News Release

FORT WAYNE — When a loved one passes away, grief can be overwhelming and isolating. While each person experiences grief in their own way, getting support to understand your grief and find companionship with others who have similar struggles can help you navigate your feelings and move forward.

Parkview Hospice counselors facilitate bereavement support groups across the region. Any community member who has experienced the loss of a loved one, recently or longer ago, and seeks a compassionate, supportive environment in which to heal is welcome to attend.

The groups focus on concepts in the book, “Understanding Your Grief,” by noted author, educator and grief counselor Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. Wolfelt’s exploration of grief, self-compassion and practical steps toward healing has been a helpful guide for thousands of people nationwide.

Support group members will receive a free copy of the book, which they will read and discuss during the meetings as they explore the normal emotional responses to illness and death and ways to cope.

Support group meeting times and locations

LaGrange County:

• 4–5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Sept. 10 – Nov. 19, at First Presbyterian Church, 200 W. Michigan St., LaGrange.

Noble County:

• 4–5:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Sept. 12 – Nov. 21, at the Kendallville Public Library, 221 S. Park Ave., Kendallville.

DeKalb County (two groups):

• 4–5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Sept. 11 – Nov. 20, at Miller’s Merry Manor, 1367 S. Randolph St., Garrett.
• 1–2:30 p.m. on Mondays, Sept. 9 – Nov. 18, at the Heimach Center, 1800 E. Seventh St., Auburn.

Steuben County (two groups):

• 1 –2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Sept. 11 – Nov. 20, at the Stroh Church of Christ, 4540 S. 1100W, Hudson. At the church, enter door 2 and go to Room 208.

• 1–2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Sept. 10 – Nov. 19, at Fairview Missionary Church, Fireside Room, 525 E. 200N, Angola.

Whitley County:

• 6–7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Sept. 10 – Nov. 12, at Big Lake Church of God, 6955 SR 109, Columbia City.

Experienced hospice social workers encourage group members on their grief journey. Rev. Ken Weaver, LCSW, LMFT, hospice chaplain and Cathy Petrie, LCSW, MSW, bereavement counselor, have led support groups together in Noble and LaGrange counties for 15 years. Other group leaders include Angela Beer-Walker, LCSW, hospice social worker; Amber White, LCSW, hospice social worker; and Sam Cho, hospice chaplain.

Participants in Understanding Your Grief meetings have commented that the group gave them a safe place to express their thoughts and equipped them with the tools to share their feelings with friends and family members so they didn’t feel alone in their grief. Group leaders strive to create a warm, accepting, non-judgmental atmosphere.

To enroll in a LaGrange, Noble, DeKalb or Steuben group or ask questions, call (800) 292-9894. To enroll in the Whitley group, call (800) 363-9977.

Bereavement support groups are also available in Allen and Huntington counties on an ongoing basis.

The Allen County group meets 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month in the PACH Conference Room at Parkview Randallia Hospital, 2200 Randallia Drive, Fort Wayne. Participants should use ground floor entrance 2 to access the PACH room.

The Huntington County group meets 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month in the Parkview Home Health office at 2806 Theater Avenue, Suite A, Huntington.

For information about the Allen or Huntington County groups or other bereavement support, call (260) 373-9800 or toll free (800) 363-9977.