Our Groups

The pain of losing a spouse, a parent, a child or other family member or friend can be profound. It can help to talk or share a meal in a warm, supportive and confidential environment with others who have experienced losses. Our groups are open to all individuals 18 and over.

Download a PDF our calendar for upcoming events and support groups.

We offer:

Structured support groups. Led by a trained counselor, groups learn to understand the grieving process and explore experiences through writing and discussion. Offered in four- or six-session formats. Registration required. Download form here and mail it to us at 172 E. King Road; Ithaca, NY 14850.

Drop-in support groups. Ongoing groups that meet in the evenings. No registration required. See our calendar or call for details.

Bereaved Parents Support Groups. Losing a child of any age is the most devastating experience. We periodically offer support groups for bereaved parents and grandparents. These groups will be announced in advance through various media outlets and e-mail lists, and will be listed in our calendar.

Regular social gatherings. Trained volunteers lead monthly breakfast and lunch get-togethers at area restaurants.

• Tuesday Lunch Group. Meets at a local restaurant at noon on the second Tuesday of the month. See our calendar or call for details.

• Wednesday Breakfast Group. Meets at a local restaurant at 8:30 a.m. on  the 4^th Wednesday of the month.  (Date may move to 3^rd Wednesday in Nov & Dec due to holidays.) See our calendar or call for details.

In case of inclement weather, please listen to WCHU radio, 870 AM, for announcements of cancellations.

For more information, call Donna George at 607-272-0212 or e-mail dgeorge@hospicare.org

Why join a group?

• Healing. Research shows that talking to others about a loss or trauma - rather than staying silent - is associated with better health, including a stronger immune system.
• Hope. When you spend time in a group, you witness that others have survived a loss and figured out how to cope. That can help you feel hopeful that you, too, will be OK.
• Structure. Daily, weekly or monthly activities can add structure to life at a time when a loss may have erased previous routines.
• Practical information. Besides the considerable emotional toll, life after a loss can be hard because of new tasks or challenges. Other group members often have practical advice.
• Friends. Groups often lead to lasting friendships. Bonds form when you find people who understand what it's like to have a loss and who aren't afraid to talk about the subject.

Read a personal account of how a group helped, written by Edie Reagan, our coordinator of spiritual care, after the death of her mother.