Connecting hearts, healing through grief support
If you are here, it likely means you carry a loss that has forever changed you. This space exists for mothers navigating grief; whether your loss is recent or many years past, whether your child was with you for a moment or a lifetime. You are not alone here.
We gather not to “move on,” but to move forward together, honoring our children, our stories, and the love that remains. This is a place where your grief is met with understanding, where your voice matters, and where you can share as much or as little as you feel able.
There is no right way to grieve. Some days may feel heavy, others may bring moments of light. All of it belongs. Here, we hold space for each other with compassion, without judgment, and with deep respect for every journey. Thank you for being here, for your courage, and for allowing us to walk alongside you.
Started by a bereaved mother in 2021, B.I.R.T.H is a nonprofit organization helping mothers to navigate through the pain of losing a child by providing professionally led monthly support meetings, grief education, one-on-one coaching and annual walks.
Having experienced profound loss ourselves, B.I.R.T.H's board members understand the pain, frustration, and isolation those in mourning often experience. By providing practical resources and emotional support, we help grieving mothers find strength and hope in knowing they do not have to face this journey alone.

Tarsha Howell is the founder of B.I.R.T.H. (Beginning Inner Restoration Through Healing), a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) dedicated to supporting mothers as they navigate life after the loss of a child. A certified life coach and mother of three, Tarsha brings both professional guidance and lived experience to her work, creating a foundation of compassion, strength, and understanding for the women she serves.
After the loss of her son, Justin J. Shider, in March 2021, Tarsha was faced with a grief journey that reshaped her life. Through faith, personal resilience, and a commitment to healing, she began to rebuild with purpose. Recognizing the need for structured emotional support and community, she transformed her pain into action by founding B.I.R.T.H.
As a leader, Tarsha is passionate about helping mothers move beyond simply surviving and toward rediscovering their voice, identity, and hope. Her work combines life coaching principles with peer support, empowering women to heal, grow, and live fully again.
Recognition
For her dedication and impactful work through B.I.R.T.H., Tarsha Howell was awarded an Honorary Doctorian from Ascend Christian University; an acknowledgment of her commitment to service, healing, and community leadership.

To provide a gateway for mental, emotional and physical stability for mothers who have lost a child.
~Tarsha Howell

Via Zoom Live discussions of learning was to cope with loss to promote your wellness on the 19th of every month at 6:00 PM Eastern time.
Zoom Meeting ID: 620 397 9709
Password: 1izoSV

Join us every Sunday @ 7:00PM Eastern Time
Dial: 848-220-3100
Conference ID: 848-6386
Let Your Faith Be Bigger Than Your Fears

Our Annual Celebration of Life Walk is a heartfelt gathering where families, friends, and community members come together to honor and remember loved ones. Through shared moments, tributes, and reflection, we create a space filled with love, support, and unity. This family-friendly event welcomes all who wish to celebrate life and keep cherished memories alive.

Join us every Saturday morning at 8 AM
for B.I.R.T.H’s Walking Through Grief weekly walk.
This is a gentle space to move, reflect, and connect with others who understand the journey of grief. Whether you’re carrying loss, supporting someone who is, or simply need a moment of peace, you are welcome here.

Tarsha Howell is a dedicated life coach, advocate, and mother of three whose life’s work is centered on helping others heal with purpose. With a heart for service and a deep understanding of grief, she has committed herself to walking alongside women as they navigate some of life’s most difficult moments.
After experiencing the devastatin
Tarsha Howell is a dedicated life coach, advocate, and mother of three whose life’s work is centered on helping others heal with purpose. With a heart for service and a deep understanding of grief, she has committed herself to walking alongside women as they navigate some of life’s most difficult moments.
After experiencing the devastating loss of her son, Tarsha was faced with a journey that challenged her emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. Rather than allowing that pain to define her, she chose to transform it into purpose. Through her own healing, she discovered the importance of faith, intentional growth, and having a strong support system.
As a life coach, Tarsha blends her personal experiences with practical guidance, creating a compassionate and empowering approach to healing. She believes that while grief never fully disappears, it can evolve, and with the right support, life can still hold meaning, joy, and fulfillment.
In her role as founder of B.I.R.T.H. (Beginning Inner Restoration Through Healing), Tarsha leads with authenticity, empathy, and strength. Her mission is simple but powerful: to ensure that no mother feels alone in her grief, and to help women move from merely existing to truly living again.

Mr. Christopher Shider serves as a dedicated board member of B.I.R.T.H., bringing valuable business expertise and a strong commitment to mentorship. Through his involvement with Father Figure, he supports initiatives that provide guidance and positive influence to youth growing up without active fathers in their lives.
His passion for serv
Mr. Christopher Shider serves as a dedicated board member of B.I.R.T.H., bringing valuable business expertise and a strong commitment to mentorship. Through his involvement with Father Figure, he supports initiatives that provide guidance and positive influence to youth growing up without active fathers in their lives.
His passion for service is deeply rooted in personal experience. Following the loss of his brother and best friend on March 19, 2021, Mr. Shider has navigated a challenging journey through grief. Guided by faith, he continues to persevere with strength and resilience, often expressing, “With God, I am surviving.”
Mr. Shider’s perspective, shaped by both professional knowledge and personal growth, allows him to connect meaningfully with others and contribute to the mission of empowering and uplifting the community.

Pamela Alfred's journey as a passionate advocate against gun violence began with a tragic event that forever altered her life. In 2022, she experienced the heartbreaking loss of her youngest son due to gun violence. This devastating event ignited a fierce determination within her to take a stand against the pervasive issue.
Since then, Pa
Pamela Alfred's journey as a passionate advocate against gun violence began with a tragic event that forever altered her life. In 2022, she experienced the heartbreaking loss of her youngest son due to gun violence. This devastating event ignited a fierce determination within her to take a stand against the pervasive issue.
Since then, Pamela has emerged as a sought after panelist and speaker, leading her voice and personal experience to local groups dedicated to eucating the community about the devaastating impact of gun violence.
With unwavering dedication, Pamela now uses her platform to raise awareness and promote meaningful change. her compelling presence and heartfelt messages resonate with audiences as she shares her personal story.

Bridget's journey...
Her world shifted when she experienced a profound personal loss that left her struggling to cope. The pain was unfamiliar and overwhelming, forcing her to confront emotions she had long buried. Determined not to let grief consume her, Bridget made the difficult decision to seek help. Through counseling, she began to u
Bridget's journey...
Her world shifted when she experienced a profound personal loss that left her struggling to cope. The pain was unfamiliar and overwhelming, forcing her to confront emotions she had long buried. Determined not to let grief consume her, Bridget made the difficult decision to seek help. Through counseling, she began to unpack her trauma, slowly learning how to navigate her emotions and rebuild her sense of self.
She continued her sessions and increased her knowledge of coping strategies. Finally starting to find her footing, Bridget faced another passing, her older sister passed of breast cancer in August of 2023, after enduring a seven year journey.
Remembering some of her sister's last words, "She fought the best battle she could, " didn't seem to ease the pain. Bridget determined to grieve in a healthier way, decided to trust in God and use the coping mechanisms she had learned to heal.
Living a military connected life, Bridget and her family recently relocated to Georgia. Bridget continues to advocate for children, prioritize her mental health and cherish life.
~Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

Join us in providing healing and support to mothers facing loss. Your donation helps fund support groups, grief lines, retreats, and training programs. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of grieving families.
You are not alone. Healing is possible, and we’re here to walk this journey with you.
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Loss & Healing
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