The Sun Will Rise Foundation and Team Sharing Announce Planned Merger

Team Sharing and The Sun Will Rise Foundation have announced plans to merge later this year, strengthening peer grief support for people bereaved due to substance use-related causes across Massachusetts.

The announcement comes during The Sun Will Rise Foundation's 10th anniversary and ahead of Team Sharing Founder Cheryl Juaire's upcoming retirement this fall. Once the merger is complete, The Sun Will Rise Foundation will carry forward the mission and legacy of both organizations while continuing to increase access to peer grief support, education, advocacy, and opportunities for healing connection throughout Massachusetts.

Founded by Cheryl Juaire after the death of her son, Corey, Team Sharing has spent the past 11 years supporting parents affected by substance use disorder and substance use-related deaths through peer support, advocacy, education, and public awareness. The organization has helped thousands of families while becoming a respected voice throughout the Commonwealth. Following the devastating loss of her second son, Sean Merrill, in 2021, Cheryl continued to lead with compassion and purpose, drawing on her own experience to support countless others facing unimaginable loss.

The Sun Will Rise Foundation was founded in 2016 by Robyn Houston-Bean following the death of her son, Nicholas. During the past ten years, the organization has grown into one of the largest providers of free, peer-led grief support for adults bereaved due to substance use-related causes. Today, The Sun Will Rise Foundation offers more than 45 monthly in-person and virtual peer grief support groups, educational programs and community activities throughout Massachusetts and beyond.

"Team Sharing and The Sun Will Rise Foundation were both founded after the death of our sons and built on the belief that no one should have to grieve alone," said Robyn Houston-Bean "For years, we've been there for bereaved people, each in our own way. Bringing our organizations together allows us to build on everything both have created."

"After years of walking alongside families through unimaginable loss, I am retiring with a heart full of gratitude. Bringing Team Sharing together with The Sun Will Rise Foundation ensures that the mission we have cherished will not only continue, but grow stronger for generations to come." said Cheryl Juaire.

The merger will also ensure the continuation of Team Sharing's Overdose Awareness Memorial License Plate program with the proceeds supporting peer grief support and continuing Team Sharing's mission of supporting families after a substance use-related death. As part of this transition, license plates numbered 1 through 99 are currently being auctioned off to benefit The Sun Will Rise. Learn more or place a bid at https://givebutter.com/c/thesunwillrise/auction

The legal merger will be completed later this year, and both organizations are already working together to ensure a seamless transition for the families and communities they serve. The organizations will celebrate this milestone during a special public event on October 3. Community members, supporters, press and business leaders are invited to learn more at https://www.thesunwillrise.org/10-year-celebration

Additional information about the merger is available at: thesunwillrise.org/together-in-the-light.
Information about changing a registration to an overdose awareness memorial plate is available at: bit.ly/overdose-awareness-plates.

Together, Team Sharing and The Sun Will Rise Foundation look forward to continuing their shared commitment to ensuring that people bereaved due to substance use-related causes know they do not have to grieve alone.