As a Resource Center:
We strive to educate and enlighten
by providing valuable information and resources. Additionally, we offer
resources to assist you in making intelligent decisions regarding the
funeral planning process and some of life's difficult decisions.
We serve as a RESOURCE for grieving
individuals and families by assisting with support, providing information
about the grieving process and helping you with your personal journey
through the grief process.
Educational Programs
Through out the year we offer seminars on various topics that address
issues that are of interest to everyone. We are leaders in the community
in providing Educational Seminars on topics for Healthy Living. Call
or
email us to find out the
topic and when our next seminar is scheduled.
Grief Recovery Program
"Going On When Your Loved One is Gone" The purpose of the support
group is to offer understanding, coping skills, support, friends and
hope. The group is for anyone, regardless of religious affiliation.
It is our hope that by attending the support group you will gain a better understanding
of the grief process, learn coping skills and have a determination to
survive your loss.
Our program meets 1 day a week (Thursday
Evenings) for six consecutive weeks every spring and fall. There is no
charge, registration is required. Call for current start dates.
On Site Library
Offering various books, videos, audio tapes, pamphlets and brochures
to help you through your grief journey. You are welcome to stop by anytime
to view our collection and register out your selection.
Holiday Grief Recovery Program
"Getting Through the Holidays and Remembering with Love" scheduled
on the 1st Saturday in December. This is held exclusively for family
members of people we have had the privilege to help. We are committed
to getting good information on grief to our families to help them in their
grief journey.
Children and Grief
"Grief isn't just for grown-ups" One of the most difficult challenges
that adults face after the death of a loved one is discussing it with
the children in the family. This is especially difficult when the adults
close to the child are also trying to come to terms with their own grief.
We have various offerings to help
children understand and cope with grief, including: coloring books,
videos, reading books, a play/activity room for use during the visitation
and information for parents on how to answer difficult questions.
Children Grief Recovery Program
Buddy's Place, a bereavement program offering support for children
ages, 4 to 18 and their families who have experienced the death of a
parent or significant care giver. Buddy's Place offers the children and
their parent a safe, supportive atmosphere where they can express their
grief with others who have experienced a similar loss. For more information
on Buddy's Place contact Director, Linda Moran at 1-708-354-0826.
Presentations
We are available to do presentations
on various topics that pertain to the funeral industry, such as: Advance
Planning, Costs of Funerals, History of the Funeral Profession, Personalization,
etc.
If you are interested in having
us speak to your organization, school group, senior citizens or service
organization, please call 1-708-458-0208
Information
for Widows and Widowers
AARP
Widowed Persons Service
601 E. St. NW
Washington D.C. 20049
(202) 434-2277 or (800) 424-3410
http:// www.aarp.org/griefprograms/wps.html
THEOS (They Help Each Other Spiritually)
322 Blvd. Of the Allies # 105
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(414) 471-7779
Information for Parents Who
Have Experienced the Death of a Child
The Compassionate Friends
P.O. Box 3696
Oak Brook, Illinois 60522-3696
(630) 990-0010 OR (877) 969-0010
http://www.compassionatefriends.org
Parents of Murdered Children
100 East Eight Street Suite B41
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
(513) 721-5683 or (888) 818- POMC
http:// www.pomc.com
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Alliance
1314 Bedford Avenue Suite 210
Baltimore, MD 21208
(800) 221-SIDS
http://www.sidsalliance.org
Candelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation
3910 Warner Street
Kensington, MD 20895
(800) 366-2223
http:// www.candlelighters.org
For Grieving Children
Doughy Center
P.O. Box 86852
Portland, OR 97286
(503) 775-5683
For Homicide
Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD)
P.O. Box 541688
Dallas, Texas 75354-1688
(800) GET -MADD
http:// www.MADD.org
Safe Horizon
2 Lafayette St.
New York, N.Y. 10007
(212) 577-7700
24-hour Hotline (212) 577-5777
http://www.safehorizon.org
For Suicide
American Association of Suicidology
4201 Connnecticut Ave. NW #408
Washington D.C. 20008
(202) 237-2280
http://www.suicidology.org
For Terminal Illness
Make Today Count Cancer Action Inc.
255 Alexander Street
Rochester, NY 14607
(716) 423-9700
http://www.canceraction.org
For Hospice Care
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization 1700 Diagonal Road,
Suite 300 Arlington, VA 22314 (703) 837- 1500
http://www.nhpco.org
http://www.hospiceinfo.org
For AIDS
AIDS Action
1906 Sunderland Place, NW
Washington DC 20036
(202) 817-1822
http://www.selfhelpweb.org
For Support Groups
National Self-Help Clearinghouse
Graduate School and University Center of the City University of New York
36 5th Avenue, Suite 3300
New York, NY 10016
(212) 817-1822
http:// www.selfhelpweb.org
A person who is grieving the loss
of a loved one is a friend in need of your caring and understanding. This
is what friendship is all about.
Listed are some suggestions on what
you can do to help.
- Attend the funeral of
your friend's loved one. Being at the funeral emphasizes to your friend
that your friendship is important and you will be there for them to
call on.
- Offer to listen. Tell
the bereaved person, "I can't relate to what you're going through, but
if you want to talk, I'm here to listen." Someone who is grieving needs
to talk about his or her emotions.
- Don’t tell him or her to “get
over it” or explain how “death is a part of life.” People
differ in the amount of time it takes to overcome a loss. There
is a fine line between being supportive and being insensitive.
Let the person know you are there to support them, not judge. Survivors
need to talk about their loved ones for months, sometimes years. Healing
is not an overnight process.
- It's okay to cry.
- Laughter heals. One of
the most important things you can do is to help your friend focus
on the good memories and fun times that live on.
- A hug or squeeze of the
hand goes a long way toward providing lasting comfort.
- Send a letter recalling
all the great times you have shared together.
- Make a memorial contribution
to their favorite charity.
- Stay in touch. Call them
often on the phone and let them know you have not forgotten them.
- Be the friend you were before.
Take over a meal. Invite your friend to your home. Go out to lunch,
dinner or shopping. Offer to take the kids for a night. See a movie
together.
- Don't wait to be asked.
Show that you care in whatever way is comfortable for you. This is what
friendship is all about.
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