The Collective for Hope: Grief's Journey, HEALing Embrace, Ted E. Bear Hollow

What The Collective for Hope: Grief's Journey, HEALing Embrace, Ted E. Bear Hollow does

Collective for Hope is a 501(c)-equivalent nonprofit organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, founded in the late 1990s (originally as Ted E. Bear Hollow, transitioning to Grief's Journey in 2017 and merging with HEALing Embrace in 2019 to form the current entity). It provides free, peer-based grief support to children, teens, adults, and families across the Omaha Metro and Council Bluffs region, offering loss-specific support groups (suicide loss, pregnancy and infant loss, anticipatory grief, pediatric cancer loss), eight-week structured bereavement series, youth drop-off programming and overnight retreats (Camp Hope ages 12–18), remembrance events, and a Crisis Response ("Grief 101") service for schools and workplaces. All programs are delivered by trained volunteer facilitators who complete a 12-hour Grief Facilitator Training and background checks, with two paid clinical counseling offices planned at the new facility.

The organization's core technology is human service delivery, not a software platform — it operates no proprietary technology, no app, and no public API; its online presence is a Squarespace-based website with content/blog and event/registration pages. Ancillary product lines include custom-weighted memorial bears for infant loss families, a "Gifts of Hope" curated marketplace featuring 10+ Maker Partners (SoulKu, Casshoo Reiki, Made with Grayce, etc.), and fee-based training offerings (Grief Facilitator Training, Grief 101, Corporate Bereavement Training). Capital infrastructure includes a capital campaign ("Home for Hope") to open Omaha's first dedicated Grief Support Center at 8000 Chicago Street in summer 2026, nearly doubling current program space and enabling future clinical counseling capacity.

The business model is philanthropy-driven: all grief support programs are free to participants, with revenue sourced from individual donations, planned giving/bequests, grants, corporate sponsorships, event sponsorships (annual Comfort Food Classic fundraiser, 300+ attendees, 20th annual in 2027), in-kind donations, and a small fee-based revenue stream from training and education programs. The go-to-market is community-led and referral-based — families are referred by schools, hospitals, hospices, funeral homes, churches, and counseling offices, supplemented by word-of-mouth, earned media coverage, and a rebrand/website refresh launched September 2025. The organization employs 17 staff (including Executive Director Cliff McEvoy and Deputy Director Jackie Lee) plus a trained volunteer facilitator base, with a board of directors chaired by Mark Jaksich (retired CFO of Valmont Industries).

Name

The Collective for Hope: Grief's Journey, HEALing Embrace, Ted E. Bear Hollow

Legal name

Collective for Hope

Website

https://thecollectiveforhope.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Collective for Hope is an Omaha, Nebraska–based nonprofit that provides free, peer-based grief support groups, youth programs, and training for children, teens, adults, and families in the Greater Omaha and Council Bluffs region, funded primarily through donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Grief Support Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Palliative Care, Hospice & Serious Illness Support (BPAGACAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD), Bereavement, Grief & Family Support Services (Hospice-Linked) (HLAFAEAO), Bereavement & Grief Support Services (Family Aftercare) (HSABAFAI)

Keywords

• Peer grief support
• Bereavement programs
• Grief education training
• Community mental health
• Nonprofit counseling services

Headquarters

HQ city

Omaha

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations & Fundraising: Collective for Hope is funded entirely through the generosity of individuals, families, grants, and community sponsors. All programs are completely free to participants. Revenue comes from monetary donations, in-kind donations, corporate sponsorships, event sponsorships, and planned giving/bequests. A capital campaign (Home for Hope) is underway to fund a new dedicated Grief Support Center.
2. Fee-based Training & Education: Training programs such as Grief Facilitator Training and Grief 101 are described as fee-based offerings. These corporate and community education programs normalize grief and build capacity for compassionate support. Revenue from these programs supports the organization's broader free programming.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Collective for Hope provides free, unlimited peer-based grief support programs for children, teens, and adults, including loss-specific support groups (Suicide Loss, Pregnancy & Infant Loss, Anticipatory Grief, Adults Helping Adults), 8-week structured bereavement series, youth drop-off programming, Camp Hope overnight retreats, and remembrance events. The organization also offers fee-based Grief Facilitator Training, Grief 101 community education, and corporate bereavement training. All grief support services are free to participants and funded through donations, grants, and sponsorships.

