Catherine’s Cause brings hope to families facing infant loss

Catherine’s Cause continues to transform grief into healing by bringing the community together through service, creativity and shared compassion.

The nonprofit’s mission is to provide comfort, resources and meaningful opportunities for families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. Co-founded by Tinley Park resident Colleen Connelly, Catherine’s Cause honors the memory of her daughter while offering ongoing support to families navigating miscarriage or infant loss.

“Catherine’s Cause is not only in memory of our daughter, but in honor of every baby who was simply too good for this world,” Connelly said.

What began as a small vision has grown into a network of volunteers who create handmade keepsake items that become part of memory care packages distributed to local families. The packages are designed to ensure parents do not leave the hospital with empty arms.

“Hands that create help hearts heal,” Connelly said. “Each item carries intention, care and love.”

The organization will host its inaugural Catherine’s Cause Craft Workshop on Saturday, February 7 at 9 a.m., inviting community members to help create handmade keepsakes for families healing from loss. The workshop will serve as an open house for volunteers as well as families who have previously received a care package from the organization.

The free event will be held in the MDR room at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, 3857 W. 111th Street, with balloons guiding attendees to the room. Volunteers ages 10 and older are encouraged to attend. Organizers noted that the workshop is not a drop-off event for youth participants, and children must be accompanied by an adult volunteer who remains on-site.

Limited supplies will be available to create blankets, infant clothing, bracelets, keychains and cards. Participants are encouraged to bring materials such as yarn, knitting supplies, blanket fabric, sewing kits, string and beads to contribute to the care packages.

“You don’t need to be crafty,” Connelly said. “You just need a willingness to learn and share compassion.”

Organizers ask attendees to RSVP in advance to ensure an accurate headcount. The space can accommodate approximately 100 to 150 people. Registration for the February workshop is available online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-fM1F90KIkM2poCrVRk4pTzQm3f_c8aJKHyHh5uDO5KofoA/viewform.

During the workshop, Catherine’s Cause will also introduce its official mascot, offering a moment of warmth and connection during a day rooted in remembrance.

Beyond crafting, Catherine’s Cause focuses on creating a space where grief can be acknowledged openly. While the organization centers its work on parents, it also supports grandparents, siblings and extended family members who are often unsure how to navigate their own loss.

“Some of the people who need healing are those who stood on the sidelines, never feeling like they had the right words to make it better,” Connelly said.

Through community, creativity and compassion, Catherine’s Cause continues to honor Catherine’s name while ensuring families facing loss do not have to grieve alone.