Each day in America, more than 1,000 children experience the death of a parent or sibling. By
the age of 18, one in eleven children will face the profound death of a loved one (Judi’s House, 2025).
For these children and their families, finding a space to grieve and begin healing together can be
invaluable—just as it was for Susan and Nick Shaw.
The Green House
The Green House was born from the Shaw family’s own experience with profound loss. In February 2019, their 9-year-old son William died in a skiing accident. In the aftermath, they realized that having the opportunity to step away from everything—to find space to grieve and heal together as a family—
was essential to their survival. Unfortunately, not every family can afford such a chance, but with your generous help, the Shaws will offer this life-changing opportunity to others—one family at a time.
The Green House will be a serene retreat on Cape Cod for grieving children and their families. Whether you’ve experienced the heartbreaking death of a child or a spouse, The Green House will offer a peaceful space where families can spend a private, week-long stay free of charge, finding solace and healing in a quiet, nurturing environment. Here, away from daily reminders and pressures, families can find comfort in small moments:
preparing meals together, sharing and creating new memories, or simply resting by the sea.
The Green House Retreat is named in memory of William Shaw, who loved the color green – a color that also symbolizes natural growth and vitality. We are creating The Green House Retreat to be a source of light and hope for families facing the darkness of grief. A home that is specifically curated to bring comfort to grieving families. A sanctuary for families to rest, recover, and just spend time together.
A place for hope.
The Green House Retreat
$2,500,000 Funding Goal
$2,000,000
$200,000
$300,000
Purchase, upgrade and furnish 3000 sf property.
Soft costs, including campaign costs and professional fees.
The Green House Retreat Launch Fund to propel us forward.
The Green House Retreat
Impact
1
Creates nation’s first private retreat curated for grief support for families with children under 18.
2
Interior design promotes healing, connection and calm; therapeutic elements included in both interior and exterior for family members of all ages.
3
Supports up to 52 grieving families per year during crucial first 36 months after a death, fostering hope and a new beginning as families begin to emerge from despair.
4
Expresses care and kindness from others who understand the enormous stresses faced by families in recovering from a transformational loss.
5
Ocean location at Cape Cod draws on healing power of a special region.
6
Initiates a replicable model for grief retreats in other areas of the country.
The Green House Retreat
Kindess Hearth
The Kindness Hearth will celebrate the caring community that makes the Green House Retreat possible. Donor names and remembrances will integrated into the fireside gathering space at levels appropriate for each giving tier.
Naming Opportunities
$ 1,000,000 Building Naming
$ 500,000 Major Room Naming - Kitchen, Living Room
$ 250,000 Bedroom Naming, Play Area, Garden
Founders Circle
$ 100,000
or 5 years at $20,000
Sustainer Circle
$50,000
or 5 years at $10,000
Friend Circle
$ 25,000
or 5 years at $5,000
Builder Circle
$ 10,000
or 5 years at $2,000
Community Circle
$ 5,000
or 5 years at $1,000
Head to our giving website to make an online donation now.
The Green House Retreat
Get in Touch
We are in the early phase of The Green House Retreat capital campaign, meeting with potential Kindness Hearth Donors. At this time the project timing will depend on the success of these important conversations as we build a Kindness Hearth community for the Green House Retreat.
For information on how you can become involved, please contact us!