A Letter from the Founder ~
I am excited and humbled to enter the 20th year of providing grief support services to thousands of individuals in Reno, Nevada, surrounding counties, and Northern California. It has been an honor and privilege to work alongside an amazing team of volunteers who are caring individuals who have committed their time and money to provide comprehensive grief support in our community.
I have been able to provide professional development at the University of Nevada, Reno, the University of Nevada School of Medicine, TMCC, hospitals, and hospices in our community, as well as serve as a keynote and guest speaker at dozens of conferences locally and nationally over the years. In collaboration with school counselors, we have been able to work with schools, students, staff, and families. Every single person I have come in contact with has helped us to fulfill our mission and vision that No Child, Teen, or Adult Shall Ever Grieve Alone.
In Nevada 1 out 14 children will have a parent die before they turn 18 years old. As of 2022, there are 2.2 million children nationally under the age of 18 who have had a parent die. Compared to nonbereaved children, bereaved children are at a higher risk of academic failure, depression, alcohol and substance misuse, violent crime, suicide attempts, suicide, and premature death from any cause.
We will continue to be committed to the mission to build the necessary support systems for grieving children and families in their time of loss and trauma in the Reno-Sparks area and Northern Nevada. I knew two decades ago that something needed to be done to support grieving families, and I am grateful for your support and partnership and invite you to continue the journey with us as The Solace Tree begins our next chapter.
Onward with Love and Support,
Emilio Parga
Founder, The Solace Tree
