News
A Brief Message From SOSL’s Executive Director Joyce Bruggeman
Here is a timely video message to all of us from Joyce Bruggeman, SOSL’s Executive Director regarding our services during this time.
SOSL’s Response and Actions Being Taken Regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
We want you to know that the SOSL Leadership Team is aware of the growing concern surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its implications to the health of our SOSL Community. …Continue Reading
13th Annual Walk in Remembrance with Hope
Thank you to all of our walkers, generous donors, sponsors, and exhibitors! We raised over $90,000 at our 13th Annual Walk in Remembrance with Hope which took place on Sunday, …Continue Reading
The Voiceless Project
SOSL is grateful that we can provide support and services for those left behind after a suicide. The hope and healing that come from being with other survivors in a …Continue Reading
Secretary of State Alex Padilla & his wife Angela are Walk in Remembrance Keynote Speakers
SOSL and Directing Change are pleased to announce Secretary of State Alex Padilla and his wife Angela Padilla will be our keynote speakers for our opening ceremony this year. Secretary …Continue Reading
12th Annual San Diego SOSL Day – “Whispers of Hope”
Saturday, June 1st Register now for SOSL Day and join us for this designed to help you on your healing journey. Your SOSL Team has been planning a day with …Continue Reading
SOSL Opening Two New Support Groups!
SOSL continues to offer more groups and services to the Survivor Community in San Diego County. We want to get the word about two new groups—bringing the number of locations …Continue Reading
12th Annual Walk in Remembrance with Hope
Thank you to all of our walkers, generous donors, sponsors, and exhibitors! Our 12th Annual Walk in Remembrance with Hope took place on Sunday, November 11th, in beautiful Balboa …Continue Reading
Suicide Prevention Week 2018
Talking about or learning about prevention can be difficult for many of us who have lost a loved one to suicide. For some, learning about the warning signs gives …Continue Reading
SOSL’s New Board Members
SOSL is pleased to announce the addition of two new board members: Lisa Falls and Bertha Loaiza. Lisa and Bertha have been connected to SOSL for a number of years, …Continue Reading
SOSL Day 2018
by Allison Sampite On a Saturday afternoon inside The Rock church in Point Loma, dozens arrived to grieve the loss of their loved ones. The gathering was a memorial of sorts, …Continue Reading
SOSL – Telling Our Story
SOSL San Diego is an amazing organization that provides vital and life-changing services and support to those left behind after a suicide. However, what makes SOSL truly remarkable is you! …Continue Reading
Kim Bozart’s Story
SOSL would like to announce that Kim Bozart will serve as the new chair of the SOSL Board of Directors. Kim has served on the board for over 2 years, …Continue Reading
Registration now open for our 11th Annual San Diego SOSL Day!
Registration now open for our 11th Annual San Diego SOSL Day! Come join us on Saturday, April 7th at the Rock Church. This year our theme is “Hope Springs: Planting …Continue Reading
Walk In Remembrance with Hope – Special Edition T-shirts Available!
SOSL depends on your generous donations all year long. We have some women’s V-neck T-shirts with the Walk in Remembrance with Hope Logo. We are already in the planning stage …Continue Reading
Special Thanks – SOSL Can’t Do What We Do Without you!
We are well in the New Year, and SOSL has some exciting plans for continued growth in 2018! Whether you contribute on a monthly basis, through a fundraising appeal, the …Continue Reading
SOSL & Directing Changes 11th Annual Walk
SOSL & Directing Change 11th Annual Walk SOSL and Directing Change held the 11th Annual Walk on Sunday, November 12th in beautiful Balboa Park. Over 1,000 survivors and supporters came …Continue Reading
Holiday Survival Guide
by Deric Metzger “The pleasure of remembering had been taken from me, because there was no longer anyone to remember with. It felt like losing your co-remember provides us with …Continue Reading
SOSL’s 11th Annual Walk
SOSL’s 11th Annual Walk: Sunday, November 12th Registration now open! Did you know that the annual Save a Life Walk has a new name this year? It is now the Walk …Continue Reading
SOSL’s 2nd Annual Ride For Life
Saturday, September 2, 2017 – Suicide Prevention Month SOSL’s 2nd Annual Ride For Life is a great opportunity to bring suicide awareness to San Diego County! Last year we had …Continue Reading
Beyond Surviving Workshops
SOSL continues to expand our support services to educate and bring greater healing to our community. A new element we are introducing is our Beyond Surviving Workshops. These workshops are …Continue Reading
Our 10th Annual SOSL Day!
