Taken Too Soon

Goal: $5,000.00

Specific Need

Mission

To assist families in financial crisis due to unforeseen expenses from the loss of a child.  To assist with the financial burden as a result of family taking in children of family members due to the loss of parents.

Profile

                                                                  The Taken Too Soon Origin Story

Steve and Diana Havenstein experienced something that no parent should ever have to, the loss a child.  Their oldest son Greg died due to a tragic traffic accident July of 1996.  Steve said "It is especially difficult when there is no illness or indication of any kind preceding the loss, Just life as usual today and upside down tomorrow"  They were a typical young family of five trying to make do, and then things were not typical at all. 

Over the years that followed the Havenstein's helped other families who found themselves in a similiar situation in memory of their son Greg, trying to find something that was meaningful.  When they last helped a cousin's daughter financially after she lost her son, Steve and Diana realized that they wanted to do something that was not a one and done, there had to be something lasting.

They considered benches, bricks engraved in memory of, signs indicating a donation had been made in memory of and realized all of these were good tributes but just didn't feel like it was a living memory to their son and family.  They wanted something that would continue on and help time and time again.  "After losing a child, often there is extended loss of work, many times grief couseling is needed by the parents or  siblings.  We all grieve differently and often for an extended time.  You never get past it.  A family has enough to deal with in the loss and finding a new normal, we felt there should be a way to help with the rest."

Steve met Vern Henricks, President and CEO of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation (GMCF) at a meeting and attended the GMCF Semi-Annual Trustees Meeting where grant recipients talk about the programs they have in our community.  This had quite an impact on Steve and Diana.  They discussed it and decided to see what they might be able to do.  Steve made an appointment to speak to Vern to see how he and the staff at GMCF might be able to help create a fund to help with this cause.  Diana said "They made it incredibly simple to set up a fund and the staff was and is always available to help and assist."

The "Taken Too Soon" Fund was established with GMCF.  The Havenstein's met with their extended family to let them know what they were doing, and several family members asked if they could match their donation to begin the fund, they happily agreed.  The Fund has grown well under GMCF guidance however they want to continue to growing allowing it to assist more families and in a more meaningful way.

"We now have a living memorial to our son Greg, our parents and  family.  We are helping other families in the community and are very pleased with the result.