Understanding Grief

Grief Is…

“Reaching out for someone who has always been there, only to find that when you need them the most – one last time – they’re gone.”

The death of a loved one is life’s most painful event. People’s reactions to death remain one of society’s least understood and most off-limits topics for discussion. Oftentimes, grievers are left totally alone in dealing with their pain, loneliness, and isolation.

Grief is a natural emotion that follows death. It hurts. Sadness, denial, guilt, physical discomfort, and sleeplessness are some of the symptoms of grief. It is like an open wound which must become healed. At times, it seems as if this healing will never happen. While some of life’s spontaneity begins to return, it never seems to get back to the way it was. It is still incomplete. We know, however, that these feelings of being incomplete can disappear.

Healing is a process of allowing ourselves to feel, experience, and accept the pain. In other words, we give ourselves permission to heal. Allowing ourselves to accept these feelings is the beginning of that process.

The healing process can take much less time than we have been led to believe. There are two missing parts. One is a safe, loving, professionally guided atmosphere in which to express our feelings; the other is knowing how and what to communicate.

Resources:

ALLEGHENY      
Region Sponsor Contact Information Details
8 Counties:

Allegheny Armstrong Beaver Butler Lawrence MercerWestmorelandWashington

VITAS Healthcare 2009 Mackenzie Way
Suite 110 Cranberry Township, PA 16066 412-799-2101
Patricia D. Brown, PhD, Bereavement Services Manager 412-799-2123patricia.brown@vitas .com VITAS cares for families for at least 12 months following the death of a loved one. ALL Groups and services are also open to the general community. Spring and Fall Memory Bear Reunions, HolidayRemembrance Service, Mother’s DayTea: Call or email for a complete listing of seasonal Remembrance Services and events, published bereavement materials and addition 1-on-1 grief support.
Allegheny County Dept. of Human Services Area Agency on Aging, Birmingham Towers, 2100 Wharton St., 2nd Fl., Pittsburgh, PA 15203 412-350-5460. Senior Line: 800-344- 4319 Speak to any Care Manger for information.
Baldwin Holy Angels Parish, 408 Baldwin Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15207. Suzanne Hunter, 412- 462-9928 Open support group, 6-week program offered 2 times a year, Spring and Fall. Call for dates, times, and details.
Bloomfield AHN Hospice, Allegheny Health Network, West Penn Hospital, 4800 Friendship Ave., Pittsburgh PA 15224, Attn: Ellen Rebecca Trichtinger- Ragni, 412-439-1157 Call 412-334-9753 to register. 2nd Monday of each month 12:30 – 2:00 PM or 7:00- 8:30 PM at West Penn Hospital. Volunteers run the support groups.
Bloomfield Cancer Caring Center, 4117 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15224 Stephanie Scoletti, 412-622-1212Stephanie@cancercari ng.org Registration required. Call for dates, times and details. 1-on-1 support for adults. Call for appointment.
East McKeesport (also serves Glassport, White Oak, McKeesport) **St. Robert Bellarmine Roman Catholic Church, 1313 5th Ave., East McKeesport, PA 15035 412-824-2644 Church Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Bereavement/Grief Support Group. 3rdWednesday of each month (except December), 7:00-9:00 PM. Facilitated by professional Bereavement Counselor. No registration needed and no fees. Call for information.
Forest Hills St. Maurice RC Church, 2001 Ardmore Blvd., Pgh., 15221 412- 271-0809Sponsored by Lanigan Funeral Home

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Contact Maryanne, Lanigan Funeral Home 412-824-8800 for more information. Grief Support Group. No registration needed. Facilitated by Dr. Barbara Coyne, 1st Wed. of each month 7:00 PM, St. Maurice Parish Center.
Fox Chapel UPMC Family Hospice Bereavement Department: 412- 572-8829,amartinez@familyh ospicepa.org UPMC Lighthouse Pointe, 500 Chapel Harbor Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15238 North Grief Support Group, 1st Tues. of Month, 10-11:30 AM. 18+yrs. Preregistration is required.

Growing Through Grief – Rebuilding Hope, 6-week educational program held in Spring and Fall.

Contact Family Hospice Bereavement Department for information and registration.

