Who was Carter Seawell?

On July 31, 1994, Carter Seawell died suddenly, leaving behind his wife, Gale, daughter, Kaylyn, and son, Carter. Aside from being a loving husband, a doting father and a loyal friend, Carter's contributions extended beyond the boundaries of his family.

Carter was a graduate of the University of North Carolina as well as a member of the Forty-Niner's Basketball Team. He was an independent land broker and was Vice President of McGuire Properties in Charlotte. An active member of Providence United Methodist Church, Carter is much remembered for his sincerity, his kindness, and his firmly-anchored faith.

Following his death, a group of Carter's close friends and family felt inspired to join in a cause to celebrate his life. They learned of KinderMourn through the organization's counseling of Carter's daughter, Kaylyn. It was this experience that brought to light the importance of KinderMourn and the essential role that it plays in the lives of many families such as Carter's.

"Kaylyn felt scared, alone and abandoned in her grief. KinderMourn was there to help."
--Gale Seawell

How a House...

A group of family and friends joined together to honor the life of Carter Seawell. Their mission was to memorialize Carter by assisting KinderMourn in their efforts to acquire a home where families like Carter's could be counseled in a comfortable, home-like setting.

Became a Home...

In 1995, a capital campaign goal of $300,000 was successfully pledged by individual and corporate contributions.

In January, 1996, the KinderMourn staff moved into their new home at 1320 Harding Place. The next two years brought finishing touches to expanded office space, support group rooms, a bereavement resource center, a room custom designed for grieving children, and workroom facilities. Most importantly, a sense of home for grieving families was realized. As one former KinderMourn board member stated, "There is an intangible feeling when you enter the front door that you are in a safe place.

A Home to Rebuild Lives

Since 1978, KinderMourn has grown from a small pilot program with a volunteer staff of two into a recognized community service program with a professional staff of 13, a 20-member Board of Directors and a number of dedicated volunteers.

Any family who has experienced the death of a child from pregnancy through adulthood is eligible for services. Bereavement support is also available for children and young adults who have suffered the death of a loved one.