Episode 6: Faith, Healing & Fundraising – How Red Bird Ministries is Supporting Families Through Grief
Introduction
Welcome back to our ongoing conversation on donor-centric approaches within nonprofits. We're thrilled about today's discussion as we delve into a powerful mission born from personal trials and deep faith. We have a special guest, Kelly Breaux, founder of Redbird Ministries, who shares a moving tale of love, loss, and hope. Join us as we explore the impactful work being done to support parents grieving the loss of a child and how donor support plays a crucial role in this mission.
The Genesis of Redbird Ministries
Kelly Breaux's journey begins in a small community in South Louisiana. As a mother of five, with four children in heaven and one on Earth, Kelly and her husband Ryan faced unimaginable grief. Their story started in 2005 with the loss of their son Talon, who passed away 15 days after birth due to infection. In a decade they call "the decade of darkness," Kelly and Ryan navigated the grief of losing children, including loss due to the H1N1 swine flu, as well as experiencing secondary infertility.
Faced with grief, Kelly realized a significant gap in her local parish's ability to support grieving families. With a deep faith and a fierce determination, Kelly decided to change this. She founded Redbird Ministries, which aims to provide grief support that not only helps families cope with loss but does so through an integrated faith-based approach.
Mission and Methodology
Redbird Ministries offers a unique approach to grief support. It focuses on providing comprehensive care that encompasses the mind, body, and soul. Kelly recognizes that many secular grief services attempt to eliminate suffering but often lack the spiritual component vital for holistic healing. Redbird Ministries incorporates spiritual guidance and sacramental grace to help families carry their cross, rather than eliminating it.
The ministry is centered on accompaniment—walking alongside those who grieve, much like Christ’s journey to the cross, which was a communal event. Spectators and supporters were present during His crucifixion, and Redbird seeks to mirror this by being the community that supports families in their darkest times.
Growth and Testimonials
Since its inception, Redbird Ministries has grown beyond its origins, impacting families across the country. Recently, the ministry piloted a new program addressing the needs of families affected by suicide, called "Remember." Initial feedback has been incredibly positive, with participating families expressing profound gratitude for access to resources they’ve awaited for years.
One particularly moving testimonial came from a family who joined the program’s pilot run. They described it as "life-changing,” highlighting the importance of education on the natural and spiritual facets of grief and healing.
Communicating the Mission
One critical aspect of Redbird Ministries' continued growth is effectively communicating its mission to potential donors and supporters. Kelly emphasizes the power of personal stories and testimonials from those who have been helped by their work. These narratives serve as the most authentic representation of Redbird's impact.
Donors are encouraged to connect directly with families who have benefited from Redbird’s programs. Through events such as retreats, donors can receive personal letters and photos from grateful families. This level of transparency and personal connection is vital in fostering a deeper understanding and commitment from donors.
Overcoming Challenges in Fundraising
While Redbird Ministries is blessed with incredible support, it faces challenges common to many faith-based nonprofits, particularly when breaking geographic barriers in donor support.
Kelly navigates these challenges by leveraging the power of community and relationship-building. She highlights the importance of partnerships with clergy and the global mission of the church beyond local parishes. In meeting these challenges, Redbird relies on the grace of God and the support of a dedicated network of believers committed to their cause.
The Importance of Donor Relationships
Kelly's insights reveal essential strategies in donor relationships; belief in the mission and building authentic connections yield the greatest results. By inviting potential donors to see themselves as integral partners in the mission, rather than mere sources of funding, Redbird has cultivated meaningful support.
The Path Forward
Looking ahead, Redbird Ministries continues to aim high, eager to expand its reach and impact. They currently focus on raising funds for the print publication of the Remember program and implementing the Good Shepherd program, which aims to educate clergy on pastoral grief support.
Redbird Ministries’ website offers a wealth of resources, including podcasts, blogs, and downloads. They invite those touched by grief, or those interested in supporting, to explore their offerings and consider joining the mission.
Conclusion
Redbird Ministries exemplifies how a vision born from personal tragedy can transform into a powerful mission of healing and hope. Kelly Breaux and her team are a testament to faith-driven perseverance, creating a legacy of love and support for grieving families.
If you or someone you know has experienced the loss of a child, Redbird is there to support you with compassion and understanding. Visit their website at redbird.love for more information, and consider spreading the word or supporting their groundbreaking work.
As we conclude this discussion, we remind nonprofit leaders of the power of donor-centric strategies. By placing donors at the heart of your mission, you truly embody the spirit of transformative work. Blessings to everyone involved, and until next time, keep striving to make a difference.
Contact Information
For more about Redbird Ministries, visit redbird.love. To explore how MRP Donor Development can strengthen your donor engagement strategies, visit mrpdonordevelopment.com.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of faith, love, and healing.
