A Mother’s Journey: How Family Fun Fair Supports Grief Services

After losing her daughter, Shelby Mendez, unexpectedly in September 2022, Tami Kinman of Vincennes felt her world shatter.

"I thought I knew grief. I had lost my parents, two brothers, a sister, and some of my best friends," Tami shared. "But nothing prepared me for the overwhelming pain of losing my daughter. It completely broke me."

Several months later, Tami found Good Samaritan’s Hospice Grief Support Group — a turning point in her healing journey.

"I remember sitting through the first few meetings just crying," she said. "But no one questioned me. Everyone just accepted me. Over time, as I kept attending, listening to others’ stories, and sharing my own, I began to feel a little stronger."

Tami described the group as a family — a place of empathy, understanding, and unwavering support.

"The people in that room knew what it felt like to be broken," she said. "They helped me find tools to cope and made me feel like I wasn’t alone. Jamie and Emily, who lead the group, surrounded me with love and care. Honestly, I believe this group helped save my life."

Now, after a year and a half of attending meetings, Tami has found herself in a stronger emotional place. She encourages anyone grieving a loved one not to give up — even if the first few meetings feel overwhelming.

"Just keep coming back," she said. "You’ll find the support you need. Every grief journey is different, but you don’t have to walk it alone."

To help raise awareness and support for these vital grief services, Good Samaritan Hospice and Palliative Care is hosting a Family Fun Fair on Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST at Highland Woods Park in Vincennes.

The event will feature family-friendly activities including inflatables, face painting, carnival games, food trucks, a dunk tank, several contests, and a cornhole tournament. Children’s wristbands will be $15 and include access to carnival games and bounce houses. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Good Grief Support Group and the children’s grief camp, Camp Memiki.

Makenzie Barrett, RN, Nurse Manager for Hospice and Palliative Care at Good Samaritan, said the Family Fun Fair is meant to be a joyful way to spread awareness about the support services available.

"Grief can be an isolating experience," Barrett said. "Our goal is to let people know they are not alone and that help is available. This event allows us to connect with families in a fun, uplifting environment."

If you are struggling with grief and want to learn more about Good Samaritan’s grief support, call Hospice at 812-885-8035. The Good Grief Support Group meets every other Thursday at 6 p.m. EST in the Cancer Pavilion, located at 520 S. Seventh Street in Vincennes.

To learn more about the event or to support Good Samaritan’s grief support programs, visit gshvin.org/familyfunfair.