GRIEF COUNSELING/
SUPPORT GROUPS

Trinity Hospice - Loss & Grief Program Dreamcatchers - A support group for children ages 7-14 who have lost a loved one though death. A concurrent parent/guardian group is also offered, so that adults can address their own grief issues as well as those of their children Reflections - A grief support group for adults who have lost a loved one though death. For information: Contact Liz Hoff at 1-800-255-8986, ext 7311

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 460 Bethesda, MD 20814 (301)657-8401 or (800)366-2223 This is an international organization of parents whose children have cancer or have died from this disease. A Candlelighters publication states the group's focus this way: "Candlelighter's parents share the shock of diagnosis, the questions about treatment, the anxiety of waiting, the despair of loss, the hope of remission, the joy of cure."

The Compassionate Friends P.O. Box 3696 Oak Brook, IL 60522-3696 (708)990-0010 This is a support group for bereaved parents who "need not walk alone. We are Compassionate Friends - people who care and share and listen to each other." Group discussions range from helping the grieving accept death to handling family holidays after the death of a child. A wide range of literature is available.

Center For Loss And Life Transition 3735 Broken Bow Road Fort Collins, CO 80526 (970)226-6050 The Center For Loss and Life Transition specializes in providing quality workshop presentations to a variety of sponsors throughout the country. A wide range of topics within the area of death, grief, loss, and life transitions are available to choose from. Custom programs are often specifically designed to meet the needs of many sponsors.

The National Hospice Organization 1901 N. Moore Street, Suite 901 Arlington, VA 22209 (703)243-5900 Hospice is a non-profit, community based organization of volunteers, lay persons and professionals who provide a specialized health care program for the terminally ill. The aim of Hospice is to provide a supporting environment where the terminally ill can live their lives fully and meaningfully, and be able to die in a hospice-support facility or at home with the campanionship of family and friends. While many people are aware of its focus on the needs of the dying, Hospice also offers support to the family before, during and following the death of the terminally ill person.

Parents Without Partners 401 North Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611-4267 (312)644-6610 or (800)637-7974 This is a non-sectarian organization with over 700 chapters, all concerned with the welfare of single parents and children. With their motto, "Sharing by Caring", Parents Without Partners assures them that they are not alone.

National Sudden Infant Death Alliance 1314 Bedford Avenue, Suite 210 Baltimore, MD 21208 (410)653-8226 or (800)221-SIDS The foundation and its many community chapters provide information, literature and support to parents who have lost children to SIDS (crib death) or SIDS-related symptoms. The national organization also provides films, training support materials and a parent-to-parent contact referral service.

The Samaritans 500 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02215 (617)247-0220 Hot Line or (617)536-2460 Business Office This is a special group of volunteers who are interested in the welfare of individuals either considering suicide themselves or persons who have lost a friend or relative to suicide. The Samaritans also operate a 24-hour telephone service. Specially-trained volunteers are available to talk with anyone, particularly persons considering suidcide. These volunteers listen to the caller's concerns and attempt to be as helpful and supportive as possible.

The THEOS Foundation 322 Boulevard of the Allies, Suite 105 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412)471-7779 THEOS (They Helped Each Other Spiritually) offers mutual self-help assistance to young and middle-aged widowed persons. A variety of written materials, brochures and a monthly magazine are available.

The Widowed Persons Service 601 "E" Street NW Washington, DC 20049 (202)434-2260 This organization was jointly formed by the National Retired Teachers Association, the American Association of Retired Teachers and Action for Independent Maturity. It also offers support for those living through bereavement in the form of individual and group-oriented outreach programs, telephone referral service, public education programs for family adjustment and financial and legal counseling services.

Samaritan Hospice - Pet Loss Support Group A unique support group for people who have experienced the loss of a beloved pet. Groups will meet the first three Tuesdays of a scheduled month from 6:45 PM - 8:45 PM at two locations: Samaritan Hospice, Administrative Office, 5 Eves Drive, Suite 300, Marlton, NJ 08053 or at Gloucester County Health Department, 160 Fries Mill Road, Turnersville, NJ 08012. The first two meetings a month are for adults only; the last meeting is for adults and children (ages 6-14). To reserve a place in one of the groups, call and leave a message with your name and address at 1-800-966-4488, ext 738.

 

Copyright © 2000 Gardner Funeral Home, All Rights Reserved.