The Center for Grief Education and Support provides comprehensive in-depth loss, grief, and transition services for grieving individuals and families, professionals, volunteers, and for the community at large.

The process of grieving the death of a loved one is a necessary, yet physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually complex and challenging journey.

It is an individual journey that requires much of us, but does not provide an easily prescribed route or timetable to follow. However, increasing one's understanding of the grief and mourning process through a supportive network may make the experience less overwhelming.

The Center for Grief Education and Support is available to the bereaved regardless of their involvement with Seasons Hospice, to professionals and volunteers who work with the bereaved, and to the community at large who desire to better understand the grieving process. These services are provided by The Center for Grief Education and Support staff, trained volunteers, and guest presenters.

For more information about these services, contact the Center for Grief Education and Support staff at Seasons Hospice, 285-1930 or via e-mail at shbp@seasonshospice.org.

Bereavement Care

The following programs offer the bereaved methods for understanding and managing the experiences of loss, change and grief and finding the strength to heal.

Adult Support Groups

Newly Bereaved
For those who have experienced the loss of a loved one within the past 3 months. This program is offered monthly.

Adult Grief Support Group
An eight week educational support series available to adults at least 23 years of age. It is offered in the winter, spring, summer and fall with afternoon and evening sessions available.

Drop-In Coffees
An open-ended, on-going one hour opportunity to share with others who are experiencing grief. Coffees are offered on several dates and in several locations each month.

Managing Holidays Following a Loss
A two-session program offered in the fall providing an opportunity to explore and manage difficulties associated with grieving during holidays.

Managing Special Days Following a Loss
A two-session program offered midyear providing an opportunity to explore and manage difficulties associated with grieving during special days such as birthdays and anniversaries.

Family Support Groups

"Good Grief" Camp
A one-day program offered several times a year where grieving children grades 2-12 can learn important grief management skills.

Stepping Stones Family Program
A six-week support group for grieving children grades 2-12 and their parent/caregivers.

Adult Information Programs

Understanding the Grief Process
Explore areas such as thinking errors in grieving, family of origin and grieving, myths related to grief, and coping strategies to utilize when grieving.

Creativity and Grief Topics
Expressing emotions associated with grief through the use of the arts such as drawing, painting, quilting, sculpting, journaling, collage, knitting, music, gardening and movement.

Mind, Body and Spirit Topics
Focus the mind and relax the body through deep breathing, passive and progressive muscle relaxation, imagery, visualization, yoga and intentional walking.

Life Skill Changes Topics
Help process role and activity changes due to the loss of a loved one. Such topics include cooking for one, car care, managing finances, yard care, downsizing, and relationships that matter.

Family Informational Programs

Letters from the Heart
Grieving children write letters to and from their loved one and share them with their families. Includes a concurrent parent/caregiver education/support component.

Helping Children Grieve and Grow
For parents/caregivers and others who want to explore how to support a grieving child.

Individual Support (Adult and Family)

One to One Volunteer Bereavement Support
An on-going service including visits, phone calls, written correspondence, and/or e-mail to those experiencing uncomplicated grief before, during and/or following a loss.

Professional Consultation
Brief therapy related to bereavement issues is provided by licensed staff.

Referrals
For individuals requiring care beyond our scope of practice, referrals to qualified professionals can be provided.

Education and Training

Programs for health care and allied professionals, volunteers, and the lay public who support the bereaved.

Consultation Service

Services available to help with assessments, program planning, implementation, and evaluation of bereavement programs including :

• Survey development
• How to initiate an informal program
• Ways to reach out to bereaved children/adolescents
• Issues to consider when developing a grief support group

Programs

Programs designed for those who want to expand their knowledge of bereavement and to enhance their skills to help the bereaved including:

• Understanding Bereavement, Grief, and Mourning
• Factors Affecting Bereavement
• Responses and Strategies for Working Effectively with the Bereaved
• Avoiding Burnout and Compassion Fatigue
• Supporting Grieving Students in the Classroom

Community Outreach Service

Presentations, seminars and resources that provide bereavement information and support services to businesses, agencies, organizations, civic and professional groups, schools, churches, individuals and the greater community.

Memories of the Heart
An annual nondenominational, ecumenical service open to the community to commemorate, through fellowship and support, the lives of loved ones who have died. Held in December and open to the entire community.

Celebrating with Memories
Children decorate a table with photos and memorabilia of a loved one and invite family and friends to celebrate their loved ones life through these memories.

Informational Presentations
Programs which focus on a wide variety of topics to enhance the community’s knowledge of dying, death, and bereavement. Such programs, which can be tailored to specific needs, include:

• Understanding Bereavement, Grief, and Mourning
• Myths and Facts about Grief
• How to Take Care of Yourself While Grieving
• Helping the Grieving Person
• Helping the Employer Support Grieving Staff
• What to Say to the Terminally Ill Person
• Helping Teens Live with Loss
• Helping Children Grieve and Grow
• Debriefing
• Supporting Grieving Students in the Classroom

KNXR Radio Series
Five minute radio series every Wednesday evening at 5:25 P.M. on topics related to hospice care including bereavement.

Information and Resource Services

Resource and Lending Library
Books, periodicals, pamphlets, articles, audiotapes, videotapes, CD’s and DVD’s are available for all ages through our center.

Informational Mailings
Information describing bereavement services and announcing programs is provided via mail and electronic mail to all interested parties.

Center for Grief Education and Support Web Site
Program and services listings, educational information and links to previewed and helpful websites.

Donations

You can support our services through tax-deductible contributions.

Service Sites

Seasons Hospice Office
Centrally located in Rochester, the office is the site of the Center for Grief Education and Support. 1811 Greenview Pl SW, Rochester, MN 55902 (Map)

Seasons Hospice House
Situated on thirteen acres with gardens, a path, and a labyrinth, the house and grounds provide a sanctuary for the bereaved. 5650 Weatherhill Rd SW, Rochester, MN 55902 (Map)

Seasons Hospice – The Cabin in the Woods
Located within Oxbow Park, the log cabin is a place of retreat to find tranquility and connect with nature. (Map)

Seasons Hospice – A Place to Remember
A quiet plant-filled area with benches for reflection and serenity located within Van Hook Park in Rochester. Northwest corner of Soldiers Field, Rochester MN (Map)

Seasons Hospice – Tree of Memories
Located next to A Place to Remember, this evergreen tree is illuminated from the beginning of December through mid-January to provide a specific place to remember and honor loved ones. Northwest corner of Soldiers Field, Rochester MN(Map)

Books on Grief and Mourning

The following books are included in the Center for Grief Education and Support Lending Resource Library.

Books for Pre-Schoolers

Checkers and Dotty: Saying Goodbye	Mruzek, Ellie	Story/workbook worded and illustrated in a manner that speaks to very young children and holds their attention.
How I Feel – A Coloring Book	Wolfelt, Alan	Explores the many feelings grieving children experience.
I Heard Your Daddy Died; I Heard Your Mommy Died	Scrivani, Mark	Two different books - Talks about many changes that come and reassures the child that she is loved and will be taken care of.

Books for Elementary Age

The 10th Good Thing About Barney	Viorst, Judith	A little girl comes to terms with the loss of her pet cat, Barney.
I Miss You	Thomas, Pat	Excellent, simple and realistic
Good Grief for Kids – A Journal to Help Children with their Grief	Zotovich, Katherine	Good activities and journaling pages

Remember…A Child Remembers

Samuel-Traisman, Enid

Write-in memory book to help children cope with loss of a special relationship and keep memories safe and preserved

Books for Adolescents

Facing Change – Falling Apart and Coming Together Again in the Teen Years	O’Toole, Donna	Founded on the belief that teens can make effective choices that can transform pain into resilience; provides an abundance of information and coping choices to assist the process
You Are Not Alone: Teens talk about Life After the Loss of a Parent	Hughes, Lynn	Teens reach out to teens and people who care for them with understanding and compassion. Frank testimonials, along with discussion, make this essential for coping and beginning the lifelong process of healing.
Fire in My Heart, Ice in My Veins	Samuel-Traisman,Enid	Teens can write letters, copy down meaningful lyrics, write songs and poems, tell the person who died what they want them to know. Great journal for teens
I Remember You – A Grief Journal	Gilbert, Laynee	Excellent book, combines illustrated journal pages with quotes and advice

Books for Adults Helping Children

Helping Children Cope with Death and Helping Teens Cope with Death	Dougy Center	Two separate books - An in-depth look at grieving children/teens that addresses specific developmental issues. Contains information on a child’s/teen’s understanding of death, developmental issues, how to explain death to children, and 6 basic principles about children and grief.
35 Ways to Help a Grieving Child	Dougy Center	Presents 35 simple and practical suggestions for supporting a grieving child. Explores behaviors and reactions by ages and maturity levels; outlets for children to safely express their thoughts and feelings; ways for adults to be supportive during difficult times
Helping Children Grieve and Grow	O’Toole, Donna	Information on how children experience loss and grief and what caregivers can do to help. Answers the questions caregivers may have.
A Child’s View of Grief	Wolfelt, Alan	Informative easy-to-read book that explains how children and adolescents grieve after someone dies.
The Next Place	Hanson, Warren	Classic that brings gentle verse revealing a safe and welcome destination free from earthly hurts and filled with wonder and peace. Comforting message of hope and a gift of compassion for the bereaved.

Books for Caregivers

Caring for Your Parents: The Complete AARP Guide	Delehanty, Hugh	Filled with stories from real people and packed with creative ideas, book shows readers how to transform care giving into an act of spiritual growth and personal discovery; explains how to help your elderly parents improve their lives-with a difference.
The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers	Jacobs, Barry	Through an account of two sisters and their ailing mother - helps family members navigate tough decisions and make the most of their time together as they care for an aging parent.
The Caregiver’s Survival Handbook	Jacobs, Barry	For women who are part of the "sandwich generation"- caught between the needs of their elderly relatives and their young families.
The Complete Eldercare Planner, Second Ed.	Loverde, Joy	Helps you plan ahead and manage real-life eldercare crises. Essential checklists, practical communication tips, free and low-cost resources, web-sites, step-by-step action plans, questions to ask the professionals, record-keeping forms
Coping with Your Difficult Older Parent	Lebow, Grace	A common-sense guide from professionals, on how to smooth communications with a challenging parent.

General Grief

Living When a Loved One Has Died	Grollman, Earl	Leads those who are grieving through emotional turmoil to a new hopeful life by confronting the death of the loved one.
Surviving Holidays, Birthday and Anniversaries	Noel, Brook	Explores challenges brought on by holidays, birthday and anniversaries and other special occasions; what to expect along with strategies for coping during these difficult days.
Winter Grief, Summer Grace, Returning to Life After a Loved One Dies	Miller, James	Compassionate exploration of feelings that come with a loved one’s death with beautiful full-color photographs that reflect peace and quiet assurance.

Suicide

Healing After the Suicide of a Loved One	Smolin, Ann & Guinan, John	Provides suicide survivors with new insights into the emotional responses experienced following the suicide of a loved one
Suicide: Survivors – A Guide for Those Left Behind	Wrobleski, Adina	Author reflects on her personal experience of suicide, grief and recovery and gives readers guideposts, reassurance, information, comfort, and hope.
No Time to Say Goodbye	Fine, Carla	Brings suicide survival from the darkness into the light with compassion about overwhelming feelings of confusion, guilt, shame, anger and loneliness.

Loss of Parent

After Goodbye – A Daughter’s Story of Grief and Promise	Friesen	A daughter shares her journey of walking with her mother through her mother’s illness to death.
When Parents Die	Myers, Edward	Explores complex feelings of adult children experience when a parent dies. Discusses physiological responses to the death, such as shock, depression, and guilt and offers suggestions on how to cope with and overcome these responses.
Never the Same	Schuurmanm, Donna	Death of a parent during childhood influences a person forever. Helps those who have lost a parent as a child reflect on their experience, understand the impact, and heal.

Men and Grief

Swallowed by a Snake	Golden, Thomas	A book for men or women about the masculine side of healing from loss.
Men and Grief	Staudacher, Carol	A guide for men surviving the death of a loved one; a resource for caregivers and mental health professionals.

Death of a Child

A Broken Heart Still Beats	McCracken, Anne & Semel, Mary	Collection of poetry, fiction, and essays compiled by 2 women who have lost a child. Seasoned with wisdom and experience, their words offer comfort and insight.
Song of Triumph	Grotenhuis, Eleanor	For families struggling with the loss of a child or young adult, this story stresses the need to draw strength from friends and to allow others to express grief in their own ways.

Adult Workbooks

From Grief to Memories	Gilbert, Kei	Tool to assist grievers as they strive to understand their grief and find a way to incorporate memories of their loved one in their lives.
A Memory Journal	Biscan, Sara Dare	A keepsake to commemorate the loss of a loved one.
I Remember You	Gilbert, Laynee	Beautifully illustrated pages with moving quotes and thoughtful, comforting advice.

 

Website Links

Center for Grief Education and Support, Seasons Hospice is not responsible for nor endorses the content of these sites.

General Grief

Center for Loss and Life Transition

Resources for people who are grieving and those who want to help them.

http://www.centerforloss.com/pg/default.asp

Compassion Books

More than 400 books, videos and audios to help children and adults through serious illness, death and dying, grief, bereavement and loses of all kinds.

http://www.compassionbooks.com

Counseling for Loss

Counseling for Loss has compiled information to help people who are grieving the loss of loved ones.

http://www.counselingforloss.com

Grief Aid

An oasis of comfort and support for all suffering from grief, sorrow or pain. The site also has specialized areas for bereaved parents and grandparents.

http://www.griefaid.com

Growth House Inc.

Deals with issues related to death and dying.

http://www.growthhouse.org

GROWW

A place where peer groups in an online chatroom environment teach that you have “permission to grieve”.

http://www.groww.org

Webster’s Death, Dying and Grief Guide

A very large, very comprehensive index or “collection” of Internet resources with a holistic perspective.  It is geared toward death as “natural” and expected for all living beings.

http://katsden.com/death/index

Web Healing

Tom Golden’s page for men and women to browse to understand and honor the many different paths to heal strong emotions.

http://www.webhealing.com

Loss of Spouse/Partner

WidowNet

An information and support resource for, and by, widows and widowers. Topics covered include grief, bereavement, recovery, and other information helpful to those who have suffered the death of a spouse.

http://www.fortnet.org

Young Widows and Widowers

This website includes tips, resources and suggestions to deal with grief. It includes sections on legislative news, book reviews, articles, interviews with noted authors and experts with grief, death and single parenting.

http://www.youngwidowsandwidowers.com

American Association of Retired Persons

AARP offers a wide variety of resources and information for the person who has lost a spouse. Geared more toward an older population, the site focus on many end of life issues.

http://www.aarp.org

Suicide

Survivors of Suicide

A place to share feelings that can lead to growth and healing.

http://www.survivorsofsuicide.com

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Provides state-by-state directories of survivor support groups for families and friends of someone who completed suicide. Also provides information regarding suicide statistics, prevention and surviving.

http://www.afsp.org

Living with Suicide – Shared Experiences and Voices of Loss

This is a place for passionate voices and shared experiences among those affected by a suicide. It is not designated as an emergency hotline, or as a solemn memorial. Our hope is that survivors will find strength in the stories of others and, most importantly, recognize that we are not alone.

http://www.pbs.org/weblab/living/

Homicide or Traumatic Death

Grief Net

A list of resources to help you deal with school violence and loss.

http://griefnet.org/resources/schoolviolence.html

National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children

Only national helping organization specifically for the survivors of homicide victims which follows up with supportive family services.

http://www.pomc.com/

Jenna Druck Foundation – Families Helping Families

Families helping families offers Violent Loss bereavement support.

http://jennadruck.org/

Families and Children

Compassion Books

More than 400 books, videos and audios to help children and adults through serious illness, death and dying, grief, bereavement and losses of all kinds

www.compassionbooks.com

The Dougy Center

Provides peer support groups for grieving children and resources for children and families of grieving children

www.dougy.org

Amanda the Panda

Provides support to grieving children and families through weekend camps, support groups, home visits, fund days, etc. Includes chat room, bulleting board, and Camp Amanda schedule.

www.amandathepanda.org

Growth House

Deals with issues related to death and dying. A drop down menu at the top of the home page has section on children dealing with death.

www.growthhouse.org

Rainbows

Provides support for children who have lost a parent through death, divorce, etc.

www.rainbows.org

Barr-Harris Children’s Grief Center

Serves children who have lost a sibling, parent or other family member, or whose family member is facing imminent death; for parents and other family members

www.barrharris.org

Solace House

Center for grieving children and their families, provides support programs for children and adults, including peer support groups, individual and family counseling and outreach services.

www.solacehouse.org

The Alcore Center for Grieving Children and Families

Includes guidelines for parents and school personnel on how to help grieving children

www.thealcore.org

Hoping Skills Company

Free on-line resources on serious illness, grief, and loss. Unique products for all ages that preserve memories and embrace the celebration of life by giving the gift of hope, healing and peace for tomorrow

www.hopingskills.com

Kids Konnected

To provide friendship, understanding, education and support for children who have a parent with cancer or children who have lost a parent to cancer.

www.kidskonnected.org

Winston’s Wish

Excellent site to help bereaved children and young people to rebuild their lives after a family death. Offers practical support and guidance to families, professionals, and anyone concerned about a grieving child

www.winstonwish.org.uk

Compassionate Friends

Offers friendship and understanding to parents, grandparents, and siblings following the death of a child of any age

www.compassionatefriends.org

Centering Corporation – Youth Grief Center

Nonprofit organization offering families links to many grief web sites and many items for sale

www.centering.org

The Kids Place

Includes articles, memorials, and answers to FAQs about children and grief.

www.kidsplace.org

The Healing Garden – A Child’s Place for Remembering

Interactive activities to help children deal with grief and loss

www.healingthespirit.org