Funeral Assistance
We pay burial costs directly to help families give a dignified goodbye. We lift the money stress so you can focus on your healing.
Care Guidance
We guide you to licensed counselors and mental health experts. You will also get a curated packet of local social service programs.
Ongoing Support
Our work does not end when the bill is paid. We offer follow-up check-ins and free grief groups to help you through the hard days.
How We Help
We provide burial grants and expert guidance to ensure every family in Toledo has what they need to move forward.
Emergency Burial Funds
We pay funeral homes directly. No cash is given to people. This clears debt for families with no other options.
Direct Financial Aid
Community Resource Hub
Every family gets a custom resource packet that connects them to social agencies and local community programs.
Navigating Resources
Mental Health Services
Get referrals to licensed therapists and an invite to our free grief groups for total emotional care.
Healing After Loss
$8,300
Current average burial expenses
$1,650+
Traditional cost of a grave opening
Free
Total cost for resource navigation
“Our help goes beyond money because grief needs more than just a paid bill to truly start healing.”
Dorene Sherman, Founder
Steps to Receive Support
01
Your funeral home or cemetery in Northwest Ohio sends a referral to us. This happens right at the time of your loss.
02
We review the bills. We only pay for final costs that the family cannot afford so that bills are not a burden.
03
Once a request is submitted and approved, assistance is provided as funding allows. Approved families are notified within 48–72 hours of their application status. In the event that funds are not currently available, approved families are placed on a waitlist and contacted as soon as funding becomes available. We are a donation-funded organization and appreciate your patience and understanding. Then we send the payment directly to the business to cover your final arrangements.
04
You receive a resource packet and an invite to grief groups. We will also check in to see how you are doing later.
Your donation changes lives.
Friend
$10 / month
Helps print our family resource packets.
Advocate
$25 / month
Helps pay for a dignified burial service.
Partner
$50 / month
Funds free grief support group meetings.
Dignity Donor
$100 / month
Supports a family with both money and mental health care.
A $750 gift pays the gap for one family so they can lay a loved one to rest and start their healing.
Help Today
Give online at PayPal.me/ffpcgno
Mail to: 5533 Southwyck Blvd, Suite 101 PMB1065, Toledo, Ohio 43614
Our Story
The Final Farewell Project was started by Dorene Sherman to stop the pain of families who could not afford a proper burial. She saw too many people left in unmarked graves and realized money wasn't the only problem. Grieving families also needed a map for their journey. Today, we provide both financial grants and resource navigation to connect every family with the counseling and community care they deserve to heal.
“We stay by your side until you are connected to the support you need to find peace after a loss.”
— Dorene Sherman, Founder
Served 60+ families in Akron, OH
Full support for Toledo families
Grants and resource navigation