Product overview

Collective for Hope is a nonprofit organization offering free, peer-based grief support programs for children, teens, and adults. The portfolio consists of core grief support services (peer-based support groups and multi-week curriculum series for various loss types including suicide loss, adult bereavement, pregnancy and infant loss, and anticipatory grief), youth programming (drop-off activities, Camp Hope overnight retreats), community education (Grief 101 community response sessions), and professional training (Grief Facilitator Training, Grief 101, Corporate Training). The organization also offers tangible grief support products including weighted bears and curated grief gifts from maker partners. Major upcoming expansion includes the opening of Omaha's first dedicated Grief Support Center in 2026 with expanded clinical counseling services. Historical brands include Ted E. Bear Hollow (founded late 1990s), Grief's Journey (2017), and HEALing Embrace (merged 2019) which unified under Collective for Hope.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Grief Support Groups Peer-based support groups organized by type of loss, including Suicide Loss Survivors, Adults Helping Adults, Pregnancy & Infant Loss (PAIL), and Anticipatory Grief. Led by trained volunteer facilitators, providing safe spaces for sharing stories and mutual support for individuals and families navigating specific types of bereavement.
• Grief Support Series Multi-week curriculum-based group programs including the 8-week Family Bereavement Support Group, 8-week Adult Bereavement Support Series, and Pediatric Cancer Loss Series (in partnership with Angels Among Us). Structured programs fostering trust and meaningful progress over time for adults and families navigating loss.
• Youth Drop-Off Programming Age-specific programming for children, tweens, and teens including creative activities, adventure-based excursions, and retreats. Provides grieving youth with spaces to explore emotions, build peer connections, and discover resilience through structured activities.
• Camp Hope Overnight retreat for youth ages 12-18, combining grief support with traditional camp experiences including creative arts, outdoor exploration, team-building activities, and campfire time. Facilitated by trained grief professionals.
• Community Response - Grief 101 Immediate grief support and education session for schools, workplaces, and community groups experiencing loss. A one-time grief-informed session providing education about the grief process and concrete tools for mutual support following a recent death or collective loss.
• Grief Facilitator Training Two-day immersive training for individuals who want to lead grief support groups. Covers grief across the lifespan, adult and childhood bereavement, family coping, and emotional resilience foundations. A prerequisite for volunteering as a peer group facilitator.
• Grief 101 Training Foundational training for individuals, teams, and organizations seeking grief awareness. Introduces how grief manifests, types of grievers, common reactions, and the importance of self-care and companionship.
• Corporate Training Fee-based corporate bereavement policy training helping employees and managers understand company policies on bereavement leave, support resources, and best practices for handling grief in the workplace.
• Weighted Bears Custom-weighted bears crafted by volunteers, weighted to match baby's birth or gestational weight. Offered to families who have suffered pregnancy or infant loss, serving as a tangible keepsake and source of comfort. Available weights range from 6 ounces to 14 pounds.
• Gifts of Hope Curated selection of grief-supportive gifts including weighted bears and products from Maker Partners (Butterflies & Halos, Casshoo Reiki, Little Saps Gift Trees, Made with Grayce, Precious Memories Designs, Sacred Spirit Relics, SoulKu, Spaghetti Toes, The Recipe Preserve, Woodstock Rustic).
• Special Workshops and Programs Periodic creative and reflective programs including expressive arts and mindfulness experiences, created in partnership with local artists and wellness specialists. Offers spaces to explore grief through reflection, expression, connection, and hope.

