First gathering of Parent Grief Support Group offers hope and community for families navigating devastating loss

On Sunday (June 29), the National Women’s Coalition Against Violence & Exploitation (NWCAVE), in partnership with Jane Oh, Mrs. Greater Vancouver Washington 2026, welcomed 12 courageous parents and loved ones to the inaugural meeting of a new Parent Grief Support Group, dedicated to families who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a child.

The support group was created to offer a safe, inclusive, and healing space for parents and family members whose children were taken too soon — whether by violence, disease, murder, suicide, or health complications. Participants came together to share stories, honor their children, and begin the process of healing in community with others who understand their journey. 

“We cried, laughed, and shared our children’s names. We found community, comfort, and empathy,” said Jane Oh, the co-chair of the Support Group.  Oh, and her husband, lost their son Alexander eight years ago to SIDS, and it has taken this long for me to get the courage to part-take on organizing a group, said Oh. 

“We are so very grateful to NWCAVE and Michelle Bart for seeing us and hearing the need and helping us to make it a reality,” said Jim Thomas. 

Thomas and his wife Denise, lost their daughter, Mindi Thomas (12), when Todd Alan Reed kidnapped, raped and murdered Mindi in Gresham back in 1987.  Then in 2021 their son Timothy Thomas (39), working on his car in Battle Ground, was fatally shot on his own property by Presley Daniel Mileck (50) for revving his engine.  Mileck plead guilty and only received 7 and one half years.  He pleaded down to first-degree manslaughter.  He was not charged for attempting to shoot Thomas’ brother who witnessed the shooting of his own brother and ran from Mileck. 

Also in attendance was Joseph Thuney, father of Brittney Thuney (31), who was ambushed by her ex-boyfriend’s father Scott Belinski, who shot and killed Brittany then killed himself at the AM/PM in Kelso in 2020.

Oh, Thomas, and Thuney will now be part of NWCAVE’s Leadership Council and serve as Co-Chairs of the Parent’s Grief Group.  

“We have wanted to begin a support group for our clients and the community for many years,” said Michelle Bart, founder and CEO of National Women’s Coalition Against Violence & Exploitation (NWCAVE). “Timing is everything and when Jane and Jim met with us, we knew the time was now,” said Bart.

Among those also in attendance were Dr. Kathie Mathis, CEO of California Cognitive Behavioral Institute and a National Trauma Specialist, and NWCAVE’s Survivor Support Services Coordinator, Eryn Hastay.  

The next group will meet again at Legions Realty, 717 W. Main Street #125, Battle Ground, WA 98604 July 27 from 2-4 p.m. for those in-person.  Anyone wishing to be on Zoom, a link will be provided later in July.  For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/626821379779645