Bereavement
Northern Illinois Hospice’s Bereavement Program is designed for families and friends of our hospice patients and is a continued part of hospice care. Because your grief is unique to you and no single way of grieving applies to everyone, you may find comfort in knowing that help is available in a variety of ways. All of these are offered at no cost to you or your family. Click on the links to learn more.
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.
Tuesdays: May 10th – May 31st, 2022
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Join us Tuesday mornings in May to welcome Spring and to look at how nature can help us heal and grow through our grief experiences. Not only can grief stop us in our tracks, the COVID pandemic has certainly aided in compounding those feelings. We will look at how this pandemic, nature, exercise, and wonder can help heal us.
Held rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
For questions, and to reserve a space, please contact Andrew J. Vitale, CT at 779.774.9820 or [email protected].
Tuesdays: June 14th – July 19th, 2022
4:30 – 6:00 PM
SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA, 200 Y Blvd., Rockford
Come for education: learn about normal grief responses; sharing: thoughts, feelings, and experiences; respect: a safe, non-judgemental atmosphere; welcoming: acceptance, validation, and appreciation; and confidentiality: discussion shared stays within the group.
Reservations are required. Please call Northern Illinois Hospice Bereavement Coordinator Andrew J. Vitale, CT at 779.774.9820 or [email protected] to reserve your place! Group size is limited.
Fridays: July 1 – July 29, 2022
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Resilience is our ability to bounce back after difficult situations. We will learn and practice mindful meditation as a means to build up our personal, and communal, resilience.
Held rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
For questions, and to reserve a space, please contact Andrew J. Vitale, CT at 779.774.9820 or [email protected].
Tuesdays: September 6 – September 27, 2022
10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Based on mindfulness and how to grow through our grief experiences, join us for an opportunity to wander the Gardens with our grief. We will honor our loved ones who have died, but are never forgotten, and experience newness as we re-member in nature.
Held rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
For questions, and to reserve a space, please contact Andrew J. Vitale, CT at 779.774.9820 or [email protected].
Tuesdays, March 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3 | 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Meetings will be held at St. Mary’s Parish Activity Center
Questions? Contact Jen Conley at 815.312.8338 or [email protected]
If you’re struggling with the loss of a loved one, support is nearby. Join us next month for a bereavement support group at the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA.
Reservations are required. Please call Northern Illinois Hospice Bereavement Coordinator Andrew J. Vitale, CT at [email protected] to reserve your place! Group size is limited.
