Meet Hope Reger | Founding President, Grief Advocate, and Published Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hope Reger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hope, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Grief 2 Hope was inspired by my son Justin Cole who I lost to murder in 2016. I live and breathe in his honor each day and as tragic as his life was quickly taken, he left me with something I never knew I needed. A more patient, grateful, courageous, kind, and hopeful version of me.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Grief 2 Hope was created out of need. I was looking for a group or someone who understood what I was going through or could relate to my grief, and I could not find any resources that matched what I needed. That is when I decided I wanted to build a community for those grieving where they can ask questions, talk through their experiences, develop relationships with others who could understand, provide their point of view, and a safe space to be authentic and open. I wanted to also provide a place for hope, to know that we need to keep living in honor of our loved ones. For us to not feel guilty about being happy, enjoying life, love, and even dreaming with grief. One of the quotes I use is “I lost Justin; I did not want to lose Hope too”. Creating and building Grief 2 Hope is growing and living and I need to earn it every day. I have had many struggles with the organization and look at those as lessons vs. failures. I have been building Grief 2 Hope since 2020 when I first put pen to paper to develop the program. I wanted to build a program where people felt comfortable asking for help without the financial burden and it has taken several years to finally be able to provide Grief 2 Hope as a nonprofit organization. We are new to the world of grief resources, but we are powerful as we create a community for those who do not know we are here, ready to listen, provide our experiences, and build each other up to keep on living for our loved ones.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In my opinion, my town of Xenia has tons to offer! First, we are an extremely friendly town with incredible school spirit. We have amazing places to eat and new restaurants coming in to add to the variety. We have an incredible bike path that can take you through many of our beautiful parks. Xenia is developing with an old-town flavor.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out my husband, Mike Reger who has believed in me and my mission since day one. Mike always looks at ways to support me either by words of encouragement, sharing my posts, providing ideas and feedback, traveling, loading and unloading at shows, and promoting my organization, program, and books. Most of all he provides me with my why when I need it.

Website: www.grief2hopesupport.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/grief2hope2020

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/grief-2-hope

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Grief2Hope2020