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SS. Simon and Jude Parish, 1607 Greentree Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15220

Laura O’Keefe,Facilitator, 412-563- 3189 6-week bereavement group, 4 times a year. Call Laura for dates.
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St. Philip Parish, Ascension Center, 114 Berry St., Pittsburgh, PA 15205

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Ann Louise Dailey, 412-922-6959. St. Philip Grief Support Ministry, 3rd Thursday of the month, 2:00 – 3:00 PM, Connor Hall. Accessible to those with disabilities. Open to all faiths. Walk-ins welcome.
Jefferson Hills Jefferson Hills Regional, Spiritual Care Office, 565 Coal Valley Rd., 1stFloor, Jefferson Hills, PA 15025 Chaplain Larry Coltura, 412-522-9234 8-week Certified Grief Recovery Course, open to all. To register, contact the chaplain.
McCandless Passavant Hospital Foundation, Cumberland Woods Village, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., Allison Park, PA 15101,www.bridge2hope.o rg Janine Sidoruk,

sidorukj@ph.upmc.ed u, 412-748-5120 (program consultant), 412-748-6640 (Foundation), 412- 635-8080 (Cumberland Woods)

Beyond Bridge to Hope Bereavement Support Group, Passavant Hospital Foundation Conference Center – Room 2, 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:00 – 8:30 PM. Bereavement group specifically for loss through alcohol and drug addiction. No registration necessary. Facilitated by Susan Wesner, RN, MSN, CS.
McCandless UPMC, Passavant Hospital, 9100 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Ed Lewis, 412-748- 5899,lewisej@upmc.edu 6-Week Bereavement Support Group sponsored by UPMC Passavant with the Palliative and Supportive Institute. Held in Cancer Center Conference Room #G585, Thursdays, March 8 – April 12, 2018, 4:00- 5:30 PM. Contact Ed to register.
Monroeville AHN Hospice, Forbes Regional Hospital, Allegheny Health Network, 2570 Haymaker Rd., Monroeville, PA 15146 Rebecca Trichtinger- Ragni, 412-439-1157 Call 412-334-9753 to register. 2nd Thursday of the month, 6 – 7:30 PM. Meets at Forbes Regional Hospital.
Monroeville Interim Hospice, 1789 S. Braddock Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15218, 412-436- 2200 Hillcrest United Presbyterian Church, 1622 James St., Suite 340, Monroeville, PA 15146, 412-371-3726 One Day at a Time: Journey Through Grief Bereavement 6-Week Series. Facilitated by Rev. David Muir, Hospice Chaplain. Call for reservation.
Mt. Lebanon St. Clair Hospital, 1000 Bower Hill Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15243 Community Education Department, 412-942- 5877,Victoria.fitzpatrick@stc Hugs for Healing Hearts: Pregnancy Loss Support Group, 2nd Mon. of month, 7-8:30 PM, 4th fl. Medical Library. Registration required by telephone or online.

Hugs for Healing Hearts: Subsequent Pregnancy After a Loss Support Group, 2ndMon. of month, 5:30-6:30 PM, 4th fl. Medical Library. Registration required by telephone or online.

Mother, fathers, and couples welcome at both groups.

Mt. Lebanon UPMC Family Hospice Bereavement Department: 412- 572-8829,amartinez@familyh ospicepa.org Family Hospice Inpatient Center, 50 Moffett St., Pittsburgh, PA South Grief Support Group, 3rd Monday of month, 7 -8:30 PM. Preregistration required. 18+ yrs. Contact Family Hospice Bereavement Department for information and registration.
Mt. Lebanon UPMC Family Hospice Bereavement Department: 412- 572-8829,amartinez@familyh ospicepa.org Southminster Church, 801 Washington Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15228 South Grief Support Group, 2nd Tues. of month, 1 – 2:30PM. Preregistration required. 18 yrs.+

Growing Through Grief-Rebuilding Hope 6- week educational program; Spring and Fall.

Contact Family Hospice Bereavement Department for information and registration.

