Pastoral Care

  • Grief Support Groups

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    For Parents

    The Compassionate Friends, Cincinnati Chapter

    A national mutual assistance, self‑help organization offering friendship and understanding to bereaved parents, grandparents and adult siblings. 

    West Group:

    Meets the second Wednesday of the month, 6:30 pm registration, program begins at 7 pm.  Mercy Hospital Western Hills, Mercy Health West Meeting Room, lower level small dining room directly adjacent to the cafeteria; access meeting room through Mercy Healthplex entrance. Corner of Boudinot and Queen City avenues. Contact Michael Urbisci, 513-205-8291. 

    East Group:

    Meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month, 7 pm, at St. Timothy Episcopal Church, 8101 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45255. Contact Carol Terbrueggen, 513-271-6809. 

    A Casual Peer Support Group for Families Suffering the Loss of a Baby or Infant

    Usually meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at St. Ignatius Church, 522 North Bend Road, Cincinnati, OH 45247, from 7-9 pm.  Contact Kim Kelley, 513-591-9968; flylittlewing09@gmail.com or www.cincinnatifacesofhope.org. On the website, you can find information about meeting dates and other information.  

    Companions on a Journey Grief Support: Bereaved Parents Group

    This group is designed for any parent who has suffered the death of a child, no matter what age at the time of death.  Meets on the first and third Wednesday, 7-9 pm.  For specific time and location, call 513-870-9108 or Linda Sullivan, 513-755-9433 or 513-515-3944.

    Companions on a Journey Grief Support: Perinatal / Neonatal Loss Group

    This group is for parents who have lost a child from miscarriage to birth or the first year of life. For specific time and location, call 513-870-9108 or Linda Sullivan, 513-755-9433. 

    Grieving Parents Support Group

    A support group for parents who have lost an infant through miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant death. Meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month, 7:30-9 pm, at Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church, Kemper Room, 5950 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH  45213. Contact 513-332-8483 and ask for the bereavement coordinator for additional information.

    Hearts: Support Group

    Peer-led support group for parents who have lost a child through molar or ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth neonatal death, SIDS and birth defects.  Meets the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8 pm at Faith Community United Methodist Church, 4310 Richardson Road, Independence, KY 41051.

    Loss of an Adult Child Support Group

    Grief support group for parents who have experienced the death of adult children.  Meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. For locations, call Hospice of Dayton, 937-258-4991.

    MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving)

    Materials, support and advocacy for victims of drunken drivers can be obtained by calling the hot-line.  Contact Andrea Rehkamp, 513-769-6800.                         

    Parents of Murdered Children, National Office

    A peer‑led, self‑help support group.  Call 513-721‑5683 or 1-888-818-7662 for times and locations.

    PLUS: Prayerful, Loving and Understanding Support

    Provides support meetings for parents who have lost a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn / infant death.  Meetings are the fourth Wednesday of every month from 7:30-9 pm at St. Margaret of York Church, 9483 Columbia Road, Loveland, OH 45140. Contact  Mary Kuenzig, 513-459-9323 or 513-300-1537 or email mkuenzig@hotmail.com.

    Reach out to Grieving Parents

    Peer support led by parents who have lost a child due to miscarriage, stillbirth or newborn death. Meets the third Tuesday of each month, 7:30 pm, at Christ Hospital, 2139 Auburn Ave., Cincinnati, OH  45219. Contact Grace DeGregorio, 513-791-1160, for more information.

    Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Support Group (SIDS) and Other Sudden Deaths

    Meets third Tuesday of each month at Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church, corner of Montgomery and Lester roads (enter at main entrance on Lester Road). This group is appropriate for those who experienced a sudden or unexpected death of an infant.  Contact Bob or Mary Ann Kirsch, 513-941-4490, or the SIDS hotline, 513-636-8000.

    For Children

    Children’s Program, Cancer Family Care

    Individual and family bereavement counseling available for children and their families who have experienced the death of a loved one from cancer.  Various groups provided, as needed.  Call 513-731-3346 for additional information about children’s groups and counseling services.

