OUR MISSION
Located in Michigan, The Beekeeper's Well is a status-pending 501c3 organization designed to support bereaved parents, siblings, and family members by providing both peer and professional support and grief retreats, as well as holistic therapies offered by members of our network of support professionals.
Our long-term plan is to purchase property to operate from permanently, but for now we are embracing the opportunity to partner with property owners throughout the state to host our bereavement retreats and workshops while we operate support groups virtually so that every person touched by the death of a child can access important support and encouragement through a peer network. Grieving parents and siblings need to be able to share their heartache safely with others who share that experience. Loved ones who want so desperately to be of help need guidance and support too, so that their efforts are welcome and effective.
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A new retreat option being offered through The Beekeeper's Well is the Home Retreat. This option is ideal for existing support groups or peer groups who are already established. We work with you to coordinate and facilitate a complete retreat anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. See more here.
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Retreats are trauma-informed, all-inclusive, and designed along with input from mental health professionals who specialize in grief. We intend for participants to engage in deep rest and healing practices in private, natural settings. At this time, each retreat is designed for up to 5 individuals , or 5 pairs (parent couples, or parent + support person). Programming will include a peer facilitator and group sessions. Volunteers will provide nourishing meals and clean-up. Activities may include yoga and breathwork, massage therapy, arts and crafts, campfires, nature walks, indoor and outdoor activities, and plenty of opportunities for rest and recovery.
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We are committed to making retreats accessible to everyone by keeping them as affordable as possible.
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Because COVID-19 could still be a factor from time to time, we will diligently monitor guidelines and recommendations provided by federal and state agencies in order to prioritize human health and safety.
BOARD MEMBERS
Kate Burrows founded The Beekeeper's Well after attending a bereavement retreat at Luella's Lodge in Oakwood, IL following the unexpected death of her 12-year-old son Ephrem on May 22, 2021. She and husband Nick married in 1998 and have two surviving children; daughters Isabela, 21 and Greta, 19.
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Kate previously worked as a doula and midwifery student, and homeschooled her three children. These days, as she builds up The Beekeeper's Well, she is also working on a Bachelor's Degree in Family & Human Services with a focus on non-profit management through BYU - Idaho. She loves research, she loves to learn, and she has a heart for serving women and mothers. Her interests include music, nature, reading, writing, cooking, arts & crafts, and travel.
Nick Burrows is the man behind the machine and our Vice President. Following a dads retreat at Luella's Lodge, he was completely on board with Kate that there are not enough resources for grieving parents. Prior to Ephrem's death, Nick and Kate also endured five miscarriages interspersed with the births of Isabela, Greta, and Ephrem. The lack of grief resources is a real shame, and we can do better!
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Nick is an engineer in the medical device field. He has been able to work from home since July 2021 in order to be with Kate and the girls more as they all learn the way forward in life. He worked on contract in California for three years before that. Nick's special skill is caustic humor and sarcasm, and his interests include science-fiction, The Legend of Zelda, and movies. In retirement he hopes to train search & rescue dogs.
Chuck Burrows is Ephrem's uncle and the Treasurer of the Board. He is the father of Evan, 21 and Ethan, 18. Chuck agreed to join us at The Beekeeper's Well because he recognized those grieving the death of a child need a place of refuge. They need listeners, common understanding, and the comfort and validation that can only come from others who share that experience.
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Chuck is the Assistant Principal at a Jr. High School, and in the summers he helps feed Michiganders as a farm worker, driving trucks to deliver produce around the state. He enjoys watching sports and participating in his sons' endeavors, hunting, fishing, and listens to a wide variety of music. He also passionately collects and rides vintage snowmobiles. The caustic humor and sarcasm mentioned previously is a family trait.
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Emily Toney, our Secretary of the Board, was present and active in coordinating communication during Ephrem's hospitalization. She was a special support to Kate until Nick arrived from California. She took notes during conferences with the medical team. She took donations and provisioned Nick and Kate as they stayed at the hospital in a special Ronald McDonald House pod, and she cared for Isabela and Greta as we all waited.
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Emily is a kickboxing trainer, and a cross-fitting, home decorating, extraordinary wife and mother of five. Her interests include music, reading, thrift store treasure hunting, family games, and theme parties, She has a special passion for postpartum doula work, and is the owner of Tending The Nest Postpartum Doula Services.
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