Mt. Lebanon/ Pittsburgh Compassionate Friends Pittsburgh Chapter, P.O. Box 15495, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, 412- 835-1105,compassion@tcfpitt sburgh.org,www.tcfpittsburgh.or g Pauline Sambol, 412- 585-0787,letterperfect@zoomint ernet.net, chapterleader@tcfpitts burgh.org Supports families (parents, siblings, and grandparents) who have lost a child of any age through any cause. No fee or registration required. Meets from 2:30 – 5:30 PM the last Sunday of the month at Bower Hill Community Church, 70 Moffett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15243. For information, contact Pauline.
North Hills Anchorpoint Counseling and Ministry, 800 McKnight Park Dr., #802, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Office hours: Monday- Friday, 9 AM – 8 PM, Saturday, 9 AM – 2 PM. Call 412-366- 1300 to schedule appointment. Contact: Lori Professional Counselor will follow up within 24 hrs. Accepts many health insurances or on sliding scale fee. No one is denied due to financial constraints.

*Bereavement support group for widows/widowers over age 50. *Self-Care for Women” (depression, etc.) skills group.

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Gateway Hospice 9380 McKnight Rd., Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

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Call 412-536-2020 for more information. Marcie Brown, Social Services PA. 3rd Tuesday – Two sessions held.
3:00 – 4:30 PM, Caregiver Support Group. 4:30 – 5:30 PM, Bereavement Support Group.
Drop-ins welcome.
North Hills Heritage Hospice, 2400 Leechburg Rd., Bldg. #300, New Kensington, PA 15068,www.heritagehospic epa.com/resources. php,www.heritagehospic epa.com/bereavem ent.php Cynthia Kinney, 724- 334-6600,ckinney@heritagehosp icepa.com North Hills Grief Group, 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month, 10:00-11:30 AM. Meets at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1965Ferguson Rd., Allison Park, PA 15101. Call Cynthia for information and registration.
North Hills/Shaler The Grief Recovery Method, 132 SW Crowell Way, Suite 100, Bend, OR 97702, 800-334- 7606,www.griefrecoverym ethod.com **Suzi Lagamba, Grief Recovery Workshop Leader, certified through Catholic Charities.

Cell: 412-519-7148. Landline: 412-487- 1696

$300 includes materials. No waiting period. One-on-one and group sessions. Ask for Pittsburgh location.
North Hills/ Wexford Sarah Souri – Private Practice 412-400-4315,

souricounseling@com cast.net www.pittsburghmotherl essdaughters.com

Motherless Daughters Grief Support Group. Individual grief counseling. Address given at time of appointment. Accepts UPMC and Highmark Insurance.
North Side Center for Traumatic Stress in Children & Adolescents, Allegheny General Hospital, Allegheny Health Network, 4 Allegheny Center, 8th Fl., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 www.pittsburghchildtra uma.org
Faith O’Shea, 412- 330-4328,faith.oshea@ahn.org
The center’s specialty provides trauma- focused therapy to young people. Children are referred here following any number of traumatic or highly stressful events. The death of someone who is important to a child is certainly one of the many reasons a young person may get referred to our program, but bereavement support is not their sole focus. Contact them for information.
Oakland STAR Center, 100 N. Bellefield Ave., 6th Fl., Pittsburgh, PA 15213,www.starcenter.pitt. edu Jamey Covaleski, 412- 864-3346,covaleskijj@upmc.edu Registration required. Will receive information packet prior to 1st meeting. Survivors of suicide support group for adults (19+ yrs.)

Winter Session: Closed
Spring Session: April 4 – May 23, 2018 Fall Session: TBA
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM

Penn Hills HandinHand Counseling Services, LLC
Duff Office Ctr.,
10 Duff Rd., Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15235, 412-871- 5391
Sharise Nance, LCSW, CCTP, 412- 414-7782,handinhandcounseling .llc@gmail.com,sharise.nance@hihcou nseling.com,www.hihcounseling.com One-on-One bereavement/grief counseling. Accepts insurance and offers fee based on income.
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Parent Resource Network, 5151 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15224,bereavement@pare ntresourcenetwork.o rg

