Our Long Term Vision: A Place To Heal
Grief Retreat Center in Western PA
The Little Fox – Toby’s Foundation is working towards their vision to build a grief retreat center in Western Pennsylvania. The non-profit unveiled the scope of the project, along with their intention of purchasing a piece of property within the Laurel Highlands region of Western Pennsylvania.
The Little Fox – Toby’s Foundation has announced their plans to build a grief retreat center in Western Pennsylvania. The non-profit unveiled the scope of the project, along with their intention of purchasing a piece of property within the Laurel Highlands region of Western Pennsylvania. Toby’s Foundation intends to build a 10,000sf structure, which will serve as a safe haven for families who are grieving the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. This facility will provide a space within nature for families to escape and reflect on their journey from the day their baby died to the present.
Rendering images of the retreat provided by NEXT architecture.
Grief Retreats & Toby's Foundation
Toby’s Foundation supports families (parents, siblings, grandparents, and extended family) grieving the loss of an infant, educates on the importance of Safe Sleep Practices, and promotes SIDS awareness across the United States. The 501(c)3 was created in 2017 in memory of Tobias Stern, who died at 12 weeks old from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Toby’s Foundation will offer long weekend retreats that provide professional counseling, art therapy, memorial remembrance activities, yoga and breathwork, outdoor activities and other therapeutic, holistic, and wellness experiences to help parents, siblings, and families.
The intent of this facility is to provide a place for grieving parents at any stage in their journey. Grief has no timeline, and everyone grieves differently. Creating a space where mothers, fathers, and families can come together and grieve together is the mission of Toby’s Foundation. This facility will serve families, not only locally in Western Pennsylvania, but from across the country, providing tools to help deal with grief daily and hope for their future.
We are the only nonprofit in Pennsylvania and one of the few on the East Coast dedicated to hosting these unique retreats, giving families a space to honor their child’s memory while finding hope and community.
By the Numbers
50 States
Since 2017, Toby's Foundation has served at least one family in every state of the U.S.
52 Families
Families served through grief retreat weekends and workshops in 2024
8+ Partnerships
Partnerships with other local non-profits who serve the grief community, as well as mental healthcare providers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Little Fox - Toby’s Foundation?
A nonprofit organization dedicated to providing grief support for families who have experienced the death of a baby, offering grief retreats and other healing resources. We aim to create a permanent grief retreat center in Western PA to offer a safe space for healing and community.
What is the vision behind building a grief retreat center?
Our vision is to create a dedicated retreat center, in Western Pennsylvania, that offers year-round support for bereaved families. This center will allow us to expand our retreats and programming, creating a permanent space for healing, hope, and community for those grieving a loss.
Why is this grief retreat center important?
Families facing the loss of a baby often struggle to find specialized, long-term support. By creating a permanent center, we can serve more families, providing consistent and accessible care in a tranquil environment designed for healing and connection.
How will this project impact the community and families?
The retreat center will offer a safe haven for grieving families not just from Pennsylvania, but from all over the country. It will be a resource that promotes healing and provides opportunities for therapy, workshops, and community-building in a serene setting.
How can industry professionals members contribute to this vision?
As industry professionals, your expertise can help make this vision a reality. Whether through financial support, donating services, or engaging with our capital campaign, your contribution will directly impact the creation of this much-needed retreat center.
What is the timeline for the capital campaign and construction of the retreat center?
We are currently in the early stages of our capital campaign, with plans to break ground by 2026. Your support today will help us move forward toward the completion of this center.
What are the different ways I can support the capital campaign?
Donations at various levels, sponsoring specific aspects of the retreat center, contributing expertise or materials, and spreading awareness are all ways to support this project. We have ways to donate directly to our ‘Operating Budget’ to help us with operating this facility once our doors are opened. If you or your organization is interested in an annual donation towards either of these campaigns, please contact us: thelittlefoxfoundation@gmail.com
How will my donation be used?
Donations will directly fund the planning, design, and construction of the retreat center. Contributions will also support the ongoing programs that benefit grieving families, such as retreats, workshops, and therapeutic activities.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes, The Little Fox – Toby’s Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
How can I stay involved or updated on the project?
You can sign up for our newsletter, follow our progress on social media, or reach out directly to learn more about how you can be a part of this meaningful project.
To sign up, fill out the form here: https://thelittlefoxfoundation.org/email-subscribe/
How does supporting this project align with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals?
Partnering with The Little Fox – Toby’s Foundation offers a meaningful way for your company to make a positive, lasting impact. Supporting a grief retreat center aligns with CSR goals around mental health, community support, and giving back to underserved families in need.
Estimated Cost & Design
The project is expected to cost $6M to build and during their annual Gala on May 5, Toby’s Foundation launched their capital campaign for the project. The Monroeville based non-profit is currently working with NEXT architecture on the design.
Until the Grief Retreat Center is established, Toby’s Foundation plans to host 4-6 Grief Retreat weekends per year at locations in/around Western Pennsylvania.Â
