We are honored to name Empty Cradle as the Rylee + Cru Foundation Grant Recipient for the month of October. Empty Cradle is a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to supporting families who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. Through peer support groups, remembrance events, educational resources, and compassionate care, Empty Cradle helps grieving families find connection, comfort, and the reassurance that they are not alone in their journey.
Read our Q&A with President, Rachel Redhouse, to learn more about Empty Cradle's mission and impact.
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Q&A
Q. What is Empty Cradle and who does it serve?
A. Empty Cradle is a volunteer-led nonprofit that has supported families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss for more than 40 years. We serve parents, grandparents, and families grieving miscarriage, TFMR, stillbirth, neonatal or infant death, and SIDS/SUID. Based in Southern California, we provide in-person services throughout San Diego and Riverside Counties, as well as virtual support for families beyond our local community.
Q. How did Empty Cradle get started?
A. Empty Cradle was founded in San Diego in 1982 by three families who had experienced the death of a baby and recognized the need for compassionate, peer-based support. More than four decades later, the organization continues to be led entirely by volunteers, many of whom have experienced pregnancy or infant loss themselves.
Q. What makes Empty Cradle's approach unique?
A. Our support is rooted in connection between people who understand this type of grief firsthand. We support families not only immediately following a loss, but throughout the months and years that follow. Our services combine peer support, remembrance, practical resources, hospital partnerships, and education while recognizing that every family's experience and grief journey is different.
Q. What kinds of support are available to bereaved families?
A. Empty Cradle offers free in-person and virtual support meetings, email and online support, remembrance events, and opportunities for families to honor and remember their babies. We also provide educational resources and help connect families with additional community resources when needed. All our support services are provided at no cost to families.
Q. How does Empty Cradle support families in hospitals?
A. We partner with Southern California hospitals to help ensure families receive compassionate support and meaningful resources at the time of their loss. We provide memory boxes, miscarriage care packages, sibling backpacks, Memory Carts, and CuddleCots, as well as grief and remembrance materials. We also provide bereavement education and in-service training for healthcare professionals who care for grieving families.
Q. How can people help if they haven't personally experienced a loss?
A. You do not have to have experienced pregnancy or infant loss to make a meaningful difference. Community members can volunteer at events, help assemble care packages, create remembrance items, donate needed supplies, fund programs, or simply help raise awareness. They can also support grieving families in their own lives by listening, remembering important dates, and being willing to say a baby's name.
Q. What would you want every grieving parent to know?
A. You do not have to grieve alone. Your baby matters, your grief matters, and there is no timeline for when you should be "okay." Whether your loss happened yesterday or decades ago, you are welcome in our community. We will remember your baby with you and walk alongside you for as long as you need us.
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We are proud to support organizations that are making a positive impact in the lives of grieving families in Southern California. Submit an application to recommend a 501(c)(3) non-profit making a difference in your community and each month we’ll select one to receive a $10,000 grant in your name.
Thank you for joining us in this meaningful work.
