Shepherd's Cove Grief Support

02/16/2026

At Shepherd’s Cove, compassionate end-of-life care has always been at the heart of everything we do, and interdisciplinary support is a vital part of that care.

For Stacey Johnson, Community Programs Director, that calling began with a deep passion for social work. Over time, that passion grew into a vision, creating a counseling program that supports people in every stage of life while also strengthening the compassionate care we provide through hospice.

Stacey is quick to share that this work is never done alone. She is incredibly proud of the talented, compassionate counseling team that shows up every day to serve our community with empathy and excellence.

Her hope is simple and heartfelt, that this program will continue to grow, continue to serve, and continue to be a blessing to the individuals and families who trust Shepherd’s Cove.

We are grateful for the vision and heart behind Shepherd’s Cove Counseling.

For more information about Shepherd's Cove Counseling, visit www.shepherdscovecounseling.org or call 256.891.7724.

02/11/2026

Yesterday, Shepherd’s Cove Bereavement Team had the honor of hosting our Hopeful Hearts event, and our hearts are so full of gratitude.

A special thank you to Local Joes for not only hosting but generously sponsoring the evening. Chef Ben prepared a beautifully crafted meal and dessert that made the time feel even more special. We are incredibly blessed to have the support of local businesses who believe in our mission and stand beside us in serving our community.

To everyone who attended, thank you. Your presence, encouragement, and continued support help keep the mission of Shepherd’s Cove going strong. It is because of this community that Hope continues to shine brightly.

Local Joe's at Albertville

02/09/2026

We have a need in our community and wanted to reach out to our amazing supporters to seek assistance. We have a family that has recently purchased their forever home, and they would love to have the land at home blessed.

Is there anyone in the Grant or Guntersville area that would be willing to help by volunteering their time? Please contact us at 256-891-7724 and ask for Amanda Hollingsworth or email ahollingsworth@gmail.com.

01/26/2026

Sponsored and Hosted by Local Joe's at Albertville

Join us for Hopeful Hearts, a grief support social gathering designed to offer connection, encouragement, and a space to be together.

📅 Tuesday, February 10
🕚 11:00 AM
📍 Hammer’s Hall at Local Joe's - Albertville

☕ Lunch is provided, but Pre-Registration is REQUIRED
RSVP to sjohnson@hospicemc.org or 256.891.7724 by February 6th.

This event is open to anyone navigating loss who could benefit from community and support.

01/20/2026

We are honored to be a grantee of the Alabama Children’s Trust Fund.

Our Grief Support Program is proud to be a grantee of the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention through the Children’s Trust Fund, helping us reach children and families with care, compassion, and community when they need it most.

Prevention is powerful. When children are supported through grief, especially in school and community settings, we are not only responding to loss, we are helping prevent long-term emotional and behavioral challenges. Together, we can build a world where every child has the opportunity to grow up safe, supported, and surrounded by love.

Today, Ryan Smothers and Amanda Hollingsworth had the honor of attending a statewide check presentation celebrating this important funding. We are deeply grateful to our legislators for investing in prevention and for recognizing the meaningful impact our grief support and in-school programs bring to children and families across our community.

Thank you for believing in the power of early support and compassionate care. 💙

01/12/2026

Thank you to all of our monthly contributors and the Shepherd's Cove Foundation for helping our grief support team provide a small snack to those who attend sessions.

Help Support Our Bereavement Program

Our bereavement program provides a welcoming and supportive space for those navigating loss. Providing snacks each month helps create a comforting environment for our clients.

We’re looking for volunteers to sign up to help bring monthly snacks. It’s an easy way to support the program and those we serve.

Sign up here: https://signup.com/go/xDGJpfq
Commitment: Monthly (choose the month(s) that work best for you)

Thank you for helping make a difference.

11/27/2025

This Thanksgiving, we hold space for every grieving heart. May you find moments of comfort, connection, and gentleness with yourself, even on the days that feel heavy. You are not walking this season alone.

11/19/2025

10/09/2025

💙💜 Introducing Our New Counseling Program 💜💙

At Shepherd’s Cove, we believe emotional wellness is an essential part of whole-person care. Our counseling services are grounded in compassion and guided by a mission to walk beside you with understanding, respect, and hope.

Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, healing from trauma, facing relationship challenges, managing stress, or coping with a mental health diagnosis, we’re here to support you with personalized, professional care.

This new counseling program expands our ability to meet the emotional wellness needs of our community while our longstanding Community Grief Support services continue to offer a safe place for those who are grieving to find comfort, connection, and healing.

To make a referral or learn more, contact 256.891.7724 or visit www.shepherdscovecounseling.org.

09/30/2025

We are incredibly blessed to do the work we do. If there is ever any way we can help you or a child navigating loss, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.

https://gadsdenmessenger.com/shepherds-cove-helps-students-cope-with-loss/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNI3FVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHgjmcr1oOVJYdFONbRmlFJUcSdQdWu5DsT0pruH5aEGeH793ToIn4-Fry3An_aem_nMWkLTNpsgczM738M_ixoA

By Karla McArthur, Education Correspondent According to Dr. Alan Wolfelt, children coping with loss are often called “the forgotten mourners,” said Ryan Smothers, who helps lead grief support services for Shepherd’s Cove. Addressing that need is a priority for the organization, which extends b...

09/24/2025

Meet Ryan Smothers, known as “Mr. Ryan” to parents, teachers, and students in the know. As our in-school bereavement coordinator, Ryan shares his heartfelt “why.”

This raw, unfiltered testimony reminds us of the vital importance of grief support within our school systems. When children are navigating the loss of someone they love, having a safe place and a trusted guide makes all the difference.

To learn more or to register a child who is grieving a significant loss, visit: www.schgriefsupportregistration.com

09/19/2025

A full day of sessions has begun at our first Kickoff to Care! This workshop focuses on equipping school professionals, social workers, and nurses with the knowledge and tools to navigate mental health challenges, strengthen communication skills, and maintain personal well-being.

Thank you to our breakfast sponsor: Mountain Lakes Behavioral Healthcare

Location: Event Center at City Harbor at Lake Guntersville

Shepherd's Cove Foundation

Alabama Department of Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention