Seasons Hospice provides grief support to anyone in southeastern Minnesota who has suffered a loss due to death.
A Safe Space
The Center for Grief Education and Support (CGES) at Seasons Hospice in Rochester, Minnesota provides comprehensive loss and grief services for those who are grieving. CGES is the only free-standing grief center in southeastern Minnesota. This welcoming setting provides a confidential and compassionate environment for our bereavement clients. All services are open to the public and are free of charge, but donations are gratefully accepted to support bereavement programs. Grief support is also available to our hospice families for 13 months following the death of a loved one.
What We Provide
A team of highly trained staff and volunteers offer a variety of grief support and educational programs to help individuals and families navigate and understand the many aspects of grief. Services include one-on-one counseling, family counseling, support groups, drop-in teen groups, and educational workshops to help those dealing with loss.
Support Groups
All grief support groups and programs are held at the Center for Grief Education and Support at the Seasons Hospice administrative office.
To register or request more information please contact the Center for Grief Education and Support.
Call: 507-285-1930 or
Email: cges@seasonshospice.org
The Center for Grief Education and Support follows the Rochester School District’s guidelines for weather related cancellations.
Adult Support Groups
NEWLY BEREAVED
Ongoing groups for those who have experienced a death within the past six months. This group is offered twice per month with afternoon and evening groups. (First and third Thursday of each month)
PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS
This group provides a time for sharing for those who have lost a baby through miscarriage or stillbirth, at the time of birth or within the first month of birth. Meets once per month. (Second Thursday of each month)
SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE
A supportive, ongoing group for those who have experienced someone close to them take their life. This group meets monthly and is open to those 18 and older. (Third Wednesday of each month)
PET LOSS
This group provides a supportive, non-judgmental environment for pet owners who have lost a pet through death to share with others who have experienced pet loss. Meets monthly; children and families are welcome. Please note: a therapy dog/handler team may be present for some sessions. (Second Wednesday of each month)
ADULT GRIEF
An eight-week series is offered both afternoon and evenings, once per week, for anyone who is in the process of adjusting and adapting to the loss of a loved one. The series is offered three times per year.
PREGNANCY AFTER LOSS
This monthly group provides support to women who experienced the loss of a baby and have become pregnant or are considering another pregnancy. (First Wednesday of each month)
VETERANS GRIEF SUPPORT
A discussion group led by Vietnam vets and Tim Haskamp LICSW, focusing on the theme of grief, loss, and change. (Meets every other Monday)
COFFEE GET-TOGETHERS
These gatherings provide ongoing opportunities for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one to share with others who have also experienced loss. These groups meet three times per month with morning and evening groups. (Second and fourth Wednesdays and the third Thursday of each month)
“The beauty of working with families after a loved one dies is that you see their vulnerability and honesty, and you try to help them grow from the experience. In reality, you are honoring their loved ones’ life with them.”
Youth Support Groups/Programs
TEEN SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE
A supportive, ongoing group for those who have had someone close to them take their life. This group meets monthly and is open to those 12-18 years of age. (Third Wednesday of each month)
TEEN GRIEF SUPPORT IN ROCHESTER Public high SCHOOLS
Grief groups are available at Century, John Marshall and Mayo High Schools with expansion to surrounding areas planned. These groups run for six weeks and are open to any student who has experienced the death of someone close to them. Interested students should contact their school counselors if interested in participating.
TEEN DROP-IN
The Drop-In Teen Days are open for youth 12-18 years of age who have experienced a death. This group offers a safe and creative space where teens are encouraged to share their story in a variety of ways. It meets once per month. (Third Wednesday of each month)
Pet Loss
This group provides a supportive, non-judgmental environment for pet owners who have lost a pet through death to share with others who have experienced pet loss. Meets monthly; children and families are welcome. Please note: a therapy dog/handler team may be present for some sessions. (Second Wednesday of each month)
Grief Through a Lens
A summer group for high school students that explores grief and loss using photography as a form of self-expression. Students will learn about the uniqueness of grief while exploring and expressing their sense of loss through the use of photography, discovering the value of community along the way.
The group will meet for five weeks on June 12, 19, 26, July 10, and 17 at the Center for Grief Education and Support. It will be co-facilitated by local educator and photography enthusiast Ewan Ferguson, Northfield teacher and grief book author, Krista Betcher, who wrote I Know You’re Here, and CGES grief counselors Heidi Smith and Michelle Coyle. Students can choose to use their smartphone or personal camera to take photographs. If a student has neither, a camera will be available for his or her use.
Registration is required by June 11, 2019. Please register here.
Special Themed Workshops
MANAGING HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL DAYS WITHOUT YOUR LOVED ONE
— FOR ADULTS
A workshop providing an opportunity to explore the difficulties associated with mourning during these special days. This group offers hands on tools as well as discussion focused on how others have navigated these tumultuous times.
MANAGING HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL DAYS WITHOUT YOUR LOVED ONE
— FOR YOUTH
A workshop for students ages 12-18 to which provide hands on materials focused on managing holidays and special days after the death of a loved one. Activities as well as handouts and discussion will be a part of this session.
GRIEF IN THE WORKPLACE
The Center for Grief Education and Support offers a variety of dynamic and customized programs to businesses and organizations to help lessen the impact of grief in the workplace. These workshops provide training related to handling employee loss and grief issues at work while balancing the need for performance and productivity. Different seminars are available for management and employees.
Community Events
Grief Support Calendar of Events
Circle of Remembrance Memorial
Seasons Hospice provides the opportunity to remember loved ones through our Circle of Remembrance Memorial. You may purchase individually inscribed black granite pavers which will be installed on the grounds of the Seasons Hospice House.