    Companions on a Journey Grief Support: Mending Hearts Program for Grieving Children, Teens and Families

    A  faith-based “ongoing”grief support program offering a safe and nurturing environment for all children ages 4-18 and their families who have experienced a death. This group meets on the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 6:30-8:10 pm at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Liberty Campus, 7777 Yankee Road, Liberty Township, OH 45044. For more information, call 513-870-9108.       

    Stars for Kids

    A support group for any school-age child and caregiver who has experienced the death of a loved one.  Offered as a semester series during the school year on Tuesday evening.  Series begin in September and January, 6:30-8 pm, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Crestview Hills, KY.   For information, call James Ellis, 859-301-4611, or james.ellis@stelizabeth.com.

    Fernside, Center for Grieving Children

    A place of comfort and support for children and teens, ages 3-18, and their families who have had a significant death in the family.  Fernside offers a variety of support groups for children, parents and guardians: 

    • Parent / Significant Adult Loss Group; second and fourth Monday and Tuesday; Blue Ash
    • Parent / Significant Adult Loss Group; second and fourth Wednesday; Bridgetown
    • Sibling / Cousin / Friend Loss Group; first and third Tuesday; Blue Ash
    • Parent / Significant Adult Loss Group; second and fourth Monday; Liberty Township
    • Parent / Significant Adult Loss Group; second and fourth Tuesday; Anderson Township
    • Children / Parent / Significant Adults; first and third Wednesday; Downtown          

    Call for starting times and specific locations, 513-246-9140.

    General Grief Groups

    Adult Daughters Support Group

    This is a St. Elizabeth Hospice support group for adult daughters who have experienced the death of a parent.  Meets for eight weeks on Wednesday evening throughout the year at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Crestview Hills, KY.  Contact Vivien Finnigan at 859-301-4612 or vivien.finnigan@stelizabeth.com for times and starting dates. 

    Adult Parent Loss Grief Support Group

    Grief support group for adult children who have a parent die.  For starting date and locations, call Hospice of Dayton, 937-258-4991.

    ALS Survivors Group Dinner & Social

    The group meets tri-yearly at a local restaurant. The group is for those who have experienced the death of a loved one to ALS and enjoy the informal support and companionship of others who have experienced a similar loss.  Contact Yvonne Dressman, 859-781-8555, for the date and time of the next gathering.

    A New Day

    A grief support group that meets once a month on the third Wednesday at noon at Dearborn County Hospital, Lawrenceburg, IN. Sponsored by Hospice of Dearborn Co. Hospital.  RSVP if you plan to attend.  Call Tim Heller, LCSW, 1-800-676-5428, or email: deacon500@gmail.com.

    Bereavement Support Group

    Support for bereaved persons. Meets on the third Tuesday of each month, 7-8:30 pm. Mercy Hospital, 3000 Mack Road, Fairfield, OH 45014. Call 513-870-7129 for additional information.

    Circle of Women: Mother Loss Support Group

    Support group to address the needs of women learning to cope with the death of their mothers.  Women of all ages will have an opportunity to reach out for support and guidance through the grieving process to foster self-discovery, hope and healing.  Call for date and time. Hospice of the Bluegrass, Northern Kentucky, 7388 Turfway Road, Florence, KY  41042. Call 859-441-6332.

    Companions on the Journey

    For adults who have lost a loved one.  Meets the second and fourth Thursday from 7-8:30 pm at St. John’s Church Hospitality Room, 9080 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester, OH  45069. Contact Kathy McConnell, 513-777-8329. 

    Companion on a Journey Grief Support: Parent / Sibling / Friend

    This group is designed to assist anyone who has suffered any type of death; parent, sibling or friend. This group meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 7-9 pm at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish Hospitality Room, 5720 Hamilton-Mason Road, Liberty Township, OH 45011. For more information, call 513-870-9108.

    Companion on a Journey Grief Support: Understanding Your Grief

    This group is designed for anyone new to COJ’s support programs. This is a one-time session designed to help the newly bereaved understand feelings and emotions as well as introduce them to Companions on a Journey Grief Support.  This group meets on the third Tuesday of the month, 7-9 pm, in the lower level of the Edward Jones Building, 8859 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester, OH 45069.  For more information, call 513-870-9108.

