OUR PARTNERS
Partner with us
We are always looking for like-minded organizations to partner with to continue to help people through challenging life circumstances. Our approach is flexible—we can host a program at our space, your location, or at a site of your choosing.
For more information about collaborating with us, contact lydia@mylifeanddeath.com
DAN BULF
Dan Bulf is the founder and president of Bold Experiences. This effort is dedicated to raising people’s consciousness and action in their lives and the lives around them through rich, meaningful experiences.
Dan has created and led numerous workshops and seminars including the Life, Death & Legacy experience which was the subject of a 2016 University of Missouri research study and was the second person in the USA to lead a Death Café workshop. Dan’s life work is to generate awareness to inspire lives.
We will partner with Dan to offer Death Cafés, among other exciting opportunities to connect and learn.
The Community Church
“We follow the way of Jesus
but respect and honor other traditions.
We are serious about faith
yet don’t take ourselves too seriously.
We are not bound by historic creeds
but guided by contemporary needs, scripture and Spirit.
We don’t say ‘this is how your faith should look’
Instead, we seek to be your partner in spiritual growth.”
The Community Church Lake Forest & Lake Bluff + worldwide has been a valued partner in bringing the Longest Night service to our community for the past three years.
thom dennis
Dr. Thom Dennis, DMin, LCPC, CT, is a hospice grief counselor, comforting the bereaved from diverse spiritual, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. For more than 25 years, he has helped individuals and families come to terms with the death of loved ones. Additionally, Thom is the creator of the Grief River® model, a metaphorical approach for understanding loss across the lifespan.
An engaging public speaker, he enjoys presenting on the topics of love, loss, and life transitions. Thom recently facilitated “Grief River® Game Night for Professionals” at the Life & Death space in Highwood. Participants included clinicians from a variety of different disciplines, including social work, medical care advocacy, home healthcare, expressive arts and funeral services.
fan (Family Action Network)
“Family Action Network (FAN) is a 501(c)(3) organization that curates a high-quality speaker series each academic year. All FAN programs are free and open to the public. FAN connects parents, students, educators, civic leaders, and professionals through collaborative programming that educates, inspires and positively impacts the broader community.”
Life & Death was a sponsor of FAN’s program on 12/11/2019, featuring BJ Miller, MD and Shoshana Berger discussing their new book, A Beginner's Guide to the End: Practical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death. Click here to view a video of the program.
Forest & Found
Located in Lake Forest, IL, Forest & Found are “Experts in the Art of Charitable Thrift.” Since their launch in 2014, they have contributed $325,000 to 30 amazing local charities, which is 100% of their profits after operating costs. We are grateful to Forest & Found for partnering with us on our annual Longest Night Service, which is held on December 21st, the Winter Solstice.
gorton community center
“Gorton Community Center is one of only a few privately-funded community centers in the United States and serves as a unique partnership between community volunteers and the City of Lake Forest. Adults and children find quality programs here, from classes, dance, film, performing arts, and day care. The newly renovated John & Nancy Hughes Theater is a state-of-the-art performing arts venue that has become the signature of Gorton Community Center. Since 1972, Gorton has been proud to enrich the lives of residents through cultural arts, education and charitable service.
Gorton Community Center is a private nonprofit 501c3 organization, and relies on the generosity of area residents and business to support building improvements, programs and services which are offered in the historic building.”
history center lake forest-lake bluff
“The History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff has been home to the stories of our community for more than 45 years. And now we have a state-of-the-art history museum that is the pride of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. Our new home—your home for history—is a gathering place where the community can come together to celebrate who we are and how we are connected.”
Life & Death was one of the sponsors of the History Center’s “Fine Art of Obituary Writing” program, featuring award-winning obituary writer Maureen O’Donnell, and Susy Schultz, legendary Chicago journalist and Executive Director of the Museum of Broadcast Communications.
highwood public library
Libraries are more than books on shelves, they are the heart of the community. Carmen Patlan, Highwood Public Library’s Executive Director is on a mission to transform the library’s physical space and presence in the community. Congratulations to the library and to Carmen! The Institute of Museum and Library Services recently awarded the Highwood Public Library its highest honor.
From Highland Park Patch: “The library was one of three in the nation to win the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Libraries. A trio of museums also received the annual award, which since 1996 has recognized the institutions for their outstanding contributions to their towns.”
Life & Death sponsored a free Sugar Skull Decorating workshop to celebrate Dia de los Muertos on 10/15/2021. We are delighted to collaborate on various programs, and to support Carmen in getting out her message of change.
nancy perlson, lcsw, ryt
“As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Nancy Perlson has extensive experience working in the field of grief, loss and trauma. Nancy is a certified yoga teacher through the Yoga Alliance, as well as, a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT).” We are working to have Nancy bring a grief yoga session offering to Lake Forest in Spring of 2020.
Nancy regularly offers a 4-week yoga bereavement support group at Yogaview in Wilmette, IL. No yoga experience required; registration is required and space is very limited. Visit her website for more information.