Founded by Christine Smith and Shirley Elrod, the Center began operations in September 1999 and was created to fill a need of professional bereavement support and education services in the community. Both Shirley and Christine firmly believe that grief and loss are core experiences and profound matters of life, and that left unaddressed or unsupported, life-long struggle may ensue. The Center’s goal is to help other people gain insight and strength through the grieving process as well as to educate the community at large on the issues of loss and bereavement.