Grief Support

GRIEF SUPPORT

Grieving the loss of a loved one can be incredibly difficult. Many of the experiences can be unexpected, catching us off guard. Having a support system can help with coping, but unless they have suffered a major loss, friends and family may not understand the experiences that go along with it. Many find it beneficial to seek support from others who have suffered the loss of a loved one or from grief experts. Below are just a few resources available.

If you, or someone you know are looking for grief support, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Aftercare Coordinator:

Jennifer Pennell

(517) 803-4085

jenniferp@borekjennings.com

Support Groups:

New Hope Grief Support is a great resource. The staff are always willing to chat or offer referrals to other resources. They are based out of Northville, have workshops and support groups, for all kinds of loss (spouse, child, suicide, substance use, and many more). Many of their groups meet in Northville, but some are virtual. They hold a support group for parents that have lost a child in Brighton, and a spouse loss group in Howell.

Arbor Hospice is based out of Ann Arbor. You don't have to have used hospice care to take advantage of their grief support options. They have a lot of different grief specific support groups, and socialization opportunities. You do have to preregister for their groups, but there is no charge. Their support groups run for 6 weeks at a time, but happen at all different times of the year, so you can sign up and join one, when you feel ready.

GriefShare has groups that meet all over at different local churches, and at different times. There are many of these faith-based groups in the area, so you are likely to find one that meets at a time and place that is convenient for you.

Ashley’s Friends offers peer support groups for children and teens from 5-18 years of age and their families following the death of a loved one. All groups are facilitated by trained volunteers who are in turn, coordinated by the professional staff of Ashley’s Friends.

Ele's Place has support groups for children and their families. The groups meet throughout the school year on different days of the week. There is no charge, but you do have to register. They have locations in Ann Arbor and Lansing.

The Compassionate Friends - The Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope, and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister, or a grandchild, and helps others better assist the grieving family.

Surviving After Suicide - Open to anyone who has experienced a loss by suicide and would like comfort and support with others who are surviving the aftermath of suicide. Sponsored by Community Mental Health Services of Livingston County.

GRASP - Grief Recovery After Substance Passing (GRASP) was created to offer understanding, compassion, and support for those who have lost someone they love through addiction and overdose.

One-on-One Support

GrieveWell is an organization out of Ann Arbor, that offers grief education and one-on-one peer support.

Grief Camps/Retreats

New Hope Kids Camp Ages: 4-14

Sandcastles Camp Ages: 2nd grade - 12th grade

Camp Good Grief Ages: 8-17

Camp Voyage Ages: 6-15, and their families

Young Adults Retreat Ages: People in their 20s and 30s

Camp Widow Any adult that has lost their spouse/partner (family programing available)

For information about grief online:

What's Your Grief? has a fantastic blog, and they do have online webinars as well.

Option B has articles about grief, as well as Facebook support groups.