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

38 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Angels Among UscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollective for Hope partners with Angels Among Us to deliver the Pediatric Cancer Loss Series — an 8-week bereavement support series for adults grieving the death of a child due to pediatric cancer. The series is facilitated by Collective for Hope and hosted at The Harper Hope Center (220 N 89th St. Ste. 101). Participants may attend in person with free on-site childcare or virtually via Zoom.
• Band of the StrongminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBand of the Strong is listed as a community partner in the Resources section. Zach Schafer serves as the Band of the Strong Youth Programming & Events contact within the Collective for Hope team, indicating a collaborative relationship for youth programming and events.
• Children's NebraskaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChildren's Nebraska is listed as a community partner providing grief support resources. Jennifer Patten-Benson, Community Benefit & Engagement Manager at Children's Nebraska, serves on the Collective for Hope Board of Directors, indicating an organizational partnership.
• Heafey Hoffmann Dworak & CutlerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a community partner providing grief support resources. Funeral homes are one of the key referral sources for families discovering Collective for Hope's programs.
• HETRA (Humanitarian Equipment Technology Rodeo Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a community partner on the Resources page, providing grief support resources alongside other local organizations in the Omaha area.
• Nebraska Arts CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a community partner providing grief support resources. The Nebraska Arts Council supports creative programming, arts-based grief activities, and artistic expression within grief support contexts.
• North Omaha Community PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a community partner on the Resources page, serving the North Omaha community.
• Omaha For UsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a community partner on the Resources page, serving the Omaha community.
• OPD Homicide Support GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a community partner providing grief support resources for homicide survivors.
• Butterflies & HalosminorOthersButterflies & Halos is a Maker Partner in the Gifts of Hope program. Founded in 2022 by a grieving mother, widow, and sister, they offer cards designed for friends who need nurturing rather than fixing. Featured in the Collective for Hope curated collection of grief-supportive gifts.
• Casshoo ReikiminorOthersCasshoo Reiki is a Maker Partner in the Gifts of Hope program. Inspired by the loss of founder's dogs and family members, they offer custom grief crystal sets and reiki services.
• Little Saps Gift TreesminorOthersLittle Saps is a Maker Partner in the Gifts of Hope program. They believe in the healing and inspirational properties of gifting trees, offering memorial trees as keepsakes.
• Made with GrayceminorOthersMade with Grayce is a Maker Partner in the Gifts of Hope program. Based in Omaha, they specialize in genuine silver and copper direct impression fingerprints, cremation jewelry, and dried flower jewelry. Handmade pieces celebrate the connection between loved ones.
• Precious Memories DesignsminorOthersPrecious Memories Designs is a Maker Partner in the Gifts of Hope program. Founded in May 2020 after a family loss, they offer preserved floral designs and keepsakes.
• Sacred Spirit RelicsminorOthersSacred Spirit Relics is a Maker Partner in the Gifts of Hope program. Born after the unexpected loss of a loved one, this one-woman business creates cremation jewelry and small urns.
• SoulKuminorOthersSoulKu is a Maker Partner in the Gifts of Hope program. A mom-founded, mom-run jewelry brand from Asheville, NC offering genuine gemstone jewelry for all of life's seasons and occasions.
• Spaghetti ToesminorOthersSpaghetti Toes is a Maker Partner in the Gifts of Hope program. A family business run by Martin and Michelle Bruckner with their daughter Harper, they specialize in custom illustrated portraits to help memorialize lost loved ones.
• The Recipe PreserveminorOthersThe Recipe Preserve is a Maker Partner in the Gifts of Hope program. They create unique handwriting gifts from photos of old recipe cards, preserving a loved one's spirit through culinary memories.
• Woodstock RusticminorOthersWoodstock Rustic is a Maker Partner in the Gifts of Hope program. They create personalized watercolor art and handmade bell chimes to commemorate loved ones.
• CQuence Health GroupminorOthersCQuence Health Group is a Comfort Food Classic event sponsor. Kyle Salem, Ph.D., President & CEO of Cassling/CQuence Health Group, serves as Past President of the Collective for Hope Board of Directors. The organization provides event sponsorship.
• ValmontminorOthersValmont is a Comfort Food Classic event sponsor. Mark Jaksich, MBA, Retired CFO of Valmont Industries, serves as Board President of Collective for Hope. The organization provides event sponsorship.
• Union PacificminorOthersUnion Pacific is a Comfort Food Classic event sponsor providing financial support for the annual fundraiser.
• MCL ConstructionminorOthersMCL Construction is a Comfort Food Classic event sponsor providing financial support for the annual fundraiser.
• Security National Bank of OmahaminorOthersSecurity National Bank of Omaha is a Comfort Food Classic event sponsor. John Haarala, Lending Counsel at Security National Bank, serves on the Collective for Hope Board of Directors. The organization provides event sponsorship.
