Support Group Helps People Cope With Loss
Contact: Mardi Ford
An eight-week support group for people who have experienced a loss through death, and for people who are supporting others who are grieving begins on February 28. Sponsored by Grande Ronde Hospital Home Care Services, “Growing Through Grief” will provide information on the grieving experience and provide skills that can help people move forward in the healing process.
What: Growing Through Grief Support Group
When: Thursday evenings, from February 28 to April 24
Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m
Where: First Presbyterian Church - 1308 Washington Avenue, La Grande
The series is free. However, pre-registration is required. Please call Teresa Smith-Dixon at 541-963-1511 or email her at: tsd01@grh.org for more information and to enroll.
Grief is a normal reaction to a loss and the loss of a loved one is an experience that can elicit many strong emotions, Smith-Dixon says. The death of someone close to you can bring on emotions such as guilt, pain, sadness, anger, fear, emptiness and more, she says. “This series provides a listening community, it starts the natural healing process.” It also provides tools to those who want to learn how they can best help grieving friends and family members.
Through the years, Smith-Dixon has seen many positive results from the support group. “Participants find people who really understand and together they affirm life”, she says.