Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service

Grief Support Program

The Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service Center for Loss and Hope offers bereavement support programs designed to support and assist grieving persons through the grief process. The following education and support groups reflect the development of healing experienced when redefining life after loss. There is no cost for these programs. If you would prefer to talk with someone individually, please call for an appointment. Evening appointments are possible.

All programs meet at the Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service Justin T. Rogers Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Akron. Some support groups/programs require registration. For more information on any program or to schedule an individual appointment, please call the Bereavement Coordinator at 330-668-4662 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4662. Check our online Events Calendar for current program dates.

Trusted Sharing Support Group Series

An eight-week series for adults who wish to learn what they might experience during the grieving process. Group members share their stories, emotions, victories and hopes. Group members can expect to receive loving support from group leaders, information on the grieving process, and tools for handling the normal grief response. Three series will be held in 2009, all on Thursday’s, beginning January 8, May 14 and September 10 from 2 - 4 p.m. or 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Healing Journey Support Group

A six-week series focusing on rebuilding life and incorporating hope after the death of a loved one. Group members will help normalize the grief experience through camaraderie with each other, the sharing of feelings/stories, support and providing an incentive to make new friends and develop new interests as soon as they are able. Two series will be held in 2009, all on Tuesday’s, beginning March 17 and July 21 from 2 - 4 p.m. or 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Moving On Support Group

This once a month group focuses on supporting those who are moving along the journey of grief and are now beginning to incorporate new behaviors in their lives as they attempt to create their “new normal.” In 2009, this group will continue to meet the second Wednesday of each month from 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Moving On Family Support Series

A six-week program for adults with children under 18 years of age. The focus of this support series is to address communication challenges, family identity, and to help focus on the actual loss for each family member. An art therapist works with the children to help them express memories and feelings tied to the loss. Call for dates of the next series.

Camp Promise

An annual free camp for children ages 6 – 11. Creative, child friendly activities are used to assist children in expressing their grief reactions after the death of a significant loved one. Children learn to manage and understand their significant loss through creative play.

Individual Grief Counseling

One-on-one grief counseling is an option for individuals who either need more privacy in expressing their reaction to loss or who are unable to attend group meetings. Call the Bereavement Coordinator's office at 330-668-4662 for more information.

Public Forums for Education

We are available to speak on a variety of topics involving grief and bereavement support. Please call for more information.

School Outreach

Hospice Bereavement staff are available to go into schools to provide education and emergency support to staff and/or students as requested. Please call for more information.

Periodic Special Support Programs are offered throughout the year. Visit our online Events Calendar for details.