The holidays are meant to be joyful — yet for many, this season also stirs up tender emotions, grief, and longing for those no longer at the table.
The Death Café is a warm, welcoming gathering where we can speak openly about death, dying, loss, and the beautiful complexity of being human — all over a cup of tea (and maybe something sweet).
There’s no agenda, no therapy, and no judgment — just authentic conversation in good company. The goal isn’t to fix or analyze, but to share, listen, and connect.
This particular gathering takes place just before Thanksgiving, offering a compassionate pause before the holiday rush — a space to breathe, remember, and honor those who have passed while finding comfort in community.
This is the second Death Café hosted by Charleston Deathcare Collective and Evolve Academy. The first was deeply appreciated by participants for its warmth, honesty, and the surprising sense of ease and connection that emerged from speaking openly about what so often goes unspoken.
What is a Death Cafe?
A Death Café is a gathering where participants come together in a welcoming, non-judgmental space — “to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.”
There’s no agenda, no sales pitch, no therapy session — just conversation, connection, tea & cake.
Originally inspired by the Swiss “café mortel” and formalised through the work of Jon Underwood and Sue Barsky Reid in 2011, Death Cafes take place all over the world.
What to Expect
Safe, compassionate container held by the Charleston Deathcare Collective and Evolve Academy
Meaningful small-group conversations
Tea, light refreshments, and genuine human connection
A cozy, peaceful atmosphere — no pressure to speak; listening hearts are equally welcome
Reflections on how to navigate the holidays while missing someone you love
Opportunities to share stories, memories, and maybe even laughter amid the tenderness
Who This Is For
Anyone who is grieving, remembering, or simply curious about exploring death as a natural part of life. Whether your loss is recent or long ago, whether you speak or simply listen, your presence is welcome and valued.
About the Charleston Deathcare Collective is a community of end-of-life doulas, death educators, and advocates dedicated to bringing death literacy, eco-conscious practices, and compassionate conversation to the Lowcountry.
Facilitator bio from Jenifer Mahanes:
As I pursue a career as a death doula, I am driven by a profound passion to empower individuals navigating life's most transformative moments. Through my work as the owner of Sacred Body Massage & Healing Arts on Folly, I have refined my expertise in oncology massage and palliative care, guiding individuals to tap into their inner strength and unlock holistic well-being. My 22-year journey as a massage therapist has been deeply influenced by the transformative power of Reiki, which inspired me to become a Reiki master in 2008. The beautiful union of yoga and massage led me to become a certified yoga instructor in 2008, and since 2009, I have been sharing the liberating power of yoga with students in elementary schools. In 2017, I founded Folly Beach Community Yoga, cultivating a supportive community that celebrates holistic well-being and self-awareness.
My fascination with death has been shaped by a series of profound personal experiences, including the loss of loved ones to suicide and two near-death experiences in 2023. A pivotal moment came when a dear friend and mentor was diagnosed with a rare form of T-Cell lymphoma, and I had the privilege of supporting her throughout her journey. This profound experience ignited my desire to become a death doula, allowing me to provide compassionate support to others during life's most vulnerable moments, and empowering them to approach life's transitions with courage and resilience.