In loving memory of Elsie Heinz (1938–2023).

The Elsie Heinz Trauma Recovery Fund has been established to provide life-changing coaching and support to financially compromised survivors of trauma, with a particular focus on those recovering from the effects of narcissistic abuse. Elsie’s life was a tapestry of connection, empathy, warmth and understanding for those around her. She had an uncanny ability to make people feel seen and valued. Through this fund, her legacy of kindness remains a beacon of light illuminating a path to healing for survivors in need.

Love In Action

Elsie Heinz (1938–2023) was born on a homestead farm in Veregin, Saskatchewan. From a young age, she developed a profound compassion for all living things, caring for animals and her community. Elsie possessed a unique gift: she was able to bridge divides and bring people together across cultures, from the close-knit embrace of her Ukrainian and Russian Doukhobor community to the vibrant pulse of bustling cities like Hong Kong, Taipei, and Mexico City.

Elsie had a special way of making everyone feel welcome and included, whether it was her family, friends, or the wider community. She cherished her loved ones and found joy in supporting and encouraging them to realize their full potential. She believed in the power of human connection and lived her life with a spirit of hope and resilience. Her adventurous spirit and her unwavering commitment to helping others continues to be an inspiraton.

Elsie is survived by her husband, Merrill; son, Doug Heinz of San Francisco, CA, and his wife, Lisa Patterson-Heinz; brother, Len Wlasichuk of Winnipeg, MB, and his wife, Janine Wlasichuk; sister, Mildred Tolton of Sechelt, BC; grandchildren, Landon and Brennan Aquilina of Dublin, CA; as well as her beloved nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Empowering Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse

The Elsie Heinz Trauma Recovery Fund helps people who have experienced narcissistic abuse, especially those struggling financially due to the aggression. Narcissistic abuse can have a devastating impact on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. It can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, difficulty forming healthy relationships, and other serious emotional challenges. This fund aims to support survivors on their path to healing.

This fund will provide survivors with specialized coaching that understands the unique challenges of recovering from narcissistic abuse. Elsie Heinz Legacy Recipients will experience a safe and supportive space where they can heal, rebuild their self-confidence, and learn to live fulfilling lives. The focus is on empowering survivors to overcome the trauma and build a brighter future with hope and awareness.

The Elsie Heinz Trauma Recovery Fund reflects her unwavering belief in the transformative power of love, kindness, and personal growth.

$15,000 Contribution to Empower Survivors

Narcissistic Abuse Rehab is proud to announce a $15,000 contribution to the Elsie Heinz Trauma Recovery Fund for 2025. This generous commitment will provide immediate resources to help survivors in need gain access to professional coaching and learning materials, enabling them to rebuild their lives with strength and confidence.

I invite you to join in amplifying this effort and honoring Elsie’s enduring legacy. By supporting the Elsie Heinz Trauma Recovery Fund you can help honor her memory by empowering survivors to heal, grow, and create lives filled with hope and opportunity. To contribute to the Elsie Heinz Trauma Recovery Fund or learn more about how you can get involved, please send a message via our contact page.

Elsie Heinz Legacy Recipients

Below is a list of recipients of the Elsie Heinz Trauma Recovery Fund. Please note that some survivors have chosen to remain anonymous.

2025 — Kathryn B******2025 — TBA*2025 — TBA*

* This slot is currently open for applications. If you are a survivor of narcissistic abuse whose financial stability has been compromised, we encourage you to apply. The Elsie Heinz Trauma Recovery Fund is dedicated to empowering survivors on their journey to healing and transformation.

To apply or nominate a candidate, please send a message requesting more information via our contact page.

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The Elsie Heinz Trauma Recovery Fund was originally published in Narcissistic Abuse Rehab on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.