Honorable Mention: Hope for the Bereaved, Inc.
4500 Onondaga Blvd., Syracuse, NY 13219
(315) 475-9675
Help line: (315) 475-HOPE www.hopeforbereaved.com
This is an amazing place created by a grieving mom in 1979. They have specific support groups for the loss of a spouse, sibling, parent or child. They also personalize each group (ie: suicide, murder, SIDS, prolonged illness, sudden death, etc.) It is worth the travel. It is known as the leading grief support resource in Central New York. Wonderful people!
MONROE COUNTY
We found great support at:
The Center for Compassion and Healing Lifetime Care
3111 Winton Road South, Henrietta
(585) 475-8800 www.compassionandhealing.org
They have general support groups for adults as well as children (varying ages). One-on-one bereavement support is also available by special arrangement, with a donation to Hospice requested; call 214-1414.
Specific to Loss of a Child:
Henrietta:
Compassionate Friends (For Bereaved Parents)
For parents who have lost a child of any age.
Ongoing sessions on 2nd & 4th Tuesdays each month,
7:00-9:00 p.m. The Center for Compassion and Healing,
3111 Winton Road South. Facilitated by Cathy Spoto and
chapter leaders; donation requested. www.tcfrochester.org
*New* Healing After Suicide Loss
Begins meeting Wednesday, September 23 at Center for Compassion & Healing; continues on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 12 noon-1:30 p.m. Facilitated by Theo Munson and by Renae Carapella, area director of American Families for Suicide Prevention. For more info. call 475-8800.
To Support Grieving Children/Young Adults:
Henrietta: “A Caring Place”
Professionally led, age-related structured sessions for children, teens and their parents or guardians. The Center for Compassion and Healing, 3111 Winton Rd. S., Group sessions are professionally led and focus on therapeutic activities. All sessions will be open to new families. The next 8-week series runs from Monday, January 25 - March 15, 6:30 p.m. You must pre-register by calling Lori Newland at (585) 475-8825. Fee: $10 donation to hospice suggested for 8-week cycle for a parent & child; maximum $20 per family.
Henrietta:
Young Adults Grief Support Group For anyone between the ages of 18-28 who is coping with the death of a significant person in your life. Held the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month from 6:00pm -7:30pm. 945 E. Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY. Please call Michele Allman, LMSW to register for the group at 787-2233 ext. 8241
Open, Drop-In Bereavement Groups:
For people who have lost a family member (any relationship, any length of time)
Henrietta: “Healing & Hope” every Thursday evening, 5:30-7 p.m. The Center for Compassion and Healing,
3111 Winton Road South, Henrietta. (585) 475-8800
Facilitated by Cindy Iversen and Glen Burkhardt.
Gates: “Westside Group” 2nd & 4th Tuesdays each month,
5:30-7 p.m., Gates Presbyterian Church, 1049 Wegman Rd. Facilitated by Pat Fitzpatrick
Greece: “Daytime/Westside Group” – 2nd & 4th Fridays each month,
1:00-2:30 p.m. John Knox Presbyterian Church,
3233 W. Ridge Rd., Greece. Facilitated by Rayann Ranzenbach.
"Daytime/Honeoye Falls-Lima" - Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month from 1-2:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Honeoye Falls. Facilitator: Sue Lasher.
Upcoming Grief Events/Workshops:
Henrietta:
Writing: A Way Through Grief - People who are looking for active ways to express and manage challenging grief reactions will find this class to be helpful. Topics will include tips on journaling, reprints, suggested books (such as Transcending Loss) and support for personal exploration. No previous writing skills are necessary! This program is limited to 12 participants. For more information and to register, contact Theo at (585) 214-1414. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays beginning on March 16, 7-9 p.m. Cost: $5 per session.
Henrietta:
Letting Go of Stress: A series of interactive workshops that teach techniques for releasing tension, encouraging relaxation, and managing grief symptoms such as anxiety and irritability. Especially beneficial for those who have been caregivers or have suffered a major loss. Rochester: Thursdays, February 4, 11, 18 and 25, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Center for Compassion and Healing 3111 Winton Rd. South. Cost: $5 donation to hospice requested for each of 4 sessions. Call (585) 457-8800 to register and for more information.
Spring Ceremonies of Remembrance: An opportunity to celebrate the memory of loved ones who have died, and acknowledge the enduring strength of their families, friends and caregivers. Music, readings, family tributes and memorial rituals highlight the ceremony. Open to the general public as well as to hospice families. Rochester: Sunday, April 11, 3 p.m. Location to be announced. Call (585) 475-8800 for information. Wayne/Seneca Counties: Sunday, April 18, 2 p.m. Location to be announced. Call (315) 332-2563 or (888) 562-1650 for information.
Ceremony of Remembrance for our children (of any age) who have died before us
Every December at Church of the Transfiguration, 50 West Bloomfield Road, Pittsford, NY. This soothing and spiritual event is sponsored by the Jeff Milano-Johnson Memorial Fund and held in conjunction with The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting. Families and friends who have experienced the death of a child, young adult, sibling, or grandchild are welcome. More information is on our Events page on this website or email childrenneverforgotten@gmail.com.
Area Hospital Mental Health Centers And Many Agencies Provide Care on a Sliding-Scale Basis. Check with:
AGAPE Counseling Assoc. (585) 594-4800 and (585) 385-6030
Catholic Family Center (585) 546-3617
Family Service of Rochester (585) 232-1840
Jewish Family Service (585) 461-0110
St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center (585) 325-5260
Spiritus Christi (585) 325-1180
Samaritan Pastoral Counseling Center (585) 473-2671
NIAGARA COUNTY
The Niagara Grief Center
36 Pine Street Lockport NY 14094
(716) 433-3780
The Niagara Grief Center's Mission is to provide sustained emotional support to people of all ages affected by sudden traumatic death and grief. Adult and Teen support groups.
Hospice of Wayne & Seneca Counties
A Service of Lifetime Care
1120 So. Main St., Newark, NY 14513
(315) 332-2563 or (800) 562-1650
Open, Drop-In Bereavement Groups:
(No registration is required)
for people who have lost a family member (any relationship, any length of time). Not necessary for them to have been on the Hospice program.
Macedon:
Meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays each month, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Parkwood Heights, 1340 Parkwood Drive.
Facilitator: Linda Orrvick.
Newark:
Meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays each month, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Park Presbyterian Church, east side of park on Rte. 88, south of Rte. 31
Facilitator: Rosemary Guchone
Ontario:
Meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays each month, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
St. Maximillian Kolbe Parish at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 5823 Ontario-Walworth Rd.
Facilitator: Rosemary Guchone
Waterloo:
Meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays each month, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
St. Mary’s School, 35 Center St. (enter from parking lot behind church
And school) Facilitator: Rick Coe
Children & Youth Bereavement Services: Stepping Stones Group
For young people ages 5-17 who have lost a loved one and for the adults who care for them. This group provides children and youth the tools to explore and understand how they feel about a loved one's death. Call Bereavement Services for more information about upcoming sessions in Waterloo and Newark. (315) 332-2563.
**New: A One-Day Bereavement Support Workshop for children and their parents. It will include professionally led age-related sessions. Newark: Saturday, March 20, location TBD. Pre-registration is required. Call (315) 332-2563 for more information.
Other Resources Available To Find Support/Assistance While Grieving:
Your clergy, local hospital, school counselor, or physician. Email us for more information on area grief specialists.
We found that many people wanted to help us but were hesitant to reach out to us. They waited for us to reach out to them.