    Companions on a Journey Grief Support: Men in Grief

    This open group is designed for any male who has suffered the death of a loved one.  This group meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month in the lower level of the Edward Jones building, 8859 Cincinnati-Columbus Road, West Chester, OH.  For more information, call 513-870-9108 or Tom Kanoza, 513-324-0513. 

    Companions on a Journey Grief Support: Young Adult Group

    This group is designed to help young adults 18-29 years of age who have experienced the death of a loved one understand their feelings and emotions and meet others who have similar experiences.   For time and location, call 513-870-9108 or 513-382-5058.

    Dealing with Grief

    Sponsored by T.P. White Funeral Home.  A support group for those grieving the death of a loved one.  Meets on the third Monday of the month, 6:30-7:30 pm.  T.P. White Funeral Home, back office, 2050 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, OH  45230.  For additional information, call 513-231-7150 or Jan Borgman, 513-636-0069.

    Finding Your Way Through Loss

    For people who have lost a loved one. Join us for a fresh approach to the heartache of grief through a four-week group that is offered several times a year on Tuesday, 6:30-8 pm. Family Life Center, Woodview & Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH  45231. Contact Diane Kinsella, 513-931-5777 or flc@nmpchurch.org, for dates and time and to register.

    From Grief to Peace

    Meets the third Tuesday of each month at 5:45 pm at the Gwen Mooney Funeral Home on the grounds of Spring Grove Cemetery, 4389 Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati, OH.  This is an open group designed to assist anyone who has suffered the death of a loved one.  RSVP to 513-853-6856.

    Grief 101: New to Loss

    For those who have recently lost a loved one, feel overwhelmed with everything and wonder if you’ll ever be “normal” again.  Meets on the first Tuesday, 6:30-8 pm. Family Life Center, Woodview and Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH  45231. Contact Diane Kinsella, 513-931-5777 or flc@nmpchurch.org to register.

    For Those Experiencing the Loss of a Loved One

    A support group for those who have lost a loved one.  Meets the first Sunday of the month, 1-3 pm at Neidhard-Minges Funeral Home, 3155 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati, OH  45211. Contact Janet McGrath or Eileen Disbennett, 513-661-3022.                        

    General Grief Support

    Provides peer-to-peer / professional support and educational programs for those who have experienced a loss and need help as they grieve.  Programs and topics are scheduled throughout the year.  For upcoming sessions, contact Sandy Keiser at Catholic Charities SouthWestern Ohio, 513-241-7745, or email at skeiser@ccswoh.org.  

    Good Grief

    A bereavement support group open to the public. Sponsored by Dearborn Co. Hospital Hospice. Meets for eight sessions in Lawrenceburg, IN. The group is facilitated by a professional staff member and a hospice grief volunteer, both spousal loss survivors. New groups start every April and September. April group meets in the evening. September group meets during the day. Call for the date and time of the next group, Tim Heller, LCSW, 800-676-5428 or email deacon500@gmail.com.

    Grief Support Group

    For those grieving the death of a loved one.  Meets on the second and fourth Thursday from 4-5:30 pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 7820 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, OH  45255.  Contact Judy Sherlock at 513-965-9889 for additional information. 

    Grief Support Group

    For those who have lost a loved one.  Meets the second Thursday of each month at 11 am at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 415 Park Ave., Newport, KY.  Lunch follows the meeting.  The group will also meet on the third Tuesday evening of each month from 7-8:30 pm. Contact Henry Marksberry, 859-431-1818, for additional information.

    Grief Support Group

    For those who have lost a friend or loved one. For dates, times and meeting locations of both general and specialized groups, contact Hospice of Cincinnati Bereavement Services, 513-246-9360.

    Grief Support for Adults with Disabilities

    Support group for those who are grieving the death of a family member or friend. Eight-week group sessions are offered at different times and locations during the year. Contact Fernside at 513-246-9140 for more information.

    Grief Share: Journey from Mourning to Joy

    Non‑denominational group for those grieving the death of someone close that features biblical teaching on grief and recovery topics. Offered twice a year for 13 weeks.

