Clarity’s Hearts Restored team had the opportunity this spring to partner with Haley Potter, a local 2024 senior, for her senior project! Haley had been personally impacted by the way her aunt grieved her own miscarriage. She wanted to honor her aunt’s loss, which led her to Hearts Restored. She decided to craft memory boxes for women who have experienced reproductive loss. Since Haley is a member of a Clarity partner church, she appealed to her church’s mission team to underwrite the costs for the project goal of 30 boxes.
Each special keepsake box contained a teddy bear, pink and blue beaded bracelets with a foot charm, a journal, pen, chapstick, tissues, and a copy of “I’ll Hold You in Heaven” by Jack Hayford. The boxes also included a hand painted rock by Haley and her family, a personal letter from Haley, and information about the Hope After Reproductive Loss care group. During Haley’s project presentation, one of the panelists praised Haley and stated she so appreciated the thought and care behind the boxes. Openly weeping, she shared that she had herself experienced 5 miscarriages. At that moment, Haley and Hearts Restored Assistant Director, Karen Riley, had the opportunity to minister to the panelist and present her with one of the boxes. She was so moved and appreciative that she had to excuse herself to regain composure.
Since Haley’s presentation, they have given 12 boxes to two different funeral homes. One of the funeral homes asked how they could get more of these boxes! They also have a meeting scheduled with the CRH Bereavement team to share the memorial boxes. Realizing the opportunity for connection and healing that these boxes have opened, Karen spoke to one of the Senior Project coordinators about future seniors helping with this new Legacy Project. An upcoming senior may utilize the project but put their own creativity into it. That way, a community need is still being met and affords the student their individuality and creativity. Our Hearts Restored team looks forward to mentoring more seniors with this project. If you have an interest in helping with this project, please reach out to Karen Riley at 812-341-5114 or karen.riley@claritycares.org.