Following the completion of Angela Schaefers memoir, Grief to Grace in 2006, the concept of an organization to further support Angela’s goals of sharing her story and hoping to positively impact others, Grief to Grace was founded as a for-profit sole proprietorship. Angela, her oldest daughter and a core group of advisors collaborate on the organization. Angela found that there was a significant opportunity not only to share her story as one of hope and inspiration, but also to encourage others to find the meaning in their life’s story and a way to share that with others. It became evident that there were many people who realized a need to find peace and emotional and spiritual healing over their life experiences, some of which were traumatic. Yet many may not have the necessary tools and had not achieved the personal growth needed to have such healing and to fulfill their life purpose. Research indicates that those who are educated, counseled and or supported in their personal and professional lives have a greater success rate, less mental health issues and less physical ailments. Angela utilizes her personal experience of how she found a life of grace as a way to teach others.

The Grief to Grace book, website and marketing materials were developed concurrently as a means to promote the book and the Grief to Grace organization. Angela utilized her connections in Florida, within her community including local churches, friends and colleagues to begin marketing. The first book signing was held at a Christian owned coffee shop. The subsequent book signings have been held at churches and a Christian book store. Angela was invited and spoke about the book at a local prayer center and appeared on a Christian cable television network. Angela appeared as a guest on a cable television show in California that supports story telling through books, art and poetry. Angela frequently speaks to groups and organizations or at events, by request. Through Grief to Grace Angela has conducted workshops, trainings and individual sessions providing coaching, counseling and consulting for various personal and professional issues.

Realizing the positive impact that sharing her story had on others, it became evident to us at Grief to Grace that others have a story to tell and that story may very well help, inspire and encourage others. As Angela experienced healing through telling and sharing her story, we hope the same will be true for others. Your Story Matters was created as a subsidiary of Grief to Grace, with the goal to produce others stories in book, art, music or video format.

Grief to Grace is a self-funded organization. Occasional support and funding from both businesses and individuals is graciously received to assist in its mission. All proceeds from book sales and speaking fees are utilized to fund services and support for those who may not otherwise afford them.

Angela Schaefers memoir Grief to Grace
*cover design by Lindsay A.

The creation of Your Story Matters was a direct result of Angela sharing her story and realizing both the personal healing she experienced from telling it and the power of her story to encourage and inspire others. Angela realized her life purpose through telling her story and finding healing from her past experiences. Her mission in life is to help others to see that their story matters and that we each have experienced challenges that we can learn from and share with others to encourage and inspire those around us. Your Story Matters!