Our Monthly Homicide Survivors Support Group

It’s difficult to put into words just how much this group means to me and how vital it has been in my healing journey. Grieving the loss of a loved one is always challenging, but when that loss occurs due to violence, it brings an entirely different and deeply painful dimension. The shock, anger, and heartbreak of losing someone in such a way are overwhelming and often feel incomprehensible.

The Homicide Survivors Support Group (HSSG) provides a safe space for those of us navigating this unique kind of grief. It’s a place where we can begin to process our emotions and find ways to move forward. Some of us in the group are maneuvering through the court process after the perpetrator has been caught, while others live with the anguish of not knowing who took their loved one. Regardless of our individual circumstances, we come together in understanding and support.

At our last meeting, we were fortunate to have a retired prosecutor join us. He answered our questions about the legal system—covering everything from the process before, during, and after a trial to parole hearings. For many of us, this was an enlightening and incredibly helpful experience.

The history of this group is rooted in resilience and love. It was originally founded years ago by two amazing women, Valerie Dodini and Rita Edmonds-Norris, after their sons were tragically murdered. I was invited to join the group after my son Matt’s death. For a time, we met at the Solano Family Justice Center, but when COVID-19 struck, those meetings came to a halt.

On January 10, 2023, we relaunched HSSG under the umbrella of The Matt Garcia Foundation, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this new chapter. Each month, we’re joined by a licensed clinical social worker who provides guidance, grounding, and support as we work through our grief.

In addition to our monthly meetings, we’ve also participated in a few therapeutic outings. One of our trips was to a local “smash room,” where we were able to safely channel our anger by breaking items like furniture, TVs, and radios using sledgehammers and other tools. Another outing took us to a sound bath healing session, where we lay on mats as a practitioner used sound bowls to help calm our minds, bodies, and spirits. These experiences have been cathartic and deeply healing for many of us.

I truly believe that this is what I am meant to do—not only to help heal myself but to create a space where others can find comfort, understanding, and hope as they navigate their own grief.

If you feel called to support our group, your contributions would mean so much to us. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to:

The Matt Garcia Foundation/HSSG
P.O. Box 3301
Fairfield, CA 94533

You can also visit our website at ffinest.org to explore additional ways to donate.
Our Tax ID is #26-3904201, and all donations are fully tax-deductible.

Thank you for your support,
Teresa