The Children’s Homeof Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center, 5324 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15224, 877-647-4373 x709 Bereavement Support Group for parents who have experienced a loss. 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7 – 9:00 PM. Call or email if you have questions or would like to talk.
Scott Our Lady of Grace Parish, 310 Kane Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15243, 412-279-7070 Paula Elliott, Bereavement Facilitator, 412-279- 6560. Sessions held at Rutkowski Religious Education Center, 1730 Bower Hill Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15243
Sewickley Catholic Hospice 2605 Nicholson Rd., Suite 3240, Sewickley, PA 15143 Cristen Krebs, Executive Director, 866-933-6221www.catholichospicePi ttsburgh.org Community support group. Call for reservations or information. Facilitated by Susan Houser and Robyn Aguzzi.
Sewickley Heritage Valley Sewickley, 720 Blackburn Rd., Sewickley, PA 15143 Diane Cooper, 412- 749-7625,DCooper@HVHS.org Grief Group Meeting. Pregnancy Loss and Infant Loss support group meets the 2ndMonday of the month from 7:00-8:30 PM at the hospital.
Sewickley Lisa McCormack, Massage, Reiki, Hypnosis, 531 Locust Pl., Sewickley, PA 15143. Lisa McCormack, LSW, LMT, MBLEX,lmccormack824@gmail.com,www.lisamccormack.massagetherapy.com Office located at McFadden Chiropractic and Wellness Center. Call for appointment
Sewickley St. Stephen’sChurch, 405 Frederick Ave., Sewickley, PA 15143 Debby Frantti, Pastoral Care Director, 412- 741-1790,dfrantti@ststephensch urch.net Griefshare Bereavement Support Group, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, Sept. – May. (Adapts to accommodate holidays.) Please call to confirm. Call or email for information.
South Hills Allegheny Health Network Liz Warner, 412-571- 5138, Asbury Heights Baum Chapel, 700 Bower Hill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15243 Call to register. Wednesdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Squirrel Hill Sivitz Jewish Association on Aging. 200 JHF Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15217 Jan Kellough, 412- 422-5700,jkellough@jaaPittsbur gh.org General Bereavement: Jewish Community Center, last Tuesday of the month, 3-4:30 PM, Room 204. Call or email for information.
Upper St. Clair Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2040 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241 Peg Kinsey, 412-835- 6630 x221,kinsey@westminster- church.org www.westminster- church.org Grief Recovery Group, 5-week sessions typically in April and October. Check website for dates. Prefers contact via email, but can call.
Warrendale Find Your Balance Counseling Services LLC, 17025 Perry Hwy., Warrendale, PA 15086 Wendy A. Myers, MSW, LSW, 724-933-0202,findyourbalancewm@gmail.com Specialties: Individual counseling for acute/chronic illness, caregiver support,grief/bereavement counseling, women’s issues. Face-to face and/or phone counseling available. Call for appointment.
Whitehall/ Brentwood St. Peter’sEpiscopal Church, 4048 Brownsville Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15227 Jay Giesler, 412-884- 5225 Support groups:
2nd Tuesday of the month, March – June, 10:00 AM
2nd Thursday of the month, March – June, 7:00 PM
ARMSTRONG      
Apollo Visiting Nurses Association in association with Curran-Shaffer Funeral Home, 100 Owens View Ave., Apollo, PA 15613. 724-478-1244,

http://www.curranfuner alhome.com/grief- support/overview

Call for dates and times. 2 Locations:

First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 358 Main St., Leechburg, PA, 724-845-7518

North Apollo Church of God, 507 29th St., North Apollo, PA, 724-478-1631

Kittanning Visiting Nurses Association in association with ACMH Hospital and Kelli Connolly, Bereavement Coordinator, 724-431- 3520, Grief class and support session. Closed group. Registration required. Call for information. Held at ACMH (Hospital),
  Foundation, One Nolte Drive, Kittanning, PA 16201 Kelli.Connolly@luthera nseniorlife.org Conference Room #2. Also offers individual grief sessions free of charge.
Kittanning Visiting Nurses Association in association with ACMH Hospital and Foundation (mail to Jolene Formaini, Lutheran SeniorLife VNA, Western PA) Bauer Family Funeral Home, 515 North McKean St., Kittanning, PA 16201, 724-545-9464,www.bauerfuneral.com /help-grief Holiday Grief, Surviving the Season. A 45- minute program, short remembrance service, and refreshments. Presented by VNA Bereavement Specialist. Call for November date and time.
BEAVER      
Aliquippa St. Francis Cabrini, 115 Trinity Dr., Aliquippa, PA 15001