• Nebraska Cancer SpecialistsminorOthersNebraska Cancer Specialists is a Comfort Food Classic event sponsor providing financial support for the annual fundraiser.
• Nebraska MedicineminorOthersNebraska Medicine is a Comfort Food Classic event sponsor providing financial support for the annual fundraiser.
• Children's NebraskaminorOthersChildren's Nebraska is a Comfort Food Classic event sponsor. Jennifer Patten-Benson, Community Benefit & Engagement Manager at Children's Nebraska, serves on the Collective for Hope Board of Directors. The organization provides event sponsorship.
• Arbor Family Counseling AssociatesminorOthersArbor Family Counseling Associates is a Comfort Food Classic event sponsor. Jeff Krenzer, Clinical Director at Arbor Family Counseling Associates, serves on the Collective for Hope Board of Directors. Maureen O'Donnell, LPC, LADC, CEAP of Arbor Family Counseling served as Past President of the Board.
• ScheelsminorOthersScheels is a Comfort Food Classic event sponsor providing financial support for the annual fundraiser.
• CHI HealthminorOthersCHI Health is a Comfort Food Classic event sponsor providing financial support for the annual fundraiser.
• Investors Realty Inc.minorOthersInvestors Realty Inc. is a Comfort Food Classic event sponsor providing financial support for the annual fundraiser.
• BCDM ArchitectsminorOthersBCDM Architects is a Comfort Food Classic event sponsor providing financial support for the annual fundraiser.
• The Harper Hope CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Harper Hope Center hosts the Pediatric Cancer Loss Series in partnership with Angels Among Us. Collective for Hope facilitates the 8-week bereavement support series for adults grieving the death of a child due to pediatric cancer at this venue (220 N 89th St. Ste. 101, Omaha).
• Mourning Hope (Lincoln, NE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a grief center partner on the Resources page, providing grief support resources for the Lincoln, NE area.
• Love Like Jackson (St. Louis, MO)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a grief center partner on the Resources page, providing grief support resources for the St. Louis, MO area.
• Kidzcope (Wichita, KS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a grief center partner on the Resources page, providing grief support resources for the Wichita, KS area.
• National Alliance for Children's GriefminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a community partner (visible by the National Alliance for Children's Grief logo on the website footer). Collective for Hope is a member of this national network of children's grief support organizations.
• Nonprofit Association of the MidlandsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Nonprofit Association of the Midlands logo is visible on the Collective for Hope website footer, indicating membership in this regional nonprofit support organization.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Experience Camps: National nonprofit running free summer camps and year-round programs for grieving children and teens. Direct overlap with Collective for Hope's Camp Hope overnight retreat and youth drop-off programming.
• The WARM Place: Fort Worth, Texas-based nonprofit offering free, peer-based grief support groups for children and adults — almost the same operating model, free service model, and age-segment focus as Collective for Hope's Omaha program.
• Kate's Club: Atlanta-based nonprofit providing free, ongoing peer-support programs for grieving children, teens, and young adults. Comparable in free-of-charge model, age-specific programming, and community-based delivery.
• Bo's Place: Houston-based nonprofit providing free, peer-support-based grief programs for children, teens, and adults. Highly comparable to Collective for Hope in free service model, peer-facilitated groups, and bereavement camp offerings.
• Kids Konnected: National nonprofit supporting children and teens who have lost a parent or sibling through peer-support groups and camps. Directly comparable to Collective for Hope's youth-focused grief support offerings.
• Dougy Center: The Dougy Center in Portland, Oregon is widely regarded as the pioneer and national model for peer-based children's and family grief support. It is the closest direct comparable to Collective for Hope in mission, peer-support model, and program portfolio (youth groups, family programs, training, national influence).

Broad incumbents

• National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO): Industry association and resource body that sets standards for hospice-affiliated bereavement programs — the same broader hospice/bereavement ecosystem that Collective for Hope's Anticipatory Grief and Pediatric Cancer Loss programming sits within.
• The Compassionate Friends: Large national nonprofit with a broad peer-support mission for families after the death of a child. Operates a wider national chapter network rather than a single dedicated center; comparable in core peer-support model and family bereavement focus.
• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): National nonprofit providing peer-based bereavement support specifically to military and veteran families. Comparable in free peer-support model, training programs, and grief education, though specialized to the military-loss population.

Regional players

• Ele's Place: Michigan-based nonprofit providing free, ongoing peer-support programs for grieving children, teens, and young adults. Directly comparable operating model with multiple regional locations, but geographically concentrated in Michigan rather than Nebraska.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ted-e-bear-hollow-inc-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Collective for Hope: Grief's Journey, HEALing Embrace, Ted E. Bear Hollow