Companion on a Journey Grief Support Fund

Companions on a Journey Grief Support, Inc., “COJ”, based in West Chester, Ohio, was founded in 1997 as a Non-Profit faith based community volunteer organization. “COJ” was formed by (Executive Director) Sheila Munafo-Kanoza as a St. Maximilian Kolbe Ministry in 1995.

“COJ” Incorporated in 2007 and on September 11, 2008 received notification from the IRS of our status as 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The significance of this day that brought such grief to our nation affirmed to us the importance of our work, which is to support the needs of the bereaved of our community.

“COJ” currently operates many grief support groups, in various locations dealing with grief losses as experienced by widows/widowers, child loss, suicide survivors, young adults, parents, siblings, business associates and friends. For specific Grief Support Group Meetings you can visit our WEB site at: http://www.companionsonajourney.org

As our community becomes the new corridor for hospitals and medical facilities the need for grief support continues to grow and we see the need for more grief support in our community. The help given by “COJ” can add greatly to the physical and mental well being of the bereaved and therefore to their families, friends, employers and their community. Since its inception, “COJ” has helped thousands through their respective grief.

“COJ’s” Board of Directors began with three women, all who had one thing in common: They have all endured the death of a close family member.

• Sheila Munafo-Kanoza, a former P&G Sales Representative, was widowed in 1993.
• Linda Sullivan, Associate Director and Medical Transcriptionist, lost a son in infancy 28 years ago.
• Margaret Kast, Associate Director and a Psychologist, was widowed 2 years ago.

Each of these women is a member of the American Academy of Bereavement and are nationally trained Advanced Bereavement Facilitators. All are members of the National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved, The Tri-State Suicide Prevention coalition and Grief Works Network.

Those who are involved with “COJ” as staff, volunteers and board members hold compassion, understanding, confidentiality and accessibility as their core values. Consequently, the dedication of these individuals is the main reason for “COJ’s” success over the past several years.

“COJ’s” Mission, in the field of human services is:

To reach out to those who grieve and educate those who do not understand grief and support those individuals, schools, businesses and organizations seeking grief support.

Our Vision is to one day have a Bereavement Center where individuals, families and those needing grief support at any stage in their grief can come and find companionship, comfort and healing.

“COJ” has partnered with the Community Foundation in setting up the Companions on a Journey Grief Support Fund. Donations to the fund will be used to further the mission of “COJ”, and to provide the money necessary to secure and operate a West Chester / Liberty Township Bereavement Center.

Please send your donation indicating this fund to the Foundation’s office or donate through this secure website using our Give Now feature.