Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) helped mark the grand opening of Stephy’s Place, a facility dedicated to helping people suffering from grief and loss, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, March 9.
The founders of Stephy’s Place: “A New Life Support Center for Grief and Loss,” believe that anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one should not have to navigate the journey alone, and that they are there to help.
“This is a wonderful, caring group of people and a great cause they have taken up,” Smith said. “Being there for people who are struck by a loss and are suffering, being there to lend support at a tough time in their lives can truly make a difference in helping them to cope and ultimately, to move on.”
A 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, Stephy’s Place holds meditation classes and support groups for people who have lost a parent or child or other loved one, as well as groups for people going through divorce, people who lost a loved one due to overdose, and due to suicide. It is located at 210 W Front St, Suite 209, Red Bank
in “The Swede Chevalier Building.”
Stephy’s Place Director Sheila Martello lost her husband Jim in the attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11 where he had been working at Cantor Fitzgerald on the 104th floor. Sheila joined with many other NJ widows in sharing their grief and working together to obtain some relief for the families. She took the lead on urging Congress to pass legislation rebating and waiving federal tax liabilities for the families of 9/11. She was also one of several who led the effort for the establishment of—and better policies pertaining to—the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund.
Sheila met a woman named Stephy Hardman Kaminoff. Stephy had been recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Even with this tragic loss confronting her, knowing that she would eventually lose her life, not to mention the thought of leaving her three precious children behind, she had a resolve that left Martello amazed. During her own 9/11 experience Martello had a strong support system in a New Life Support Group. She and other decided to help launch Stephy’s Place to provide a place for people who are grieving from any loss.
On April 2, 2014 Stephy passed away, leaving behind three children.
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