Grief Support Groups
Compassionate Grief Support Groups for Healing and Connection
Grieving the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our grief support groups provide a safe and understanding space for individuals and families coping with loss. Led by experienced facilitators, our sessions offer emotional support, guidance, and the opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences.
Find Comfort and Guidance in a Supportive Community
Whether you are facing recent loss or still navigating your grief journey, our bereavement support groups are here to help. We offer in-person and virtual meetings tailored to different types of loss, ensuring you find the support that best meets your needs. Through shared experiences, expert insights, and compassionate discussions, our groups provide a path toward healing.
Join a Grief Support Group Near You
We understand that everyone’s grief journey is unique, which is why we offer hospice grief support groups designed to meet you where you are. Our sessions are free and open to the community, providing a welcoming environment for anyone in need of emotional support. Contact us today to learn more about upcoming meetings and how to join.
Support Groups
Open to anyone who has experienced the death of someone close to them, our support groups focus on learning, healing and encouragement. Conversation topics include understanding grief and mourning, myths about grief, the importance of community, available resources, helping others to heal ourselves and self-care.
September 14
Introductions & Grief Overview
September 21
The Realms of Grief & “They Mean Well”
September 28
Nurturing Yourself & Support
October 5
Memories & Emotions
October 12
Learning Survival Skills
October 19
Secondary Losses & Next Steps
Questions? Contact Cindy Holda at 779-774-9820 or cholda@niha.org
Grief comes in many forms, and you don’t need to navigate your journey alone. Bridge of Hope is a 6-week bereavement care group that meets on Thursdays at Northern Illinois Hospice / Gateway Arts Building, located at 2225 Gateway Drive, Sycamore, IL. Registration is required before the first session, and the group is designed to be experienced from start to finish.
August 20
Introductions & Grief Overview
August 27
The Realms of Grief & “They Mean Well”
September 3
Nurturing Yourself & Support
September 10
Memories & Emotions
September 17
Learning Survival Skills
September 24
Secondary Losses & Next Steps
Questions? Contact Jen Conley at 815-312-8338 or jconley@niha.org
Grief can sometimes be overwhelming, and nature is a great means to break the cycle of stressors. Please join Northern Illinois Hospice for Tranquil Tuesdays as we explore the grief in our lives and experience new ways to grow through our grief and loss stories.
Dates: Tuesdays, June 2 – September 1, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Reservations are required. Please call Northern Illinois Hospice Bereavement Coordinator, Cindy Holda at 779-774-9820 to reserve your place! Group size is limited.
Walkabout With Grief is a group for semi-active adults who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
You’ll experience 45 minutes of walking with 15 minutes of discussion at the start and end of each session. It’s a beautiful setting with a paved walking path, intermittent shade, and benches available along the path to sit and view the small lake.
Part of the path has some elevation. You will want to pack water, a snack and dress appropriately, including good walking shoes. If there’s rain in the forecast, the group might be cancelled.
May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10
No registration required. Just come on out and walkabout!
Walkabouts are a symbolic journey and rite of passage. In grief, we walk a journey not chosen by us, but one that demonstrates our deep love. Grief is not a problem to be solved. Instead, it’s an expression to be lived and a life passage from who we used to be into who we are becoming, all while honoring our beloved.
You Are Not Alone—We’re Here for You
Grief is a deeply personal journey, but you don’t have to navigate it on your own. Whether you choose to join a support group now or later, know that compassionate help is always available. If you have any questions or need guidance in finding the right support, please reach out. We’re here to walk alongside you, offering comfort, understanding, and a community that cares.