On April 8th, many in the SOSL community came together for our 10th Annual SOSL Day! As we share our stories of loss and memories of joy, we were reminded that one step …Continue Reading
What’s happening in SOSL?
We are already making plans for upcoming events for 2017. They include our Beyond Surviving Workshop Series, designed for ongoing support for the long-term survivor, 10th Annual SOSL Day, the …Continue Reading
New 8-Week Support Group
Beyond Surviving is an 8-week support group for survivors who lost their loved one to suicide more than six months ago. This group offers structured grief work, including specific topics …Continue Reading
Our 10th Annual San Diego SOSL Day – “Hope Springs: Community of Healing” – Saturday, April 8, 2017
Register now for SOSL Day. Join us for a day of community and healing! What is SOSL Day? SOSL Day is an event focused on hope and healing. We start …Continue Reading
10th Annual Save A Life Walk, a Success
Thank you to all our walkers, generous donors, sponsors, and exhibitors! SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR TOP FUNDRAISING TEAMS! An 80’s Angel Team Majesty Team Invictus SOL-Encinitas Team SOSL Our 10th …Continue Reading
Rubio’s Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who came out to Rubio’s to help raise funds for SOSL on Wednesday, November 2nd. We made a strong impact with nearly 100 supporters enjoying a …Continue Reading
Celebrating Holidays After Suicide
Cupcakes & Dread-Blocking By Jennifer Lane, www.JenniferLLane.com Celebrating after suicide is difficult as we are reminded of our devastating loss. We get caught up telling the story of their death, limiting the …Continue Reading
SAVE A LIFE WALK! Sunday, November 13th
We invite you to join us for the 10th Annual Save A Life Walk Sunday, November 13, 2016 The Save A Life Community Walk is the signature event for San …Continue Reading
Come join SOSL as we host a fundraiser at Rubio’s!
Come join SOSL as we host a fundraiser at Rubio’s! 20% of the total sales made with a print-out or download of the flyer will be donated to our cause! …Continue Reading
Welcome to Joe Davis, SOSL’s newest board member
SOSL is pleased to welcome another new board member, Joe Davis, Chaplain for the San Diego County Medical Examiner. In his professional role which he has held for 16 years, …Continue Reading
SOSL ‘s 1st Annual Ride For Life/Comedy Showcase
Saturday, September 10th – Worldwide Suicide Prevention Day! This will be a great opportunity to bring suicide awareness to San Diego County! Don’t ride? No problem! If you can eat and …Continue Reading
Our 9th Annual SOSL Day – A Powerful Day of Hope and Healing
Thank you to everyone who attended SOSL Day on April 9, 2016! We want to extend a warm thank you to our event sponsors, donors, and all of our dedicated …Continue Reading
Welcome to Kim Bozart, SOSL’s newest board member
We are pleased to welcome SOSL’s newest board member, Kim Bozart. Kim is a licensed mental health professional, currently working as a supervisor with PERT, Psychological Emergency Response Team. In …Continue Reading
9th Annual San Diego SOSL Day
9th Annual San Diego SOSL Day “Hope Springs: Healing Happens”. When: Saturday, April 9, 2016 Location: Legacy Church Tierrasanta – 10881 Tierrasanta Blvd., San Diego, CA 92124 Time: 10:00 am …Continue Reading
New 8-Week Support Group
Beyond Surviving is an 8-week support group for survivors who lost their loved one to suicide more than six months ago. This group offers structured grief work, specific topics of …Continue Reading
Welcome, Joyce!
It is with grateful hearts and excitement for our future that we welcome our new SOSL Executive Director, Joyce Bruggeman. Joyce stepped into the role of Executive Director of SOSL …Continue Reading
9th Annual Save A Life Walk, a Success!
