Showing Up in Meaningful Ways: A Conversation with Volunteer Table Host Susan Higgins
At The Children’s Room, grief support comes in many forms—and so does the support behind it. From peer facilitators to event volunteers, every role helps strengthen the circle of care that surrounds children, teens, and families after someone in their life has died.
For Susan Higgins, returning as a volunteer table host at this year’s Circle of Hope Breakfast is one way she’s chosen to show up—and invite others to do the same. Her story is a reflection of how personal loss, compassion, and community can come together to make a difference.
How One Volunteer Discovered TCR Through Personal Loss
Susan first learned about TCR through her involvement with the Junior Aid Association of Malden. During a monthly meeting, a speaker—who also happened to be a TCR board member—shared his family’s story and experience with grief. A week later, Susan’s own family faced a sudden and devastating loss.
“We tragically lost my brother-in-law,” she said. “My sister has two teenage daughters, and it seemed like it was meant to be that we learned about The Children’s Room at the time we needed it the most.”
Susan’s sister joined TCR’s Parenting While Grieving program, and through that experience, Susan saw firsthand the difference compassionate, community-based support can make.
“As a sister to her, I was able to see how much the program helped her.”
That experience moved Susan to do more.
Why Hosting a Table at the Circle of Hope Breakfast Matters
After touring The Children’s Room with other volunteers from her group, Susan knew she wanted to help more people learn about the programs and services available.
“I wanted to be a table host because I wanted to spread the word,” she said. “I want as many people to know about your program and what you do, and how much help you offer to the community.”
This year marks her second time hosting a table at the Circle of Hope Breakfast—a role she takes on with pride and purpose. She is co-hosting this year with Malden Junior Aid’s new president Helen Kipnis, further expanding TCR’s community.
A Moving Morning: The Power of the Circle of Hope Breakfast
For Susan, the Circle of Hope Breakfast is not just a fundraiser—it’s an emotional, powerful event that stays with you long after it ends.
“It’s odd to say, but it’s such a beautiful event,” she shared. “It’s emotional, but after I left last year, I was just like, I am so glad I attended.”
When asked what she hopes her guests will walk away with, Susan didn’t hesitate:
“Hope. Whether they’re grieving or have lost somebody, there’s hope for the future, hope for things to get better.”
This year, her sister will be attending for the first time—something Susan is especially grateful for.
“I told her to take the day off work. It’s so inspiring—last year, there was a couple who talked about their child, and even though it was heartbreaking, it was beautiful to hear how they found a way forward.”
Normalizing Conversations Around Grief
For many people, grief is a difficult subject to face—let alone talk about. Susan believes the Breakfast helps shift that narrative.
“Grief and death are such stigmatized topics… but people have each other to lean on,” she said. “You think you’re the only one experiencing it. But the support groups you offer create a community.”
She also emphasized how the shared experience of the breakfast itself creates connection:
“The community in that room shows that there’s still so much compassion and hope left in this world. It’s very uniting.”
Every Act of Support Matters
For Susan, volunteering is about showing up in ways that feel meaningful—and recognizing that even small acts can have a lasting impact.
“No matter how you show up, it makes a difference,” she said. “Whether you’re a table host or just attending the breakfast, it all adds up.”
And perhaps the most important takeaway she hopes to share with others is this:
“Every little bit of volunteering and showing up really does make a difference. Even if it’s one little thing—all the little things add up.”
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Want to Support Families at The Children’s Room?
Whether you host a table, attend an event, or simply share our work with others, your support helps make sure no child, teen, or family has to grieve alone.
