ETERNAL SADNESS –
July 24, 2023 – Two years later, Owens moved to Kansas City to be closer to friends and family. Immediately, Owens realized there was an issue. The closest group like GRASP was in St. Louis.
Owens was motivated to get a group going and reached out to Jewish Family Services KC. Now, a local chapter of GRASP is up and running.
“I know what it was like to live with somebody who was struggling and lost that fight,” Owens said. “We just want to be able to reach out and give somebody a place to be — and to be themselves — and to feel like they have a community that they can talk about it with.”
Owens and co-leader Laura Bratt are hosting monthly meetings with JFS KC on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park. The next meeting is July 25.
The only requirement to attend is having lost someone to addiction or substance abuse. It is not a group for those currently struggling with addiction or their families. Attendance is free, although JFS does ask that you register beforehand. All faiths are welcome.
