Four years ago, Kimberly Stevens’ world was shattered when she lost her teenage son, Ethan, in 2021. A talented local footballer signed to the Broncos’ elite development squad, Ethan’s passing left a void no parent should ever endure.
Six months later, as Kimberly returned to work, she found herself searching for something more, and there she found a calling to help other parents navigate the same heartache.
“I didn’t know a lot about grief back then… and I just knew there wasn’t a lot around to help,” she said.
Kimberly noticed two glaring gaps: the lack of local, real-time connections and the way support networks fade over time.
“Support networks fade over time… not through anyone’s fault, but because grief is uncomfortable. I wanted to help parents rebuild them with people who really understand on a personal level.”
From that vision, Kids Connecting Parents was created – a unique app designed to connect grieving parents safely, locally and globally.
“I saw mums reaching out online saying they needed a coffee, but by the time someone replied, it was days later and hours away. I thought, this needs to be local, this needs to be on the day.”
Initially funded through memorial rugby league games for Ethan and later supported by community groups such as the Moranbah Bulldogs AFL Club, the app has already facilitated coffee catch-ups, yoga sessions, and peer support groups.
“The app is really a tool to find people, but my ultimate goal is the face-to-face connections.
“It’s so grieving mums and dads can sit together, laugh, cry, and create support in every town,” Kimberly explained.
The app’s impact has now been recognised nationally, winning Gold in Wellness Services and Silver for Overcoming the Odds at the 2025 AusMumpreneur Awards.
“It’s hard to be proud of something you wish you never had to create… But I’m glad I can help others, which helps me too.”
Kimberly also shared words of wisdom passed on by another mother she met along her journey.
“It takes a village to raise a child – and it takes a village to grieve one.”
If you’d like to help, you can support the Supported Pathways for Grieving Parents Program by donating to sponsor a parent to join the App. 100% of every donation, big or small, enables more parents to feel less alone.
Donations can be made at www.kidsconnectingparents.com
After losing her teenage son Ethan, Moranbah mum Kimberly Stevens created the award-winning app Kids Connecting Parents to provide local, real-time support and connection for grieving parents. Photos supplied
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