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.
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 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. Groups meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Nina K. Miller Hospicare Center, 172 East King Road, Ithaca.
Regular social gatherings. Trained volunteers lead monthly breakfast and lunch get-togethers at area restaurants.
- Tuesday Lunch Group. Meets at the Ramada Inn Restaurant, 2310 N. Triphammer Road, Ithaca at noon on the second Tuesday of the month.
- Wednesday Breakfast Group. Meets at Friendly’s Restaurant, 323 Elmira Road (Route 13), Ithaca at 8:30 a.m. on the 4th Wednesday of the month. (Date moved to 3rd Wednesday in Nov & Dec due to holidays.)
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.
