Exploring Life & Business with Tamesha Rouse of FOG- For Our Grieving

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamesha Rouse. 

Hi Tamesha, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2010 on Thanksgiving Day, my oldest sister Talaya passed away. My sister was my best friend- her death broke something in me and it took a long time for me process that loss. Not long after my sister’s death-I lost eight of my children through miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm labor. This sent me into a deep depression. It took a few years for my dark days to become bright again, but when the fog lifted, I knew exactly what I needed and wanted to do. I needed to give individuals what I did not have or receive when she was going through her own grief. I needed to be a “heart with ears”. I needed to give the resources, support, and encouragement that people needed so I started FOG- For Our Grieving. 

For Our Grieving (FOG) is a non-profit 501(c)3 dedicated to providing support for all as they navigate grief and heal from loss, whether from death, divorce/separation, job loss, incarceration, or other trauma. We provide a safe, friendly, and professional environment where bereaved individuals of all ages and their families can find uplifting, encouragement, support, resources, education, and strength while dealing with their loss. 

FOG was established in 2012, and officially gained 501(c)3 status in April of 2016. 

We went from one annual event a year, to four. We went from passing out Thanksgiving baskets to passing out food or giving vouchers/food cards whenever someone was hungry. We now offer grief support to help a griever on their journey. In 2019, we added another division to FOG, it’s called FOG Kids. When my daughter was four, she saw what we were doing for the adults and said. “Mommy, kids get sad too” and from then on, she and her sister have been instrumental in helping plan the events for the children. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The struggles came from the subject of grief being so taboo. Even through grief is universal and that everyone may grieve, everyone is not open to talking through it. Especially when the loss is a death by suicide, loss that happened years ago, or an unborn child. Society has a way of making loss taboo. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
For our Grieving is dedicated to providing support for all as they navigate grief and heal from loss, whether from death, divorce/separation, job loss, incarceration, or other trauma. We provide a safe, friendly, and professional environment where bereaved individuals of all ages and their families can find uplifting, encouragement, support, resources, education, and strength while dealing with all types of loss. 

Grief is a universal emotion, one that can overwhelm children as well as adults. When we lose a loved one, there are many feelings that may need to be processed – feelings of sorrow, loneliness, and even anger. FOG Kids is a non-profit 501(c) 3 that provides a safe, friendly, and professional environment where bereaved individuals of all ages and their families can find uplifting, encouragement, support, resources, education, and strength while dealing with all types of loss. We provide support to help families cope with death, loss, and the grieving process and help them establish their “new normal. 

What Do We Do? 

Support Individuals after the loss in whatever ways that we can. 

Send bereavement dinners to family weeks after funeral, when most have moved on. 

Host monthly grief support sessions to help them understand they are not alone. 

Host Camp Good Grief for children who have gone through all types loss. 

Send care packages to seniors, college students, and others. 

Send out cards and encouraging letters. 

Hold quarterly dinners, outings, and events. 

And so much more. 

Why We Do It 

Grief is a universal life experience that we all share, no matter our race, creed, or color. Despite its universality, however, grieving can feel totally unpredictable — and totally isolating. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting someone who’s grieving but we make sure that they understand that they don’t have to do it alone. 

How You Can Help 

At FOG we’re passionate about making a difference and supporting our community. We’re a 100% volunteer organization and rely on donations of time and talent to sustain our program. 

Donate Time 

We are always looking for volunteers for our programs and special events. 

Support our Fundraisers and Events 

We have many fundraisers and events scheduled throughout the year, purchase a ticket, be a sponsor or donor. Look out for information. 

Donate Money 

Please consider making a donation to support our organization. 

Send check or money order to: 19120 Grand River Ave Detroit, MI 48223 

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Follow your dreams. Don’t give up, it will come. 

Contact Info:

• Email: info@itsfoggy.org
• Website: https://itsfoggy.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunshineafterthis/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsfoggy
• Twitter: @itsfoggy2
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmLH7w5LaYAeYJGtnyHbpxw

Image Credits
LeoSage Images