An overview of our support groups

Coming to Terms with Loss

Grief seems to heal best when you share it with others. Grief is a normal response following a loss. The more attached we are to someone, the greater our grief response will be. When we become separated from someone we loved, our grief can be very powerful and cause a number of physical, emotional, and spiritual symptoms. The goal of this group is to help members deal with their feelings of shock, denial, sadness, anger, and depression; as well as their physical symptoms, lack of energy, knotted stomach, loss of appetite, insomnia, and feeling disoriented.

This group is open to any person who has experienced a loss. You are welcome to attend as few or as many meetings as you like. This is a continuous group and is for the purpose of ongoing support. You can see the calendar for dates and times.

For more information, please call Dorothy Weidenaar, bereavement social worker, at 616-235-5122.

Understanding Grief

As every individual is unique, so too are the needs of the grieving person. If left misunderstood, grief can manifest itself into many things — including physical illness and loss of self-esteem — and can seriously affect our wellness. This educational series on loss, grief, and change addresses the ways in which grief affects the individual physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It also focuses on stress management, handling change, and promoting self care.

This group is open to any person who has experienced a loss. This group meets for six consecutive weeks each season. Please refer to the calendar for exact dates.

For more information, please call Dorothy Weidenaar, bereavement social worker, at 616-235-5122.

Experience of Loss: Wisdom of Self-Care During a Life Crisis

There is no better way to energize your body, mind, and spirit than through care of yourself. Your ability to de-stress, to live in balance, and to tend to your heart and joy are all interwoven with your level of commitment to taking care of yourself during a life crisis.

This support group will help identify simple steps to take, helping in self-nurturing ways to develop a new way of living life. Please refer to the calendar for dates and times.

For more information, please call Maribeth Holst at 616-235-5291.