No One Grieves Alone. Together, We Heal.
The 1120 Kollective is a Chicago-based community for grief support — holistic, culturally affirming, and built by people who understand loss from the inside.
Founded in Love, Built for Community
The 1120 Kollective began as a tribute — Dr. Yakima Palmer created it in honor of her son, Vaughan, whose life continues to shape everything this community does. What started as one mother's grief has grown into a place where healing hearts lean on each other, share stories of resilience, and turn loss into light
A Different Kind of Grief Support
Grief doesn't move in a straight line, and support shouldn't come in only one form. The 1120 Kollective was built around four principles:
-
We care for the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. Our practices are natural and integrative, going well beyond talk-based support alone.
-
Join us online from wherever you are. Support should fit into your life, not the other way around.
-
Different communities carry and express grief differently, and we honor that. This is support shaped to reflect who you actually are, not a single standard model applied to everyone.
-
We work alongside therapists, spiritual leaders, wellness educators, and community partners. You are never limited to just one kind of support here.
Our Programs
-
![]()
Grief Support Groups
Peer-led circles on Zoom, where your story is heard and honored. There's no pressure to share before you're ready.
-
![]()
Community Rituals & Healing Events
Candlelight vigils, remembrance circles, and gatherings that hold space to honor love and loss together.
-
![]()
Resource Navigation
One-on-one help connecting you to counseling, financial or practical support, and care within your community.
Why This Work Matters
Grief is universal, but support for it isn't distributed evenly. People in marginalized communities are too often left to carry loss alone, especially when traditional mental health care doesn't reflect their culture or is simply out of reach. The 1120 Kollective exists to close that gap with spaces that are safe, accessible, and genuinely relevant to the people who need them.
The 1120 Kollective was created in honor of my son, Vaughan, whose life and love continue to inspire this mission. What began as a tribute to him has grown into a community for healing hearts a place to lean on one another, share stories of resilience, and transform loss into light.
Dr. Yakima Palmer, Founder
Ways to Get Involved
Join a support group or a community gathering.
Grieving right now?
Become a peer volunteer
Want to give back?
Your gift helps someone grieve in community instead of alone.
Want to support this work?
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Yes. Our programs are free to attend, and donations are welcome but never required.
-
No. If you are grieving, you can reach out directly — no referral, diagnosis, or paperwork required.
-
Grief doesn't run on a schedule, so neither do we. People join us at every stage of loss.
-
Adults 18 and older, from anywhere. All of our programs are online right now.