    • CrossPointe Baptist Church, 4596 Bells Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45244.  For the next start date and times, call 513-528-1740.
    • Cafe' Gilead next to the Northview Wesleyan Church at 2407 Adams Road, Cincinnati 45231 (Mount Healthy area).  Call 513-825-5950.        

    Grief Support for Schools, Churches or Businesses    

    Provides grief support and counseling for schools, churches and businesses that have suffered a death of someone in the organization.  To schedule a program, contact Sandy Keiser at Catholic Charities SouthWestern Ohio, 513-241-7745, or email at skeiser@ccswoh.org.

    Healing a Heart

    A support group for adults. A six-week program in spring and fall. Hospice Care of Middletown, 3909 Central Ave., Middletown OH 45044.  A drop-in group will be offered on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. For starting dates, times and locations, contact Judy Vincent, 513-424-2273 or jvincent@hcmiddletown.org.

    Life Transitions

    For those who are experiencing the death of a loved one from cancer.  Meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 7-8:30 pm at Cancer Support Community, 4918 Cooper Road, Cincinnati, OH  45242.  Contact Kelly Schoen, 513-791-4060.   

    Life after Loss Grief Support Group

    Grief support group for those who have experienced any type of loss through death.  For starting date and locations, call Hospice of Dayton, 937-258-4991.   

    New Day Grief Support Group

    A nine-week grief support group for adults who have lost a loved one.  Call for the start of the next group. Contact Kathy Teipen, 513-489-7489 or 474-6907.

    PEACE: People Enduring Addiction Consequences Everyday Support Group

    Meets the first Tuesday of each month from 7-8:30 pm at the Transitions Grateful Life Center, 305 Pleasure Isle Drive, Erlanger, KY 41017.  For information, contact Connie DeMarrero, 859-635-0187, or Charlotte Wetherton, 859-356-3285.

    Stars for Adults

    A six-week grief group series for adults who have experienced the death of a spouse, parent, sibling or friend. Meets on Thursday 6:30-8 pm at St. Elizabeth Hospice in Edgewood, KY. Registration required. Contact James Ellis at 859-301-4611orjames.ellis@stelizabeth.com.

    Stars for Adults − Grant County

    A twice-a-month group that meets for brunch and a support group on the first and third Monday of the month at 10:30 am in Dry Ridge and Williamstown, KY.  Contact James Ellis at 859-301-4611orjames.ellis@stelizabeth.com.

    Widows / Widowers

    Companions on a Journey Grief Support: Young Widowed Group  

    This group is designed for younger widowed persons who range in age from their 20s to early 50s.  This group meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-9 pm, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish Hospitality Room, 5720 Hamilton-Mason Road, Liberty Township, OH 45011.  For more information, call 513-870-9108.

    Companions on a Journey Grief Support:  New Beginnings Widowed Group      

    This group is designed to help widowed persons in the initial stages of grief; typically this will be the first 18 months, depending on each person’s grief recovery. This group meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-9 pm, in the lower level of the Edward Jones Building, 8859 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester, OH 45069.  For more information, call 513-870-9108.

    Companions on a Journey Grief Support: Living Again Widowed Group  

    This group is designed for widowed persons who have attended our New Beginnings Widowed Group or are further along on their grief journey. This group meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-9 pm, at Wesleyan University, 9286 Schulze Drive, West Chester, OH 45069. For more information, call 513-870-9108.

    Spouse Loss Group

    Support group for those who have experienced the loss of a spouse.  The group will explore the full scope and dimension of loss, the physiological and psychological symptoms of grief, and changes in personal relationships with family and friends. Call for dates and times. Hospice of the Bluegrass, Northern Kentucky, 7388 Turfway Road, Florence, KY  41042. Call 859-441-6332.

    Sunday Night Widow / Widowers Support Group

    This group provides peer support and social activities for those who have lost their spouse to death.  Meets on Sunday at 7:30 pm at the Hyde Park Community Methodist Church. Contact Becky Tupper, 513-947-9022. 

    Stars for Retired Widowers

    A support / social group that meets for breakfast once a month on the second Tuesday of each month at 9:30 am at Atria Summit Hills, Edgewood, KY.  Includes guest speakers as well as time for fellowship.  Contact James Ellis, 859-301-4611 or james.ellis@stelizabeth.com.

