this path alone. 💖 Join us for the Sibling Strong Retreat from October 16-19 for a weekend of connection, compassion, peer support and outdoor adventure in the beautiful Lakes region of NH. Connect with others who understand your unique journey and find a space to grieve, share, and honor your sibling's memory in a way that feels natural and healing. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! Apply at www.siblingstrongretreats.com.

30/07/2025

Have you been to New England in the fall? It is BREATHTAKING! Neon colors in the trees, crisp refreshing air, apple c***r and donuts and bonfires and hoodies ... it's magical.

Guess what? We are still accepting applications for our October 16-19 Sibling Strong Retreats sibling grief and adventure retreat, and it's shaping up to be an INCREDIBLE event- we'd love to have you join!!! Read all about it and apply at www.siblingstrongretreats.com

Kim, one of our co-founders, will actually be posting some updated pics of the retreat host location next week, as she's going to be on site there this Saturday for a special event and will get to see this BRAND NEW location in person ... all brand new facilities that we'll have to ourselves for the entire retreat weekend. WE CANNOT WAIT. Connection, adventure, healing, laughter, understanding, memories ...

Know how it could be even better? WHEN YOU JOIN US!

Applications are open .... fill one out even if you're on the fence, and we'll go from there.

WE'D LOVE TO HAVE YOU JOIN US.

25/07/2025

Thanks to everyone who came out for our Sibling Strong Social Circle this past week!

The following interview on grief between Stephen Colbert and Anderson Cooper was mentioned by Ben Harris, and we wanted to share the clip that was referenced.

If you're busy and short on time --> here's a short 60-90 second clip of the quote that was mentioned: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGyxwA_un48/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

If you've got time for the whole interview --> here's the whole 20-minute interview:
https://youtu.be/YB46h1koicQ?si=dwFLoR_IyLnYCV7c

What do you think about their conversation?

This conversation was so raw and tender - truly a wonderful display of human interaction.

25/07/2025

RSVP now for an upcoming Social Circle, a low-key, relaxed space for those of us who have lost a sibling or sibling-like relationship to hang out and spend time together.

Here's the August Social Circle evite link:
https://evite.me/w9BXCRZm27
Here's the September Social Circle evite link:
https://evite.me/uZyPz3zEcM
Here's the October Social Circle evite link:
https://evite.me/MkgmPXDe9R

See you there!
Ben and Kim