Birthmother Support & Training

On-site training is available and delivered by experienced Brave Penny staff.  This training is for Churches and Adoption Agencies who support birthmothers.

Dealing with Infant Loss

Precious Losses is a 5-session program with Leader and Participant manuals and was developed for staff of organizations who support families grieving from Miscarriage, SIDS, or any form of Infant Death.


Shadowlands: Grief Recovery

Shadowlands is a six-session program that provides a Christian perspective on the journey from loss to a restored sense of peace and joy. Two options available for this program include an Online Program for Individuals and Program Licensing for Groups.

This program has been used for over twenty years at a large church in Plano, TX as the centerpiece of its in-house grief recovery ministry. Additionally, it has been adopted by many churches across the United States.

In the context of a safe, confidential small group, you will learn about God’s model of grieving, coping skills for difficult emotions, and insights into the effect of a loss on all areas of life. Loss is experienced in many forms: Death of a loved one, end of relationship, job loss, life-changing illnesses, adoption choice, abortion or suicide.

What is Grief?

  • The conflict between what we want and the reality of what we have
  • The desire to change yesterday when that is not possible

What is Recovery?

  • Learning to live a “new normal”
  • A choice you make
  • It takes time and effort and does not come with a “how to” book

Brave Penny delivers the Shadowlands program in two forms.

  • An online version for individuals who have suffered a loss, and
  • A licensing agreement with churches or other grief support organizations wanting to develop an in-house capability to deliver the program with their own staff on an on-going basis to their own congregation or clients.

Online and In-Person Shadowlands for Individuals

Brave Penny Founder and Executive Director, Sharon Fox, delivers a Zoom-based online class at various intervals throughout the year. Classes are also held in-person at Christ Church in Plano, TX.

Note that a participant manual is required for attendance. Payment and registration must be submitted at least two weeks in advance to ensure arrival prior to the start date.

If you are interested in viewing the schedule or participating in the upcoming online and/or IN-PERSON class, CLICK HERE

Note: Each class runs for 6 weeks so choose the day of the week and time that works best for you

Brave Penny also offers a five-session program titled Precious Losses which is for families or individuals who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS or infant death due to illness. Please CLICK HERE to contact Sharon Fox for information on the next session dates.

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Shadowlands Licensing for Groups

Grief support is often a forgotten ministry in churches and in organizations that minister to survivors or victims of loss. Yet, grief never fails to show up in the life of every human being. Too often, it is ignored with the hope that the ones who are struggling will get over the sadness, and somehow be back to normal soon. This response is usually due to the support person or group simply not knowing what to say or how to help. The materials presented in Shadowlands can be the resource to fill this gap.

Shadowlands is available under a licensing agreement which allows the licensee to receive electronic versions of the Participant’s Manual and Leader’s Guide which licensee is authorized to reproduce for the agreement-defined purposes. Licensing fees are based on the size or membership of the church or organization.

Leadership must attend a six-week Shadowlands program prior to licensing.

Dealing with Infant Loss

Precious Losses is a 5-session program with Leader and Participant manuals and was developed for staff of organizations who support families grieving from Miscarriage, SIDS, or any form of Infant Death.

Due to demand, Brave Penny developed a variant of the Shadowlands Grief Recovery Program aimed at individuals or families who have lost a child due to miscarriage or any other type of infant death. It is based on Sharon Fox’s book entitled “A Precious Loss.” Contact Sharon personally for details of the program by going to the CONTACT US page of this website.

This program can be licensed for use by grief support groups. A Leaders Guide and Participant Manual are delivered electronically to the licensee.

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Birthmother Support/Training

On-site training is available and delivered by experienced Brave Penny staff.  This training is for Churches and Adoption Agencies who support birthmothers.

Contact Sharon personally for details of the program clicking on CONTACT US (in the menu bar of this website).

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Support Materials

CLICK HERE to review the numerous support materials which are available (Books, CDs, DVDs, and articles).

Materials relevant to grief recovery have been developed by Brave Penny and are available through the MERCHANDISE page of this website. Current materials include:

BOOKS

  • Reframing Adoption – a book written by Sharon Fox to assist birthmothers dealing with the aftermath of their decision to gift their child to another family. It is available in both English and Spanish and can be purchased through this website or directly from online book sellers such as Amazon.
  • A Precious Loss – a book written by Sharon Fox to assist individuals and families who have lost a child due to miscarriage or any other form of infant loss. It is available in both English and Spanish and can be purchased through this website or directly from online book sellers such as Amazon.
  • Grieving with God (Journaling to Heal Your Broken Heart) – This easy to use journal is an excellent tool for grief recovery. It is composed of 14 sections which are grief related. It is designed to encourage the reader to respond to the topic by writing on the provided blank pages. Writing is one of the key coping skills of Grief Recovery and is often avoided by those who are mourning a loss. Copies are $20.00 plus shipping of $5.00. For more information contact SharonBravePenny@gmail.com
  • The Stone Carver’s Son – a children’s book written by Sharon Fox that relates the story of Jesus’ birth in a new and engrossing way.
  • Scooch, the Curious Caterpillar – a children’s book written by Sharon Fox about the mystery of hiccups and what they mean.

DVDs and CDs

  • Grief Ministry Skills Training – a DVD that was recorded during a training session for leaders of organizations delivering the Shadowlands Grief Recovery Program. The training is divided into three sessions of one-half hour each.
  • In Quietness & Confidence – a CD that combines music and scripture readings to assist those experiencing grief in gaining contentment and peace.

ARTICLES

Numerous articles have been written and can be viewed by clicking on SUPPORT MATERIALS in the menu bar and then selecting ARTICLES.

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