THANK YOU to all of our Save A Life Walk participants & donors. Each of you made Save A Life Walk 2015 a HUGE success!! The funds raised through this event …Continue Reading
SAVE A LIFE WALK! Sunday, November 8th
We invite you to join us for the 9th Annual Save A Life Walk Sunday, November 8, 2015 The Save A Life Community Walk is the signature event for San …Continue Reading
Attitude of Gratitude
With grateful hearts, we extend our sincere thanks to Jenni Morel for her creative, dedicated service to SOSL for the past 2 ½ years as Director of Development. While here …Continue Reading
Suicide Prevention Week, September 7th – 13th!
Talking about or learning about prevention can be difficult for many of us who have lost a loved one to suicide. For some, learning about the warning signs gives …Continue Reading
Recap of the Inaugural STRENGTH 5K
Thank you to all of our STRENGTH Journeyers, our donors, our volunteers, and our sponsors for making the inaugural STRENGTH for the journey 5K Run/Walk a Success! The run took place …Continue Reading
A Letter from Jenni Morel, SOSL Director of Development
Dear Friend of SOSL, I am Jenni Morel, and I have served as SOSL’s Director of Development for the past two years. I found my way to SOSL a few …Continue Reading
Beyond Surviving, an 8 week Support Group
NEW 8-WEEK SUPPORT GROUP Beyond Surviving, is an 8-week support group for survivors who lost their loved one to suicide more than six-months ago. This group offers structured grief work, including specific …Continue Reading
Register Today! STRENGTH for the journey 5K Run/Walk!
Register Today! STRENGTH for the journey 5K Run/Walk! Survivors of Suicide Loss INAUGURAL Loss and grief are never easy – though, from even the most difficult experiences we have an …Continue Reading
Our 8th Annual SOSL Day, A Powerful Day of Togetherness
Our 8th Annual SOSL Day, A Powerful Day of Togetherness Thank you to everyone who attended SOSL Day on April 11, 2015! We want to extend a warm thank you …Continue Reading
SOSL Day
8TH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS DAY “Hope Springs: You Are Not Alone“ INCLUDING KEYNOTE SPEAKER DIANA WAUGH AND PANEL SATURDAY, APRIL 11TH 10: A.M. to 2:30 P.M. …Continue Reading
SOSL Board member & Executive Director Interviewed on KPBS
Camille Currier, SOSL Board of Directors & Bonnie Bear, SOSL Executive Director talked candidly about suicide loss and prevention on KPBS on March 9th. Read the story and listen …Continue Reading
A Letter from Camille Currier, SOSL Board of Directors
Dear Friend of SOSL, I am Camille Currier and have had the privilege to serve on the SOSL Board of Directors since March of 2005. On Thanksgiving Day, 2004, I …Continue Reading
8th Annual Save A Life Walk, A Success!
To all of our Save A Life Walk participants & donors – THANK YOU for making the 8th Annual Save A Life Walk a HUGE success!! Keep an eye on the …Continue Reading
SOSL Wins the 2014 Community Choice Award!
Recipient of the 2014 Community Choice Award from Community Health Improvement Partners & The Innovative Partnership Award from Recovery International Survivors of Suicide Loss is honored to accept the 2014 …Continue Reading
SOSL’s Executive Director Celebrating 10 Years!
This month marks a full decade that Bonnie Bear has served Survivors of Suicide Loss as our Executive Director. Many of you know Bonnie personally, or have seen her deliver …Continue Reading
Suicide Prevention Week, September 8th – 14th!!
September 8th – 14th is Suicide Prevention Week! Talking about or learning about prevention can be difficult for many of us who have lost a loved one to suicide. For …Continue Reading
Selfie for a Cause!
Selfie for a Cause! Snap a Selfie along with a message on suicide awareness, prevention, survivor support, or any other message you want to share! Text or Email your Selfie …Continue Reading
Remembering Robin Williams
Dear SOSL Survivor Support Community, As I was watching the hours of news coverage about the loss of Robin Williams to suicide, I found myself reliving the struggles my dear …Continue Reading
Support Groups for Teens & for Parents, Update
We are an ongoing teen support group. Through conversation and memorial activities, we help teens learn coping skills after the loss of a family member or friend to suicide.