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Joann Bishop, 724- 495-6971. Adult Grief Support Group and “Surviving the Holidays” (standalone session) held inO’Connell Hall. Registration requested.
Beaver Compassionate Friends of Tri-State PA, 724-728-3003,www.compassionat efriends.org First Presbyterian Church Commons, 252 College Ave., Beaver, PA 15009 Supports families (parents, siblings, and grandparents) who have lost a child of any age through any cause. 2nd Sunday of the month, 2 PM. Contact Sharon Kovack, 724- 847-1494, tcftristatepa@yahoo.com
Economy Borough New Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, 200 2nd Ave., Freedom, PA 15042 Barbara Fetch, Facilitator, 724-203- 0298 or church at 724- 869-1187. New Hope Grief Group. Wednesdays, 7:00 PM. Call for information.
Franklin and Marion Townships Concordia Lutheran Ministries, Good Samaritan Hospice, The Moyer Foundation, and the YMCA Heather Beachler, Camp Director,hbeachler@good- samaritanhospice.org,724-624-0934, or: Camp Erin Pittsburgh, Attn: Heather Beachler, 1525 Beaver Rd., Baden, PA

15005

2018 camp: June 8 – 10, weekend overnight (Friday morning – Sunday afternoon) Camp Erin for children ages 6- 17, thirty miles outside Pittsburgh at YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee. Application can be submitted online by email or ground mail. You can download a camper application atwww.camperinpittsburgh.org. Call or email Heather for information or to request an application.
Rochester Faith Community United Methodist Church, 341 Jefferson St., Rochester, PA 15074 Karen Miller, 724-775- 3447. GriefShare Support Group, Thursdays, 6:00 – 7:30 PM. Protestant Christian group features Biblical teaching on grief and recovery topics. Each session stands alone so participants may join at any time. Call for information.
BUTLER      
Butler Thompson Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler, PA 16001, 724- 287-3706,http://www.thompso n- miller.com/someone _caring.htm Someone’s Caring,Facilitator Robin Miller, 724-287-2273,millerr@zbzoom.net 9-Week Basic Grief Support Group, Winter, Spring, Fall, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 PM. Other groups: 1. Bereaved Parent, 2. Pet Loss, 3. Suicide Survivors. Contact Robin Miller for information and dates.
Butler Visiting Nurses Association, VNA Community Bereavement Center, 154 Hindman Rd., Butler, PA 16001,www.vna.com/senio r-living/events Kelli Connolly, 724- 431-3520,Kelli.Connolly@luthera nseniorlife.org Grief Support Classes. Call for times and dates. These are “closed groups,” so you must call to pre-register.
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Grace Community Church, 9160 Marshall Rd., Cranberry Twp., PA 16066

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Facilitator Jackie Eppler, MPH, Care Director, 724-779- 7997 x306,care@mygcc.org GriefShare Support Group, 13-week bereavement support, 7:00 PM. Call for details.
Cranberry Grace Counseling Services, 9160 Marshall Rd., Cranberry Twp., PA 16066,www.gracecounseli ngservices.org Susan Sheidy, MAMFT, Clinical Therapist, 724-553- 5030,susan@mygcc.org Call for appointment.
Cranberry The Grief Recovery Method, 132 SW Crowell Way, Suite 100, Bend, OR 97702, 800-334- 7606,www.griefrecoverym ethod.com Denise DeMarco, Certified Grief Recovery Specialist©, 724-776-3298,dademarco75@gmail. com $300, includes book and materials. Group sessions and one-on-one available.
Cranberry St. Ferdinand Church, 2535 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, 724-776- 2888,www.stferd.org Pauline Sambol, 412- 585-0787,letterperfect@zoomint ernet.net Bereavement support program for adults suffering the loss of a loved one. Meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7:30 – 9:00 PM, Oldenski Hall. Call the church or Pauline for information.
Cranberry St. Kilian Roman Catholic Parish, 7076 Franklin Road, Cranberry Twp., PA Deacon Ralph Bachner, 724-625- 1665 x2103 GriefShare 13-week groups and several session-times a year on Tues., 12:30 – 2:00 PM, Kilian Church, lower level, meeting room C. Call Sunday-Thursday for more
  16066,

