Happy New Year!
This month I would like to present a compilation of resources that you may want to explore or pass along to someone who could benefit from them.
I am the type of person who does her research. I like to be as prepared as possible for the new experiences that come my way.
Of course, nothing can prepare us for the death of a loved one. At the same time, many of us need help and support when that time comes. The loss of a family member can be unsettling, at the very least. We are often surprised by the depth of the emotional pain that results and how that affects our day-to-day lives.
Seeking support not only helps one to realize that you are not alone in your journey of grief, but also to honor the person you lost. Support can help you turn post-traumatic stress into post-traumatic growth.
Most of the following are not-for-profit organizations that offer telephone support, Zoom and/or in-person meetings, as well as programs and events:
St. Paul’s Bereavement Groups
Each autumn, St. Paul’s offers a six-week group program for those who are grieving. It culminates with a beautiful Memorial Mass in the church. In addition, we offer, as requested, sessions such as “Coping During the Holidays.” Smaller, informal-sharing groups sometimes follow these more structured programs.
Volunteers in St. Paul’s Consolation Ministry are also available to visit and help those who mourn. There is no timeline, no “right “or “wrong” way to grieve. Call 518-225-1170 for more information.
This spring, St. Paul’s will host a 13-week on-site GriefShare program, which will discuss ways of coping with grief in all its unpredictability and help participants gain support along the way. GriefShare is a nationwide Christian-based organization. Watch the bulletin for upcoming announcements about this program or call Kate Gallaher Carson at 914-850-5107 for more information. GriefShare can be reached directly at griefshare.org or 800-395-5755
Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties
Hospice offers family support on an individual basis or in groups, coordinated by professional staff. There are groups for all survivors, including children and siblings, and your loved one need not have received Hospice care for you to be eligible for assistance.
For more information: 845-561-6111 Ext. 232 or hospiceoforange.com.
United Hospice
Through United Hospice’s Healing Hearts program, support is available for children and their parents or guardians who have experienced the loss of a loved one. It is open to the community.
For more information: 845-634-4974 or unitedhospiceinc.org
The Compassionate Friends
The Compassionate Friends is an organization specifically for those who have suffered the loss of a child. Meetings are offered online as well as in person.
For more information: 877-969-0010 or compassionatefriends.org.
Soaring Spirits International
Soaring Spirits International is an organization for widows and widowers. It also sponsors Camp Widow to foster connections among widowed people, a Pen Pal program for those who would rather correspond with one person consistently and other regional social groups.
For more information: 877-671-4071 or
soaringspirits.org.
Beginning Experience
Beginning Experience is a peer led, religious-based organization for widowed and divorced men and women offering various programs and semi-annual weekend retreats. These events are advertised in the St. Paul’s bulletins as space permits.
For more information: 845-325-3147 or beginningexperienceHV.org.
Additional resources
Many people benefit from professional therapy following a traumatic loss. Your primary physician can make a referral, and this is often covered by insurance.
There are also many books and written materials available to assist one who is searching. Some to consider are:
- “A Grief Observed” by CS Lewis
- “Grief’s Courageous Journey” by Sandi Caplan and Gordon Lang
- “On Death and Dying” by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
- “Grieving with the Help of your Catholic Faith” by Lorene Hanley Duquin
- “Finding Meaning” by David Kessler