Beyond Surviving NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK!
Beyond Surviving NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK! SOSL is proud to announce that our book, Beyond Surviving: A Compilation of Stories from Survivors of Suicide Loss, is now available in …Continue Reading
Recipient of the Outstanding Service Award!
Survivors of Suicide Loss is honored to accept the 2014 Outstanding Service Award from the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council. “For Your 33 Years of Dedication to Suicide Prevention.” …Continue Reading
Our 7th Annual SOSL Day, A Powerful Day for Healing
Thank you to everyone who attended SOSL Day on April 26, 2014! This year was the largest SOSL Day to date, with 111 people joining us. The day started with an …Continue Reading
Rubio’s Fundraiser!
Come join SOSL as we host a fundraiser at Rubio’s! 20% of the total sales made with a print-out of the flyer will be donated to our cause! All profits …Continue Reading
May 17, 2014: Community Alliance of Healthy Minds Forum!
You do not want to miss the 8th Annual CAHM Forum! Two of our most dedicated SOSL facilitators, Rex and Connie Kennemer, founded CAHM in memory of their son, Todd, …Continue Reading
SOSL Welcomes a New Board Chair!
We are proud to announce Jana Weber as the new SOSL Board Chair! Paul Gagliardi served in this position for ten years, and while we are sad to see him go, we …Continue Reading
SOSL Day Registration Now Open!
7TH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS DAY “Hope Springs: The New Normal“ INCLUDING KEYNOTE SPEAKER CAROL LeBEAU SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH 10: A.M. to 2:30 P.M. Registration is closed
A Letter from SOSL
Dear Supporter of SOSL, This has been a year of great expansion for SOSL. As we grow, we are grateful to be here to support you, but we are pained …Continue Reading
Save A Life Walk 2013, A Success!
Save A Life Walk 2013, A Success! Our 7th Annual Save A Life Walk took place on Sunday November 10th. Thanks to the participation of over 1,500 people, the fundraising …Continue Reading
Save A Life Walk
Join us in Balboa Park at Sixth and Laurel on Sunday, November 10, 2013 for this year’s Save A Life Walk. Carol LeBeau is 2013 Honorary Chair and Keynote Speaker.
Suicide Prevention Week, September 8th – 14th
Suicide Prevention Week, September 8th – 14th September 8th – 14th is Suicide Prevention Week! Many of our supporters know about our Support Groups, our annual Save-A-Life Walk, and our …Continue Reading
Marie Mays, You Will Be Missed
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Marie Mays, one of SOSL’s founders and avid supporters for over thirty years. Marie passed away on …Continue Reading
A Ray of Hope in San Diego County
SOSL Highlighted in the Suicide Prevention Council Report to the Community 2015 The San Diego Suicide Prevention Council is a community-wide collaborative focused of realizing a vision of zero suicides …Continue Reading
MEG’S STORY: “The more I talk about it, the easier it gets.”
“I walked through those doors and I met two people who had had a similar experience, and every feeling that I expressed was validated.” – Meg Meg lost …Continue Reading
SOSL – Community Healing Center
Donay lost her husband Jacob to suicide. Rosza and Aaron also lost their son Aaron to suicide. After the loss of their loved ones, they found support and healing within …Continue Reading
SOSL’s 12th Annual Walk: Walk in Remembrance With Hope
SOSL’s 12th Annual Walk: Sunday, November 11th Register Here! Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL) is thrilled to partner with Directing Change again this year!* The Walk in Remembrance with Hope is still the signature …Continue Reading
The Power of the Story
Recently, Joyce Bruggeman, Executive Director of SOSL, and Floyd Strayer, veteran and volunteer with SOSL were asked to participate in a podcast series to start the conversation about the pressing …Continue Reading
Contribute to our quilt
We invite you to include a message and/or photo of your loved one who has died by suicide. Click for memorial quilt donation form .
News
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Ready to Talk, Ready to Stand
I am ready to stand in my truth: I lost by brother to suicide. Joey died on April 17, 2009, and it is only recently that I am able to even utter those words out loud. Read More »