www.saintkilian.org/ ministries_griefshar e.html

  information. Pre-Holiday Service in December. Registration requested.
Mars 195 Crowe Ave., Mars, PA 16046 Susan DeRiso, MSW, LCSW, 724-625-9450,suede17@zoomintern et.net Private practice – counsels individuals, couples, and families dealing with bereavement. Call or email for appointment.
Mars Connecting Hearts Virtual Visits, 195 Crowe Ave., Mars, PA 16046 Dr. Elaine Malec, 412-259-0281 or 724- 772-4949,www.icorconnects.com Call for information.
Mars Mars United Presbyterian Church, 232 Crowe Ave., Mars, PA 16046 (rear entrance) Denise DeMarco, 724- 776-3298,ddemarco5@yahoo.co m. GriefShare 13-Week Support Group (Christian focused video and discussion). May attend as able. No cost. 6:30 – 8:30 PM Mondays, February 12 – May 7, September 10 – December 10. Monday, November 12: Surviving the Holidays Seminar. Also offers 1-on-1 grief work for fee as a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. Contact Denise for dates and to pre- register.
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New Wilmington UPMC Family Hospice Presbyterian Seniorcare Shenango, 238 S. Market St., New Wilmington, PA 16142 North Grief Group, 4th Wed., of month, 3 – 4:30 PM. Meets in Craft Room, Shenango on the Green. Preregistration required. 18+ yrs.

Growing Through Grief – rebuilding Hope, 6-week educational program, Spring and Fall.

MERCER      
Greenville UPMC Family Hospice & Palliative Care,
50 Moffett St., Pittsburgh, PA 15243,412-572-8800, 800-513- 2148,www.familyhospice.org
St. Paul’s Home, 339 E. Jamestown Rd., Greenville, PA 16125 North Grief Support Group, 1st Thurs. of month, 6:30-8 PM. Pre-registration required. 18+ yrs. Contact Bereavement Department for information & registration. 412-572-8829,amartinez@familyhospicepa.org
Grove City UPMC Family Hospice & Palliative Care,
50 Moffett St., Pittsburgh, PA 15243,412-572-8800, 800-513- 2148,www.familyhospice.org
Grove City Medical Center, 631 North Broad St. Ext., Grove City, PA 16127 North Grief Support Group, 3rd Tues. of month, 6-7:30 PM. Meets in Cafeteria Meeting Rooms. Pre-registration required. 18+ yrs. Contact Bereavement Department for information & registration. 412-572- 8829, amartinez@familyhospicepa.org
Hermitage UPMC Family Hospice & Palliative Care,
50 Moffett St., Pittsburgh, PA 15243,412-572-8800, 800-513- 2148,www.familyhospice.org
Whispering Oaks Retirement Community, 260 Buhl Farm Dr., Hermitage, PA 16148 North Grief Support Group, 2nd Wed. of month, 2-3:30 PM. Pre-registration is required. 18+ yrs. Contact Bereavement Department for information & registration. 412-572-8829,amartinez@familyhospicepa.org
Sharon Compassionate Friends Mercer County Chapter,www.compassionat efriends.org Primary Health Network Charitable Foundation, 55 Pitt St., Sharon, PA 16146. Judy Yorks, 330-534- 9261 or jjjhub@att.net. Supports families (parents, siblings, and grandparents) who have lost a child of any age through any cause. Separate suicide group. Last Monday of each month, 6:30 PM, January – November (unless noted otherwise). Call or email (no texts, please) Judy for information.
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Canonsburg Canonsburg Hospital, 100 Medical Blvd.,McNary Conference Center, Canonsburg, PA 15317 724-745-6100 x4118 Four monthly potluck dinners, 6:00 PM.

“When Morning Dawns” grief and lossseminar, Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM.

Both programs require reservations.

