Left to right:  Red Bank Councilwoman Linda Schwabenbauer, Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling, Freeholder John Curley, Stephy’s Place Director Sheila Martello and Congressman Chris Smith cut the ribbon on the new Stephy’s Place meeting space. (Photo by Ken Feldman)

Press release from Stephy’s Place

Stephy’s Place, a Red Bank-based, non-profit organization that offers free support groups for people who are coping with issues of grief and loss, held its ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, March 9.  Stephy’s Place Director Sheila Martello was joined for the special occasion by U.S. Congressman Chris Smith, State Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling, Monmouth County Freeholder John Curley, and Red Bank Councilwoman Linda Schwabenauer.

Believing that anyone who has suffered the loss of a love one should not have to navigate the journey alone, Stephy’s Place currently offers ten peer support groups, facilitated by an experienced moderator and all free of charge. Already welcoming participants are groups that deal with the loss of a spouse, loss of a parent, loss of a child, loss from suicide, loss from addiction, general loss, and a divorce support group. New groups are forming now for families who have experienced miscarriages, and caregivers of a terminally ill loved one. Monthly meditation groups are also offered.

All groups meet at Stephy’s Place, located in the Swede Chevalier building at 210 West Front Street (corner of Morford Place, opposite The Brothers restaurant).  The meeting space is beautifully decorated, warm, and inviting to make those more comfortable during the sharing process.

Stephy’s Place was named after Stephanie Hardman Kaminoff, an area woman who passed away in 2014 from cancer and who left behind three children. Spearheaded by Sheila Martello, whose husband was lost in the tragic events of September 11, 2001 (as was Swede Chevalier, the young Middletown resident for whom the professional building is named) and several others who lost loved ones on 9/11, the facility was founded as a supportive environment in which to share feelings of loss. For more information, including a complete list of support group dates and times, visit www.stephysplace.org, check the group’s Facebook page, or call (732)614-1142.