Grief Support Groups provide a setting to share and learn about grief and loss
“After the loss of a loved one, we experience a wide variety of feelings and emotions. It is a challenging process, and we all need a support system to help us move through our grief journey. A support group offers companionship and understanding from others who have experienced a similar loss, and are experiencing similar challenges that living with grief brings. We are pleased to expand our bereavement services to our surrounding communities,” announces Valerie Erickson, Hospice and Palliative Care Manager at Crossing Rivers Health. “Members of our Hospice team have recently established grief support groups in Garnavillo, Waukon, and Elkader, in addition to our existing group that meets in Prairie du Chien. A quarterly grief support newsletter is also available by mail.”
The facilitators for the Grief Support Groups include Deacon Pat Malanaphy, Hospice Chaplain; Barb Stagman, Social Worker; and Haley Schroeder, Social Worker. They will provide programs during each session. February’s topic is ‘Feelings of Loneliness during the Winter Months,’ and March’s topic is ‘The Search for Healing.’ There will also be time for individuals to share their stories and talk about their experiences.
Grief Support Group Schedule
Prairie du Chien: 1st Thursday of the Month at 7:00 p.m.
Facilitator-Barb Stagman, LBSW
Location: Crossing Rivers Health- Polodna Health Learning Center
Next scheduled meetings: February 5 and March 5
Elkader: 2nd Monday of the Month at 5:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Haley Schroeder, LMSW
Location: Central State Bank-Community Room
Next scheduled meetings: February 9 and March 9
Waukon: 2nd Wednesday of the Month at 2:00 p.m.
Facilitator-Deacon Pat Malanaphy, Hospice Chaplain
Location: Veteran’s Memorial Hospital-ICN Room
Next scheduled meetings: February 11 and March 11
Garnavillo: 3rd Tuesday of the Month at 5:00 p.m.
Facilitator-Haley Schroeder, LMSW
Location: Tower Living Center-Common Room
Next scheduled meetings: February 17 and March 17
Crossing Rivers Health Hospice serves communities in Southwest Wisconsin and Northeast Iowa. For information on Hospice services, volunteer opportunities, or to make a donation to support the program, please contact Crossing Rivers Health at 608.357.2000 or visit crossingrivers.org.