Suicide Survivors Fall Weekend

October 17 - 20, 2025


YMCA Trout Lodge - Potosi,  MO

Registration Deadline: September 17, 2025


The Suicide Survivors Fall Weekend is co-hosted by C.O.P.S. and Survivors of Blue Suicide Foundation. This weekend is planned for surviving parents, step-parents, siblings, grandparents and other extended family of law enforcement suicide. Other relatives and friends are not eligible to attend.

Testimonial from a 2024 Suicide Survivors Fall Weekend Attendee:

“I can’t thank God enough for putting this retreat in my life. I’m not sure how I would have ever learned how to handle life without the support.”

What to Expect

Grieving after a suicide loss brings feelings of shock, disbelief, guilt, blame, anger, and a potential stigma which can lead to feelings of shame, embarrassment, or isolation. By attending the Suicide Survivors Fall Weekend you will be surrounded by other survivors who truly understand how you feel. You will gain resources and coping strategies to help you navigate life after your suicide loss. 


Suicide Survivors Fall Weekend provides a safe and confidential environment for survivors who will engage in group sessions led by licensed mental health professionals who are experienced in law enforcement suicide. Support sessions are coupled with wellness activities, giving you the chance to challenge yourself within a stress-free, relaxing setting while connecting with others who share similar experiences. We hope that you will depart from this weekend feeling rejuvenated with a renewed sense of understanding, a supportive community, lifelong friendships, and valuable insights for your journey ahead. For a detailed schedule of events, please click here to view our sample agenda for the weekend.

What is the Cost of the Weekend?

Your only expense is your travel to and from the St. Louis Airport if you are flying or to and from the YMCA Trout Lodge if you are driving. All lodging, meals, and activities are provided at no cost. If you fail to cancel your attendance and you do not show up for the weekend, you could be subject to a participation fee for the following year’s weekend.

Session Examples:

  • Guilt after Suicide
  • Fighting the Stigma
  • Managing Life Changes after a Sudden Death
  • Anger after the Suicide of a Child/Sibling

Travel Information

If you are flying: You should plan to arrive at St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Friday, October 17. You will be met by a C.O.P.S. representative at the airport and transported to the YMCA Trout Lodge by bus. You will be transported back to the St. Louis Airport on Monday, October 20, by 11:30 a.m. Please be sure your return flight is AFTER 12:30 p.m. to allow time for check-in and security checks.


If you are driving: You will need to arrive at the YMCA Trout Lodge by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 17, and stay through breakfast on Monday, October 20. Meals and activities are planned; no late arrivals or early departures, please.


Travel assistance is provided by Survivors of Blue Suicide Foundation for up to $300/person. To qualify, you must register before the deadline and complete the retreat. More details will be provided upon registering.


Please Note: This program is held at a YMCA facility. All YMCA facilities are required to screen guests through the Raptor sex offender registry. Your information will be shared with the YMCA Trout Lodge (First Name, Last Name, and DOB) and checked in the national sex offender database. If you have questions about this information, please contact the Services Department at 573-346-4911.

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