More About Wings of Hope
The Mission, The People, The Lives of Our Littlest Ones
The Wings of Hope Committee
The 2016 Wings of Hope committee is what we call "small, but mighty"! The above picture was taken at the Evening of Remembrance on June 30, 2016. Committee members are shown in front, from left to right:
Chris Oldenburg: Chair
Julie Laughlin
JoAnn Alfson
DeeAnn Wacker
Included in this picture are Tom Miller and Terry Miller. Tom Miller is the caretaker of Calvary Cemetery and has been instrumental in helping to establish the site. Terry Miller is the stone artist who both carved the beautiful statue at the site and who engraves the pavers.
Why Does Our Community Need this?
Approximately 10 to 20% of recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage before the 20th week of gestation. Many families also experience the devastation of pregnancy loss after 20 weeks in stillbirth and newborn death. Our community experiences these losses, and families often do not know where to turn for supportive measures.
The Wings of Hope memorial site provides a common burial program to families in the Mankato area where remains of children miscarried up to 20 weeks gestation receive a dignified burial. Without this type of opportunity for families, many are left suffering at home, unsure of how to handle this most delicate loss.
Families who do not have remains to bury also benefit from having a sacred place to remember the lives of their children. The site offers areas for reflection and opportunities for families to memorialize the lives of children they lost with inscribed pavers.
Wings of Hope is also a place where families who have experienced pregnancy loss and newborn death can go to remember the lives of their children.
​The Wings of Hope committee is also striving to create awareness and provide advocacy for all of these families.
Wings of Hope is provided through the combined efforts of the Wings of Hope committee, Calvary Cemetery, and Mankato Mortuary, along with generous individuals who dedicate their time, energy, and resources.
Email: wingsofhopemankato@gmail.com
Wings of Hope - The Beginning
The above picture is of three original committee members at the Wings of Hope site before construction. (Monica, Chris, and JoAnn) The transformation has been amazing to watch!