Local Grief Support Resources

“Grief is not a disorder, a disease, or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical, and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve.”
– Dr. Earl A. Grollman, Author of “Living When a Loved One Has Died

Tudor House:

Suicide prevention, education, and support.


Carilion's Center for Grief and Healing:

Carilion’s Center for Grief and Healing utilizes a holistic approach to offer effective, supportive and therapeutic services to individuals, families and communities affected by grief and loss. 


For More Information:


The Compassionate Friends:

 – The Roanoke Chapter: 
The mission of The Compassionate Friends: When a child dies, at any age, the family suffers intense pain and may feel hopeless and isolated. 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. Please call for dates and times.

Location:
Good Samaritan Hospice
2408 Electric Road 
Roanoke, VA 24018

Registration:
Good Samaritan Hospice:

Good Samaritan offers a host of resources and articles on their website:

Roanoke Location:
Good Samaritan Hospice
2408 Electric Road 
Roanoke, VA 24018
Registration:
(540) 776-0198 Emily Rhodes Hunter, Bereavement Coordinator

Beyond Words:

Creative expression can be a powerful tool in coping with grief. Whether you’re painting, sculpting, drawing, quilting, journaling, knitting, planting, building, or sewing, art allows us to express what we’re feeling even when we have trouble verbalizing our inner experiences. You don’t have to consider yourself an artist to reap the benefits of incorporating these healing modalities into our grief journey. Please call for dates and times. No prior experience is required. Free and open to the public. Pre-registration required.

Coffee & Conversation:

Join our bereavement counselor for a cup of coffee and a pastry made by one of our Good Sam volunteers! We will enjoy these tasty treats while sharing about our experiences of grief and the challenge of finding a “new normal” after the loss of a loved one. Please call for dates and times. This program is free and open to the public. No RSVP required.

Living with Loss Support Group:

Living with Loss is a more structured group for adults who have experienced the death of a loved one and who are seeking both support and education about grief and loss. Seven weekly sessions led by hospice bereavement staff combine information, discussion, and activities in ways that encourage whatever level of participation persons may need or choose. Please call for dates and times. Free and open to the public. Pre-registration required.

Tuesday Morning Drop-in Grief Support:

When you’re going through grief, it can be so helpful to talk – even with people outside your circle of family and friends. Participants are welcome to attend as often as needed and can bring pictures and stories of their loved one as well as any questions or concerns. Please call for dates and times. This program is free and open to the public. No RSVP required.
Hope & Hot Chocolate:

Hope & Hot Chocolate is a series of meetings scheduled during the holiday season to help participants cope effectively with the demands of the holidays. Please call for dates and times.
Supporting a Grieving Friend:

Many people truly want to help a friend or family member who is experiencing loss. Words often fail us at times like these, leaving us stammering for the right thing to say. Some people are so afraid to say or do the wrong thing; they choose to do nothing at all. While there is no one perfect way to respond or to support someone you are about, this workshop will explore how to help a friend or family member in their grief. Please call for dates and times. Free and open to the public. Pre-registration required.
NEW RIVER VALLEY

Grief Relief Through Gentle Yoga:

Grief can be bound in our bodies and our minds. This workshop seeks to create a calming space where grief can be released. Some grief information will be given at the start of the class and there will be a time to talk at the end of the class. Techniques will be learnable so that in the future you can create your own calming space. 

This class will be lead in Gentle Yoga. This is a type of yoga in which all can participate. It consists of slow movements, intentional breathing and meditation. Donations will be accepted, but not required, to support Studio 221 Yoga, who is graciously providing the instructor and space for this workshop. Please call for dates and times. Free and open to the public but space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Location:
Studio 221 Yoga 
4342 Floyd Hwy. N.
Floyd, VA 24091

Registration:
(540) 381-3171 Ginger Furmage, Bereavement Coordinator

GriefNet.org:

GriefNet.org is an Internet community of persons dealing with grief, death, trauma, and major loss.
Gentle Shepherd Hospice:

In addition to grief support groups, they also offer a host of resources to help family members begin the grieving process. Visit https://gentleshepherdhospice.com/hospice-resources/ for links to recommended reading about the grieving process, the online e-library for family caregivers and other helpful information. 

Grief and loss support groups are facilitated by Martha Furman, a licensed professional counselor and marriage and family therapist. 

Location:
2650 Electric Rd STE C
Roanoke, VA 24018

Registration:
For more information about our bereavement programs, please contact Terry Dowdy at 540-989-6265.

Grief Support for Children and Teenagers 

Camp Braveheart:

(Grades 3-12):
Every June, Camp Braveheart brings together grieving children and teens from across the country to address their unique emotional and spiritual needs. Since the Christ-centered and nationally recognized camp was founded over a decade ago, Gentle Shepherd has financially supported the program and sponsored scholarships. To learn more, please visit 

The Comfort Zone Camp:
A fun and safe place for grieving children. www.comfortzonecamp.org 
For more information about Comfort Zone Camp, please contact us:

Address:
6606 West Broad Street
Suite 401
Richmond, VA 23230

Phone:
Toll-Free:
The Dougy Center:

The National Center for Grieving Children and Families. www.dougy.org
The Dougy Center provides support in a safe place where children, teens, young adults, and their families grieving a death can share their experiences. Through our Pathways Program we provide a safe place for families facing an advanced serious illness.

We provide support and training locally, nationally and internationally to individuals and organizations seeking to assist children in grief. We are supported solely through private support from individuals, foundations and companies. The Dougy Center does not charge a fee for its services.

National Alliance for Grieving Children:

The NAGC is a nationwide network comprised of professionals, institutions and volunteers who promote best practices, educational programming and critical resources to facilitate the mental, emotional and physical health of grieving children and their families. 


TAPS Youth Programs:

Though their lives are marked by grief, young survivors at TAPS know their lives will also be marked by camaraderie, mentorship, emotional maturity, adventure and fun.

Led by experts in the fields of child development, mental health and education, TAPS Youth Programs provide safe spaces for military children to explore grief and embrace healing.
Healing Hearts Grief Support Group For Youth:

One Monday night a month. Free and open to the public.

Local Counseling Centers with Grief Counselors

Thriveworks

New Choices Counseling

Total Life Counseling

Thriving Families Counseling

Roanoke Valley Counseling Center

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