Upcoming Events

June 13 – Book Discussion Group: "An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love" by Richard Carson
If you had an hour to live and could make only one phone call, who would you call, what would you say and why are you waiting? When Kristine experienced the sudden death of her husband, Richard, she read over the many love letters written to her by her husband. Reliving the emotions and cherishing her late husband's memory through these letters helped her work through her grief to a point of healing. This class will be held on June 13 from 2–3:30 p.m. at the Hospice of VNS Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Fairlawn. The class is open to all members of the community at no charge. Enrollment is limited, so please call to reserve a place. To register, or for more information about the group, or other Hospice of VNS Bereavement Support programs or individual grief counseling, please call 330-668-4662 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4662.

July 11 – Book Discussion Group: "Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy" by Barbara Johnson
"Pain is inevitable but misery is optional," says Barbara Johnson. The survivor of four devastating experiences, Barbara uses wit to find joy in the midst of it all. She shows that though pain is inevitable to us all, we can choose to see the flowers instead of the weeds. This class will be held on July 11 from 2–3:30 p.m. at the Hospice of VNS Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Fairlawn. The class is open to all members of the community at no charge. Enrollment is limited, so please call to reserve a place. To register, or for more information about the group, or other Hospice of VNS Bereavement Support programs or individual grief counseling, please call 330-668-4662 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4662.

July 12 – Healing Journey Support Group (6-week series)
This six-week series will focus on rebuilding life after the death of a loved one and incorporating hope. Group members will help normalize the grief experience through camaraderie with others facing similar challenges. The group will meet every Thursday for six weeks beginning July 12 from 2–4 p.m. or 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Hospice of VNS Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Fairlawn. Choose to attend either the afternoon or evening group. The class is open to all members of the community at no charge. Enrollment is limited, so please call to reserve a place. To register, or for more information about the group, or other Hospice of VNS Bereavement Support programs or individual grief counseling, please call 330-668-4662 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4662.

August 8 – The Role of Humor in Grief Recovery
Along the grief journey it is important for us to cope with our grief with the goal of restoring some sense of joy and well-being to our lives. Using your sense of humor is a principal element in the healing process. Discover ways to add justifiable humor to your grief journey in this class. This class will be held on August 8 from 2–3:30 p.m. at the Hospice of VNS Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Fairlawn. The class is open to all members of the community at no charge. Enrollment is limited, so please call to reserve a place. To register, or for more information about the group, or other Hospice of VNS Bereavement Support programs or individual grief counseling, please call 330-668-4662 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4662.

September 6 – Growing Through Grief (8-week series)
This eight-week series is for those 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 caring support from the group leaders, information on the grieving process, and tools for handling the normal grief response. The group will meet every Thursday for eight weeks beginning September 6 from 2–4 p.m. or 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Hospice of VNS Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Fairlawn. Choose to attend either the afternoon or evening group. The class is open to all members of the community at no charge. Enrollment is limited, so please call to reserve a place. To register, or for more information about the group, or other Hospice of VNS Bereavement Support programs or individual grief counseling, please call 330-668-4662 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4662.

October 10 – Rebuilding Faith After a Loss
A crisis of faith is a common experience after the loss of a loved one. A question often asked is, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” We will look at this critical question and the connection it has to the grieving heart. This group session will help to support those who are moving along the journey of grief as they begin to incorporate the question of faith back into their lives. This class will be held on October 10 from 2–3:30 p.m. at the Hospice of VNS Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Fairlawn. The class is open to all members of the community at no charge. Enrollment is limited, so please call to reserve a place. To register, or for more information about the group, or other Hospice of VNS Bereavement Support programs or individual grief counseling, please call 330-668-4662 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4662.

November 14 – Reducing Holiday Stress
This group will discuss stress-related concerns for the bereaved during the holiday season. Bereaved persons will learn how to balance the reality of grief along with the expectations of the holidays. Those attending will hear about options for coping with this potentially difficult time of the year. This class will be held on November 14 from 2–3:30 p.m. or 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Hospice of VNS Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Fairlawn. The class is open to all members of the community at no charge. Enrollment is limited, so please call to reserve a place. To register, or for more information about the group, or other Hospice of VNS Bereavement Support programs or individual grief counseling, please call 330-668-4662 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4662.

December 12 – Grief, Loss and Holiday Pain
The grieving process can be especially difficult during special holidays or dates of significance. This session will provide tips to help you through the holiday season. It will also offer tips for family and friends when dealing with a bereaved person. This class will be held on December 12 from 2–3:30 p.m. or 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Hospice of VNS Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Fairlawn. The class is open to all members of the community at no charge. Enrollment is limited, so please call to reserve a place. To register, or for more information about the group, or other Hospice of VNS Bereavement Support programs or individual grief counseling, please call 330-668-4662 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4662

• Series of Classes

Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service provides bereavement support programs in group settings for those in our community who have experienced a 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 sessions meet at the Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service Justin T. Rogers Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Akron, unless otherwise noted. Some support groups/programs require registration. For more information, to register, or to schedule an individual appointment, please call 330-668-4662 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4662.

GROWING THROUGH GRIEF

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 2012, all on Thursday’s, beginning January 12, May 3 and September 6 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 2012, all on Thursday’s, beginning March 15 and July 12 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 2012, this group will continue to meet the second Wednesday of each month from 2 - 3:30 p.m.