Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently wrote about loneliness, stating, “Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an under-appreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health. Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight—one that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled and more productive lives.”

Imagine how crushing that loneliness might feel if it were due to the unexpected loss of a loved one? This is what families reaching out to the Kinzler Foundation experience.

“It’s so utterly lonely… You’ve lost that one person that was your best friend in life and excellent parent to your kids,” shared on family.

“You don’t have a clue what to do,” said another. “I was lost… I had no one to lean on.”

The Kinzler Foundation provides not only short-term financial support to West Michigan families as they move forward after the sudden loss of a primary earner or caregiver, but also connections to existing community resources for longer-term support and importantly, a network of families who have walked the same path before them.

“The Kinzler Foundation help ended up being so much more than financial,” shared on beneficiary. “They helped give me a support group of other young moms facing a similar situation, which helped me navigate all the drama and grief that follows an unexpected loss.”

Learn more about one family’s journey through the video below: