Let's Heal Together

We hope you'll find the resources, support, and encouragement you need as you navigate your journey toward healing, hope, and resilience.

ABOUT US

The Mending Hearts Initiative is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support and resources to individuals and families who are grieving loss, (not limited to the death of a loved one) and are struggling to pick up the pieces. Our aim is to offer compassionate assistance, guidance, and healing to those in need, and to encourage resilience and hope in their journey toward rebuilding their lives. Mending Hearts provides a range of services and support for those experiencing grief and loss to include counseling, support groups, educational resources, referrals to other community resources, and other activities that align with our mission. Additionally, we advocate to raise awareness about the importance of grief support and the needs of those who are experiencing loss. It is our mission to promote policies and practices that support wellbeing and healing.

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OUR SERVICES

The Healing Circle

The Healing Circle is a free hybrid grief support group that offers both in-person and virtual participation, making support accessible wherever you are. Designed for adults navigating the loss of a loved one, this open-ended group provides a safe, compassionate space to share, listen, and connect with others who understand. Participants are invited to engage at their own pace while exploring grief, building meaningful connections, and finding hope, healing, and encouragement in community.

Young Hearts Healing

Young Hearts Healing is a free grief support group for youth ages 11–18 navigating the loss of someone or something meaningful in their lives—including, but not limited to, the death of a loved one. The group provides a safe, supportive environment where participants can express their emotions, connect with peers who understand, and develop healthy coping skills. Through age-appropriate therapeutic activities, creative expression, and meaningful connection, youth are empowered to process loss, build resilience, and discover hope as they move forward on their healing journey.

Compassionate Connections: Grief Education and Workshops

We bring together the expertise of mental health professionals, counselors, and grief advocates to create programs rooted in compassion and informed by experience. By equipping communities, faith groups, and organizations with the tools to navigate grief, we aim to create a culture of understanding, connection, and healing.

Let us help you build compassionate connections in your community and beyond. Together, we can create a space where grief is met with care, understanding, and hope.

Community Outreach

Mending Hearts partners with Vine & Branch Community Outreach Program to make a positive impact by giving back to the community with compassion, care, and a commitment to service. Inspired by the idea that we are all interconnected, like branches of a vine, through our collaboration, our mission is to nurture, support, and strengthen the communities we serve. Both organizations believe that every act of service has the potential to create lasting change.Whether through offering a listening ear, providing resources, or supporting local causes, we are committed to helping our community thrive.

Mending Mothers Luncheon

Mending Mothers Luncheon is an annual gathering that honors and supports mothers who have experienced the loss of a child. Held in recognition of Bereaved Mother's Day, the luncheon provides a compassionate space for connection, reflection, and healing through fellowship, inspirational speakers, and meaningful activities. More than a meal, it is an opportunity for mothers to feel seen, supported, and reminded that they are not alone in their grief. The event also raises awareness about the unique challenges of parental loss while fostering hope, resilience, and community.

Meet the Team

President/Executive Director/Co-Founder

Tinisha Pender, MA, NCC, LPC

Tinisha Pender is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor, in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. She holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Webster University and obtained her Bachelors degree from Anderson University. Tinisha is committed to helping her community navigate the hardships and stresses life can bring to include trauma, grief, and life transitions. Alongside her friend and colleague, Shantell Cox, she co-founded The Mending Hearts Initiative to expand access to grief support, mental health education, and healing-centered community programs. In her free time she enjoys shopping, going to the gym, spending time with family and friends, and riding ATVs.

Vice President/Clinical Director/Co-Founder

Shantell Cox, M.Ed., LPC-S

Shantell Cox is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Co-Founder and Clinical Director of The Mending Hearts Initiative. She holds a Masters degree in Community Agency Counseling from Clemson University and obtained her Bachelors degree from Voorhees College. With more than 20 years of experience supporting children, adults, and families, she brings extensive experience in mental health counseling, grief support, and community outreach. Shantell is passionate about creating compassionate spaces where individuals and families can receive support while navigating grief, loss, and life’s difficult transitions. Outside of clinical work, Shantell enjoys knitting, baking, gardening and being in nature.

Treasurer/Program Director

Lena Means, MA

Secretary/Community Engagement Coordinator

Carmelia Johnson

Co-Treasurer/Development Coordinator

Jada Adger-Byrd

Jada Byrd, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Charleston Southern University and a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University. She is passionate about working with children and supporting the mental health needs of her community. Jada says, "I chose to serve with The Mending Hearts Initiative because I believe in its mission to bring hope, healing, and meaningful support to those in need". Outside of work, Jada enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family.