Welcome to Star Legacy Foundation – Minnesota Chapter!
Minnesota is the “home base” for Star Legacy Foundation. Most of our programs are piloted and launched here first. We welcome you to join our efforts!
Upcoming Events
Shoe Drive – donate your new and gently used shoes today! We’ve partnered with an organization that provides shoes to microenterprises in developing nations. They make a donation per pound of shoes to use for collecting them! One donation helps two great causes!
International Bereaved Mother’s Day Tea – Saturday, May 5, 2018 – Minnesota Landscape Arboretum – Spaces is limited – register today!
Mary Alice & Friends 5K – Saturday, June 9, 2018 – Goosebury Pound Park, Moorhead, MN
Let’s Not Be Still – 6th Annual Run/Walk for Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness – Saturday, September 29, 2018 – Staring Lake Park, Eden Prairie, MN
Minnesota-specific projects:
Family Support
- Peer Companion Program (previously known as 11 Angels)
- Trained individuals who have first-hand experience with pregnancy losses and infant deaths are available to answer questions,families to resources, assist with memory making, and be a support person in the weeks and months that follow.
- Peer support, including in-hospital support, is available. To request peer support, call 952-715-7731, ext 2
- If you are interested in becoming a peer companion, contact us at info@starlegacyfoundation.org
- Support Groups
- Star Legacy Foundation provides live, online support groups for families who have experienced a perinatal loss and for individuals experiencing a pregnancy after a loss. Groups are held via HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing and facilitated by trained health professionals. The Perinatal Loss Support Groups meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 8pm eastern/7pm central/6pm mountain/5pm pacific and are led by Debbie Fischer. The Pregnancy After Loss Groups meet on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 8pm eastern/7pm central/6pm mountain/5pm pacific and are led by Dr. Joann O’Leary. Registration required for first session only – after that participants will receive a reminder email prior to each session containing the login details for the upcoming session.
- Grieving Parents – 2nd & 4th Mondays of each month at 8 pm eastern/7 pm central/6 pm mountain/5 pm pacific
- Pregnancy After a Loss – 1st & 3rd Mondays of each month at 8 pm eastern/7 pm central/6 pm mountain/5 pm pacific
- Star Legacy Foundation provides live, online support groups for families who have experienced a perinatal loss and for individuals experiencing a pregnancy after a loss. Groups are held via HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing and facilitated by trained health professionals. The Perinatal Loss Support Groups meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 8pm eastern/7pm central/6pm mountain/5pm pacific and are led by Debbie Fischer. The Pregnancy After Loss Groups meet on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 8pm eastern/7pm central/6pm mountain/5pm pacific and are led by Dr. Joann O’Leary. Registration required for first session only – after that participants will receive a reminder email prior to each session containing the login details for the upcoming session.
- Care Packages
- We provide a variety of support items in care packages to families experiencing a pregnancy loss or infant death. The care packages are provided through our peer companion program or through specific hospitals. To inquire about obtaining care items for your hospital, contact us at info@starlegacyfoundation.org
- Fiscal Sponsor for “Blessed with More”. This service by Janelle Wourms in Duluth, MN provides care packages for families at St. Mary’s and St. Luke’s Hospitals.
Advocacy
- Minnesota passes Dependent Tax Credit for Families of Stillborn Babies
- In 2016, Star Legacy Foundation led efforts to make Minnesota the 5th state in the US to offer a Dependent Tax Credit to families who have experienced a stillbirth. Effective January 1, 2016, this legislation will provide financial support to families at a difficult time.
. Click here for the MN application for Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth.
- In 2016, Star Legacy Foundation led efforts to make Minnesota the 5th state in the US to offer a Dependent Tax Credit to families who have experienced a stillbirth. Effective January 1, 2016, this legislation will provide financial support to families at a difficult time.
- Stillbirth Focus Group at Minnesota Maternal Child Health Task Force
- In 2015, Minnesota legislators encouraged the Maternal Child Health Task Force to include stillbirth. Star Legacy Foundation has teamed with several individuals across the state to form the Stillbirth Working Group that is now preparing a proposal for the Task Force with recommendations on how to better support families after a loss and how to reduce stillbirth rates in the state.
Research
- Study of What Parents Need following a Stillbirth: A Needs Assessment
- This study will consist of a series of focus groups held throughout the state of both parents and health professionals. Additional information will be available soon about how to participate.
Awareness
- Let’s Not Be Still! Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Run/Walk – each year on the last Saturday of September.
- Present information about pregnancy loss and neonatal death to community organizations throughout the state. Contact us for more information.
Education
- Stillbirth Summit
- While a national project, the Stillbirth Summit will be held in our backyard! We hope you’ll plan to join us to learn from leading researchers focused on stillbirth prevention. Information about volunteer opportunities will be available soon.
- Health Professional Education
- Star Legacy Foundation has hosted health professional retreats for several Minnesota hospitals including Ridgeview Medical Center, Maple Grove Hospital, United Hospital, and Essentia Health. We are blessed to partner with Faith’s Lodge for local retreats in a beautiful and healing setting!
- Half day and full day presentations offered throughout the state to discuss bereavement care, resources for families, emerging evidence and self-care.
- If you would like a retreat or education day for your facility and staff, please contact us at info@starlegacyfoundation.org
Minnesota Resources Other Families Have Found Helpful:
- Brighter Days Grief Center
- McBride Funeral Home
- Faith’s Lodge
- Tending the Spirit – End of Life Care (fee based)
Newsletters
Contact Us:
If you would like to join our efforts, please contact us at info@starlegacyfoundation.org or 952-715-7731