Coal Center Grace United Methodist Church, 420 California Dr., Coal Center, PA 15423,www.gracecoalcent er.org Andrea Erbrecht,Children’s MinistryCoordinator, 724-330- 5350, children@come- to-grace.org FISH: Filling Injured Souls with Hope. Groups organized upon request. Requires minimum of 3 children. Helps K-12 and their families in loss through death. Trained through Highmark Caring Place. Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 PM, Fall – Spring. Contact Andrea for information.
McMurray Interim Hospice, 1789 S. Braddock Ave., Pittsburgh PA 15218, 412-371- 3726,dmuir@interim- health.com Beinhauer Family Funeral Homes, Community Room, 2828 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA 15317 One Day at a Time: Journey Through Grief Bereavement 6-Week Series. Facilitated by Rev. David Muir, Hospice Chaplain. Call for reservation.
Monongahela Monongahela Valley Hospital, 1163 Country Club Rd., Anthony M. Lombardi Building, Monongahela, PA 15063,www.monvalleyhos pital.com Alyssa Zenobi, Communications Assistant, 724-258- 1234,azenobi@monvalleyho spital.com Suicide Bereavement Support Group – 4-month program. Meets 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month, 1:00–2:30 PM and 6:00-7:30 PM. Registration required. Licensed psychologist facilitates. Call 724- 268-1144 for information and registration.
WESTMORELAND      
Greensburg Compassionate Friends Westmoreland County Chapter, 724-835-1900 (Leslie Brisbine),TCFWestmoreland @comcast.net Harrold Zion Lutheran Church, 671 Baltzer Meyer Pike, Greensburg, PA 15601,www.harroldzion.net Supports families (parents, siblings, and grandparents) who have lost a child of any age through any cause. 2nd Tuesday of each month, 7:30 PM. Contact Tammy Hilland, Parish Secretary, 724-837-7327 x4
Greensburg/ Mt. Pleasant Edie Strong,

www.griefovercome. com

Edie Strong, SC, MSW, 724-547-1911,estrong@dioceseofgre ensburg.org 8 sessions led by Edie Strong. There is a fee for The Grief Recovery Program Handbook and registration. Call to register for the next start dates.

Two (2) locations:
*St. Bruno Church, Parish Ctr., 1715 Poplar St., S. Greensburg, PA 15601, 724-836- 0690.
*St. Pius X & Visitation Parishes, 224 Summit St., Mt. Pleasant, PA 15666, 724- 547-1911.

Irwin Community UM Church, 3487 Rt. 130, Irwin, PA 15642 Carol or Wendy, 724- 744-3413 x204,info@communityumch urch.com Contact Monday-Thursday for dates and to register.

Stephen Ministers: Individuals meet one- on-one with a trained lay Christian same- sex caregiver.

GriefShare: 13-week seminar. Each week features a video followed by discussion and uses a workbook to deal with feelings and rebuild life.

Latrobe Excela Health Home Care and Hospice, Latrobe Hospital, One Mellon Way, Latrobe, PA 15650, 724-537-1000 Maureen Ceidro, Hospice, Excela Health, 724-516-8605 (calendars now done on 6 month basis) Trinity Lutheran Church
331 Weldon St., Latrobe, PA 15650 Thursday, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
April 3 – May 8, 2018
Latrobe United Methodist Church 440 Main St., Latrobe, PA 15650 Tuesday, 2:00 – 3:30 PM February 14 – March 28, 2018
Latrobe Hospital: ongoing art-based support group. Meets on Mondays.
Latrobe St. Vincent Basilica Parish, 300 Fraser Purchase Rd., Latrobe, PA 15650 Teri Pomerleau, Social Ministries Office, 724- 539-8629 x15,Teri.pomerleau@email .stvincent.edu 3rd Monday of the month, 7:00 PM, Conference Room. No registration necessary.
Ligonier Holy Trinity Parish, Ligonier and St. Joseph Parish, 332 W. Main St., Ligonier, PA 15658 724-238-6434,

holytrinity@dioceseofg reensburg.org,www.holytrinityligonier. org and click on“Calendar.”

Contact Addy Evangeliste at the Parish Office or email Facilitator Katsi Steimer (katsi.steimer@gmail.com) for information.
Mt. Pleasant Compassionate Friends Laurel Mountain Chapter, 724-887-6294 (Georgia),leukemiamom702@ yahoo.com, (cont.) Excela Health, Frick Hospital, 508 S. Church St., Mt. Pleasant, PA 15666 Supports families (parents, siblings, and grandparents) who have lost a child of any age through any cause. 2nd Monday of the month, 7:00 PM, Board Room.

www.compassionat efriends.org

Mt. Pleasant Excela Health, Frick Hospital, 508 S. Church St., Mt. Pleasant, PA

15666

Carla Collello, Grief Counselor, 724-689- 1360 Holds specialty groups that include: Men’s Group, Ceramics, and Cooking for One. Groups held in local church congregational buildings. All groups, locations, and times listed on website. For complete schedule, visit www.excelahealth.org, scroll down to Community Wellness, scroll across to Classes and Events, and type in keyword“Grief.” Call Carla to register.
New Kensington Heritage Hospice, 2400 Leechburg Rd., Bldg. #300, New Kensington, PA 15068,www.heritagehospic epa.com/resources. php,www.heritagehospic epa.com/bereavem ent.php Cynthia Kinney, 724- 334-6600,ckinney@heritagehosp icepa.com New Kensington Drumming Circle, 2ndThursday of the month, 6:00 – 7:30 PM. Meets at Heritage Hospice.