    Stars for Working Age Widowers

    Meets on the third Friday of each month for breakfast at 8 am at Northern Kentucky Baptist Association Office in Erlanger, KY.  Provides an opportunity to connect with other men and to find support in an informal atmosphere. Contact James at 859-301-4611 or james.ellis@stelizabeth.com.

    Widows / Widowers Grief Support Group

    Grief support group for anyone who lost a spouse.  Meets the first and third Wednesday of each month from 6:30-7:30 pm and the first and third Thursday from 10-11 am. Hospice of Dayton. For locations, call 937-258-4991.             

    Widows / Widowers Support Group

    A six-week support group for those who lost a younger spouse. Call for dates and times.  Marsha Linnemann, 859-727-1250.

    Young Widows / Widowers Support Group

    A six-week support group for those who lost a younger spouse. Call for dates and times.  Marsha Linnemann, 859-727-1250. 

    Suicide

    Companions on a Journey Grief Support: Surviving after the Death of Suicide

    For adults who have lost a loved one to suicide.  Meets on the first Tuesday of the month, 7-9 pm, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Hospitality Room, 5720 Hamilton-Mason Road, Hamilton, OH  45011. Contact Sheila Munafo-Kanoza, 513-870-9108. 

    Companions on a Journey: SOS for Teens

    This group has been created by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Andrews Suicide Awareness and Protection (A.S.A.P) and Companions on a Journey Grief Support (COJ).This group is designed to help teens and their parents / guardian to find hope, strength and healing following a death by suicide. This group meets at Epiphany Church, 6635 Loveland, OH 45140.  This group meets on a monthly basis.  Call for registration and specific time.  Call Deb Clancy, American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, 513-383-7679, or Sheila Munafo-Kanoza, Companions on a Journey Grief Support, 513-870-9108. 

    Survivors of Suicide

    A peer‑led support group for people who have lost a loved one to suicide.  Meets the third Monday of each month at 7 pm at Franciscan Terrace, 100 Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH  45215.  For more information, call Betty Scholle, 513-385‑6110.

    Survivors of Suicide

    A peer-led support group for people who have lost a loved one to suicide.  Meets the first Tuesday of each month, 7-9 pm, at the United Church of Christ, 15 S. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas, KY  41075.  Contact Carol Himes, 859-441-1958.

    Survivors after Suicide

    Support group for adults who have lost a loved one to suicide. The free group is sponsored by the Mental Health America, Suicide Prevention Coalition of Clermont County & the Clermont County Mental Health & Recovery Board.  Adults over 18 are free to attend.  Contact the group facilitator, Liz Atwell, prior to young adults (16-18) attending, 513-562-2583, or email eatwell@mhaswoh.org.

    Specialized Groups

    Tri-State Holistic Congregation

    Tri-State Holistic Congregation provides services to people of alternative spiritualities including pantheism, paganism, Celtic, Norse, Wiccan and Native American traditions. Call for time and locations. Contact the Rev. Paul Ravenscraft, 513-520-2510, or the Rev. Dan Newman, 513-542-1900. 

    Grief Recovery Method Outreach Program

    The Grief Recovery Method Outreach Program creates a safe environment and teaches correct action choices that help people move beyond the pain caused by loss. In this 12-week program, you will examine old beliefs about dealing with loss, look at various losses which have affected your life, and take new actions that lead to completion of the pain caused by a recent loss or one that occurred long ago.  An evening group meets at Crossroads Hospice in Blue Ash on Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 pm. A daytime group meets at the Cancer Support Community in Blue Ash on Wednesday from 1-3 pm. Classes are also held in Brown County, Clermont County and Butler County.  For more information, contact Mike Strick, bereavement coordinator, 513-786-3743, mike.strick@crossroadshospice.com; or Donna Hartmann, bereavement coordinator, 513-786-3781, donna.hartmann@crossroadshospice.com.


 
  • For More Information

    Contact:

    Jan Borgman, LISW-S, FT
    Bereavement Manager
    Cincinnati Children’s
    513-636-0069
    jan.borgman@cchmc.org