We are thrilled to share that the Children’s Bereavement Center was selected as a finalist in the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit Council’s 5th Annual Beyond Words Storytelling Competition — a creative celebration of mission-driven storytelling and community impact.
This year’s theme invited nonprofits to write a story of 500 words or less from the perspective of an ordinary object within their organization — a chair, a crayon, a bracelet, a teddy bear… any item that holds meaning in the hearts of those they serve. The challenge: allow that object to tell the story of the organization’s mission.
On Tuesday, December 2nd, our Palm Beach Outreach Coordinator, Marsha Tejeda, took the stage to share our story — told through the voice of a small plush heart. That heart’s story is one of hope — where comfort comes in small moments, healing is found through connection, and courage can grow from something as simple as holding on.
Among 17 nonprofit applicants, each with powerful and heartfelt stories, CBC’s storytelling was recognized as a top finalist, alongside:
Grand Prize Winner: Friends of Foster Children of Palm Beach County, Inc.
Finalists: Children’s Bereavement Center, Drug Abuse Foundation of Palm Beach County
We extend our deepest thanks to the judges, sponsors, and the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit Council for hosting and supporting such an inspiring celebration of storytelling and community impact.
Our Mission, Told by a Heart
This tiny heart found its way into the hands of Nicole, a young girl grieving the death of someone she loved. At first, she held it quietly during group activities — squeezing it when the emotions felt too heavy or when words were too hard to say. As the weeks passed, the little heart became her brave companion… helping her open up, helping her feel understood, and reminding her that she wasn’t alone.
Because sometimes healing begins with holding onto something — or someone — who understands.
Because no one grieves alone.
Here is the powerful story:
Hello, I am here to tell you a story about a girl and her experience with the Children’s Bereavement Center (CBC). Think about a child who is important to you, maybe a son, a daughter, a friend, or any child you care about. Now, picture that child as I tell you about a little girl I cared for.
I’m the “Stuffed Heart.” I’ve held a special place in the home of Nicole since she was six years old, when I was given to her at a CBC peer grief support group. You see, I was a soft and supportive landing for Nicole when her dad died. When Nicole felt scared, confused, and alone, I told her that I would always stay with her and that her feelings were completely normal. When she missed her father, she could hold me, sleep with me, and keep me by her side. I became a gentle reminder that death can also be the beginning of a new relationship with her dad.
I comforted Nicole, teaching her ways to cope with her loss. Her dad played the guitar, so to keep him close to their hearts, her mom and sister would play his favorite songs and dance, and remember him together. There were also times when the thought of her dad brought tears to her eyes that would fall on me while I was in her arms. I told her it was okay to cry. With me as a tool and the support of her friends in her grief support group, she learned how to ride the waves of her grief, gaining more and more courage each day. In those moments that might have felt insurmountable or joyless, I was there to show her that memories and celebration were a big part of her life. Even though her dad wasn’t physically present, she could still have a relationship and a continuing bond with him. I told her that it was okay for her to seek comfort, feel happiness, and enjoy all the things that will make her life meaningful, well into adulthood.
As Nicole’s “Stuffed Heart” and friend, I empowered her to accept her grief and to see it as a special part of who she was. Today, the lessons that I taught Nicole are still with her. She hasn’t outgrown the support and love that I have extended to her over the last 25 years, and I remain on her nightstand to this day. I’ve watched her grow into a beautiful young woman who is confident and strong. With me in her life, along with her family and friends, she was never left to grieve alone, and this is at the heart of CBC’s mission. Nicole is a champion of CBC and encourages anyone who is grieving to find something like me to be a part of their healing journey. Though her grief was uniquely hers, she shared it with a supportive CBC community, restoring her sense of hope for the future.