Bereaved Parents Support Group, 3rdWednesday of the month, 6:00 – 7:30 PM. Meets at Heritage Hospice.

Men’s Grief Group, 3rd Tuesday of the month, 1:00 – 2:30 PM. Meets at King’s Restaurant, 2400 Leechburg Rd # 1000, New Kensington, PA 15068.

Contact Cynthia for information on these groups.

ADDITIONAL GRIEF SUPPORT      
Fox Chapel (Will travel to your location in Western PA) Emily Harris, Storyteller, Teaching Artist 412-370-2402,

storycoach18@gmail.c om

“Kiss Your Worries Goodbye” – Emily Harris facilitates the creation of individual Worry Dolls inspired by Guatemalan Worry Dolls. You can book a Playshop/Healing Modalities Workshop with her. Contact her for dates and costs per person or for a group.
Pittsburgh Center for Victims,

3433 E. Carson St. #300, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, 412-482- 3240

24-hour crisis hotline: 866-644-2882,www.centerforvictims. org Serves victims of crimes and their families: legal support, counseling and therapy, crisis response team, domestic violence shelter services, court advocacy.
Morgantown, WV Circle Camps for Grieving Children, 5267 Holmes Street #305, Pittsburgh, PA 15201,www.circlecamps.or g Sandi Welch, Founder and Director, 412-491- 8151,info@circlecamps.org Circle of EKC in Morgantown, WV has a Camper Program for girls ages 9-12 and a Teen Program for young women ages 13- 14. Apply ASAP, as camps fill quickly.
Allegheny, Armstrong, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute, 6324 Marchand St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206, www.ppi- online.org 412-661-1239, 877- 661-9623 Partnerships with local congregations enable PPI to provide counseling and support groups through 20 convenient branch offices. Call for more information.
Allegheny, Beaver, and Butler Counties Samaritan Counseling Center, 414 Grant St., Sewickley, PA 15143 412-741-7430,

info@samaritancouns eling.net,www.samaritancounse ling.net

Samaritan offers two or more Grief Support Groups annually. Held once a week for six weeks, the Groups are free, an hour and a half in length, held in various locations, and led by trained professionals. Additionally, Samaritan provides a LOSS Group (Losing a Loved One to Suicide Support) designed especially for those who are suffering a loss due to suicide. A nominal fee is charged.
All Western PA Counties Divine Mercy Apostolate of Saint Louise de Marillac Parish, 320 McMurray Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15241

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St. Louise Parish Office, 412-833-1010 2 – 3 member teams travel to and pray The Divine Mercy Chaplet at the bedside of the sick or dying. Visit is approximately 15 minutes. Call the Parish Office during business hours. After hours, call Patty Lorenzi, 412-780-4255.
All Western and Central PA Counties Highmark, The Caring Place,
620 Stanwix St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222,www.highmarkcarin gplace.com
Downtown: 888-224- 4673 Warrendale/Cranberry: 888-734-4073 Offers a variety of support groups and activities for children, adolescents, and families. Call for registration and details.
All Counties Covers of Comfort, Quilts of Remembrance (located in Cranberry) Denise DeMarco, Creator/Quilter, 724- 776-3298,coversofcomfort@yah oo.com, www.facebook.com/qu iltsofremembrance Heirloom Quilts, Lap Blankets, and Pillows created from loved ones’ clothing.
All Counties Grief Share,

www.griefshare.org

(search by zip code)

Conservative Christian. Held at mainline Protestant and denominationally unaffiliated churches. Locations throughout all counties served by Pittsburgh VITAS. 13-week seminar. Each week features a video followed by discussion and uses a workbook to deal with feelings and rebuild life.
Nationwide Compassionate HelpLine, Dignity Memorial 800-480-1234 Available 24/7/365 to families who used a funeral provider registered and affiliated with Dignity Memorial. Families should check with their funeral home to see if they have a 30-day or 90-day availability. Ask when you call.
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