Sad Isn't Bad - SD

11/17/2025

Grieving families often find strength through community.

If you’re a teacher, counselor, nurse, or funeral home professional, you can make a difference by referring families to Sad Isn’t Bad.

Together, we can help children understand their grief and find hope in the journey ahead.

👉 Refer a family: https://sadisntbad.com/sessionsregistration/session-registration-form/

11/09/2025

At Sad Isn’t Bad, children and their families find a place where it’s okay to talk about loss — and okay to laugh again too.

Each session brings together children, teens, and adults in separate, counselor-led groups designed to help everyone heal in their own way.

Sessions meet once a week for four weeks — free of charge.

💬 Learn more or register your family: https://sadisntbad.com/about/

11/02/2025

November is Children’s Grief Awareness Month — a time to remember that no child should grieve alone.

Sad Isn’t Bad offers free, family-based grief support for children (K–12) and the adults who care for them.

Together, we help children and teens talk about loss, share memories, and find healing.

Learn more or refer a family ➡️ https://sadisntbad.com/

11/01/2025

We’re thrilled to welcome Jonathan Hallenbeck as the new Executive Director of Sad Isn’t Bad!

Jonathan lives in Sioux Falls with his wife, Christy, and their two children. A former ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, he brings a heart for service, deep compassion, and meaningful leadership to our mission.

After several years at home raising his children and gaining experience with a small business, Jonathan is excited to return to community-centered work — supporting children and families as they navigate grief and life’s challenges.

Outside of work, you’ll find him exploring the outdoors, backpacking, rock climbing, or enjoying bike rides with his kids.

Please join us in giving Jonathan a warm welcome to the Sad Isn’t Bad family!

09/05/2025

We still have openings for our upcoming session and would appreciate it if you would spread the word prior to the registration deadline of Sept 8! We have an outstanding group of qualified facilitators lining up and would love to get this session filled. It will meet on Thursdays September 18-October 9 from 5:30-7:30 at First Lutheran Church (327 S. Dakota ave). A free meal and childcare will be provided.

Register here: https://sadisntbad.com/sessionsregistration/session-registration-form/

“Sad Isn’t Bad gave my child a place to talk about their grief—and to feel less alone.”

Our grief support sessions are designed for children and teens who’ve experienced loss. Whether it’s a recent death or something still heavy in their hearts, we’re here.

🔗 Register for our free fall session today: https://sadisntbad.com/sessionsregistration/session-registration-form/

08/09/2025

Grieving is tough.
Doing it alone is even tougher.

Sad Isn’t Bad offers free grief support sessions for kids, teens, and families in need of a safe space to talk and heal.

📅 Sign up now for our fall session: https://sadisntbad.com/sessionsregistration/session-registration-form/

Because no one should have to grieve alone.

07/30/2025

“Sad Isn’t Bad gave my child a place to talk about their grief—and to feel less alone.”

Our grief support sessions are designed for children and teens who’ve experienced loss. Whether it’s a recent death or something still heavy in their hearts, we’re here.

🔗 Register for our free fall session today: https://sadisntbad.com/sessionsregistration/session-registration-form/

07/25/2025

Watching a child grieve is one of the hardest things a parent can face.
Sad Isn’t Bad provides age-appropriate, compassionate support for kids and teens dealing with loss—at no cost to families.

Our caring team creates a safe space to share, listen, and heal together.

💻 Register now for the fall session: https://sadisntbad.com/sessionsregistration/session-registration-form/

Healing starts with being heard.

07/20/2025

Grief is hard—for children, for parents, for anyone navigating loss. That’s why Sad Isn’t Bad exists. Our free, four-week program is designed to support school-age children (K-12) and their caregivers as they process grief in a safe, welcoming, and compassionate environment.

What to Expect
Each session begins with a warm, shared dinner—giving families a chance to connect and feel at ease. After the meal, participants break into age-based groups led by experienced counselors and social workers:

• Children’s group
• Teen/adolescent group
• Adult/caregiver group
We also provide childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, so the entire family can participate comfortably.

Our program is non-denominational and open to all, regardless of background or beliefs. Families may refer themselves or be referred by a teacher, counselor, healthcare provider, or friend. Everyone is welcome.

Session Dates & Times
All sessions are held at First Lutheran Church (327 S. Dakota Ave., Sioux Falls) from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Dinner is included. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.

🍂 Fall 2025 (Thursdays): September 18, 25, October 2, 9
❄️ Winter 2026 (Tuesdays): January 20, 27, February 3, 10
🌷 Spring 2026 (Mondays): April 13, 20, 27, and May 4

07/16/2025

A big THANK YOU to Ian McClure of Rising Hope Counseling for serving on the Sad Isn’t Bad Advisory Board!

Ian’s knowledge, kindness, and passion for mental health have made a lasting impact on our work with grieving kids, teens, and families. We’re so grateful for the time and care he’s given to our mission.

Thank you, Ian! 💐

07/13/2025

Sad Isn’t Bad is here to help.

If you or someone you love is grieving the loss of a parent, sibling, grandparent, or friend, our grief support sessions offer a safe and supportive space to heal.

💜 Free to attend.
👧 For kids, teens & families.
📅 Register now for upcoming fall session: https://sadisntbad.com/sessionsregistration/session-registration-form/

Because grieving is hard—but you don’t have to do it alone.

07/11/2025

Thank you to Live Inspired 365 for all they do and supporting the work of Sad Isn't Bad.

If you know someone who might find support with Sad Isn't Bad, please share this with them. We are currently taking registrations for our Fall 2025 Session. More information here: https://sadisntbad.com/session.../session-registration-form/

🐝 We are honored to join Sad Isn't Bad to help support children in the area who have suffered a great loss. We assembled care packages for the grieving children with a Warmies Teddy Bear, a journal and a handmade care package to let them know they are not alone.

💚 Sad Isn't Bad - SD is a local non-profit that supports children and their families in their struggles with grief and loss after the death of a loved one. They help the children work through all of the emotions that are natural with the grieving process that kids may struggle understanding.

💚 Sad Isn't Bad offers 4 week sessions, three times a year, with the next one starting this September. You can find more information about their organization at www.sadisntbad.com.

💚 If you are interested in the Fall 2025 Session, you can find the form found here: https://sadisntbad.com/sessionsregistration/session-registration-form/