ABOUT US
OUR MISSION & HISTORY
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES.
Founded in 2024, Pressing Forward Gracefully is dedicated to supporting grieving children as they navigate life after the loss of a parent. We provide compassionate care through counseling, life skills training, tutoring, and career preparation, empowering children to heal and thrive. Our vision is a future where every grieving child finds hope, resilience, and the support needed to build a brighter future. Through our programs and advocacy, we create a nurturing environment where children can overcome adversity and embrace their full potential.
VISION & FUTURE GOALS
We envision a future where every grieving child has access to compassionate care, essential resources, and a supportive community, empowering them to heal, grow, and thrive. Our goal is to foster resilience and hope, ensuring they overcome adversity and embrace their full potential in building a brighter future.
As Pressing Forward Gracefully grows, one of our primary goals is to expand our support for grieving children navigating life after loss. We aim to provide enhanced counseling, life skills training, and educational resources to help them rebuild their lives with resilience and hope. By empowering these children with the tools and support they need to thrive, we strive to foster brighter futures and stronger communities.
OUR STORY
In January 2003, 13-year-old Brittany Mabry’s world changed forever when her mother, Nicole C. Greene-Austin, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 33.
Nicole left behind three young children: Brittany (13), Cedrick “Brienne” Austin Jr. (7), and Destinee Austin (6). Suddenly, they were forced to navigate life without their guiding light.
For Brittany, grief was more than sadness—it brought confusion, anger, fear, and overwhelming challenges she didn’t feel prepared to face. Who would help her navigate high school and all the responsibilities that came with it? Who would teach her how to prepare for college or manage finances? How would she, as the oldest sibling, guide her younger brother and sister while feeling lost herself? Without her mother’s wisdom and support, Brittany often felt as though she was stumbling through life in the dark.
Years later, Brittany turned her pain into purpose. Drawing from her personal journey, she founded Pressing Forward Gracefully to honor her mother’s legacy and ensure that no child has to face life’s challenges alone after losing a parent.
Brittany’s story is not unique. Every year, thousands of children experience the loss of a parent, along with the loss of guidance and stability that often follows. Brittany expresses, “Grieving a parent as a child isn’t just about losing someone you love—it’s about losing the guide you need for the rest of your life. I want every child to know they’re not alone. There’s hope, support, and a path forward, no matter how hard things may seem.”
Pressing Forward Gracefully is a beacon of hope for children and teens who have lost a parent. Through mentorship, life skills training, and community support, we provide the tools they need to heal, grow, and build brighter, stronger futures. Together, we are helping them move forward gracefully.