Local Support

It is not uncommon for people to have difficulty readjusting to life after the death of a loved one. There are bereavement support groups in our community to offer assistance for grieving individuals. Sharing your feelings of grief or anxiety is among the first steps to take toward adjustment to life after your loss. 

For your convenience, following is a partial list of area support groups and services:

GriefCare Line
A 24-hour telephone grief counseling service designed exclusively for our families. It is staffed by trained, compassionate counselors with a required college degree in Human Services. All calls remain completely confidential. Click here to learn more about the GriefCare Line.

Journey Through Grief
For family members and friends of the deceased. Meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 4:30-6:00 (eight sessions). Contact Sr. Janet LeDuc at 398-6106 for more information.

Adult Bereavement Support Group
Support group for adults who have experienced the loss of a loved one to death. Sessions are available four times a year. Contact St. Luke’s Hospice for more information at 369-7744.

A Cup of Comfort & Conversation
Join other bereaved individuals for a cup of tea or coffee, a cookie or two, and meaningful discussion. Meets the 1st Thursday of the month at Mercy Medical Center. Please contact Bereavement Coordinator Barbara Koch at 398-6735 or 398-6496 for more information. 

Foundation II Suicide Survivors’ Support Group
Support for any adult who has lost a loved one through suicide. Meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 6:00 – 8:00PM. For more information call Nancy Oehlert at Foundation II, 362-2174. 

Empty Arms Support Group
For parents who have experienced a prenatal loss, a stillbirth, or the loss of an infant or young child through death. Meets the 3rd Monday of every month at 7:30 PM at St. Luke’s Hospital. For more information call Susan Fletcher at 365-9844 or St. Luke’s Pastoral Care at 369-7347. 

Heartprints
For parents who have lost a baby to death. Offers one-to-one counseling and information. You may Contact Lorna Rumpf at 398-6331 for more information. A service of Mercy Medical Center. 

The Younger Spouse
A support group for women under the age of 65 meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30. For more information, please contact Bereavement Coordinator Barbara Koch at 398-6735 or Hospice of Mercy at 398-6496. 

LADOS Group
The local LADOS (Life After Death of Spouse) group meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. For more information call Sandy Allen at 393-3862. 

Grieving and Growing
For kids age 6 – 14 who have experienced the death of a loved one. This program is offered periodically throughout the year along with other support groups and grief camps. For more information, contact Barbara Koch at 398-6735 or Hospice of Mercy at 398-6496.