Finding Support After The Loss of a Loved One

After experiencing a loss, of any kind, it is important to take time to process those feelings and emotions and get support from people around you. No one really knows how they might cope when they’re faced with grief, and each type of loss can affect us all differently. That’s why it’s important to speak to someone or surround yourself with others who understand what you’re going through, once you’re ready. Support groups are a great way to begin the process of healing and there are so many wonderful organizations available to help. Here’s a list of websites to help you find a group you might be interested in:

• LeadingAge Ohio –  LeadingAge Ohio has compiled a list of bereavement support groups across the state of Ohio.

• OhioHealth – OhioHealth offers support groups for all ages, including children, teens and adults. They also have one-on-one counseling and workshops about grief and loss.

• Cornerstone of Health Columbus – Cornerstone of Hope offers a wide range of education based grief support groups to Columbus, OH.

• Ohio’s Hospice – Pathways of Hope offers grief support and professional help across the state.

• GriefShare – GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences and. They list resources across the country.  

• Cornerstone of Hope – Several different types of grief support groups are offered.

• The LOSS Community Services – provides support in the Columbus area for people coping with the grief and complex emotions that often accompany the loss of a loved one to suicide. 

• The James – The James offers a variety of supportive programs that are designed for adults who have experienced the loss of a loved one to cancer, other chronic illnesses or natural causes.

If you find yourself feeling unable to complete daily tasks, feeling angry, hopeless or out of control, it may be time to speak to someone. With the right support, you can start to feel a little better, even if it’s a slow process. It is a big step to take, but many people really benefit once they’ve learned some tools to cope and begin to heal. 

More Support Groups in Ohio:

• Adult Children Grieving the Death of a Parent – An eight-week support group for adults grieving the death of a parent. Sponsored by Hospice of Cincinnati at the Goldstein Family Grief Center, 4360 Cooper Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45242. Contact Claire Peasely at 513-246-9356. 

• Adult Daughters Support Group – Support group for adult daughters who have experienced the death of a parent. Meets for six to eight weeks on Monday evening throughout the year at Atria Summit Hills Senior Living facility in Crestview Hills, KY, just outside Cincinnati. Sponsored by St. Elizabeth Hospice. Contact Gail Rizzo at 859-301-4612 or stars@stelizabeth.com.

• Adult Parent Loss Grief Support Group – Grief support group for adult children who have a parent die. For starting date and locations, call Hospice of Dayton at 937-258-4991.

• Companions on a Journey Grief Support: Open Grief Group – Parent / Sibling / Child / Friend / Spouse – This group is designed to help those who have experienced the death of a loved one to understand their feelings and emotions and meet others who understand. This group meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 7-9 pm at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish Hospitality Room, 5720 Hamilton-Mason Rd., Liberty Township, OH 45011. Registration is required. For more information, call Companions on a Journey Grief Support 513-870-9108.

• Companions on a Journey Grief Support: Understanding Your Grief – This group is designed for anyone new to COJ’s support programs. This is a time-limited session designed to help the newly bereaved understand their feelings and emotions. Registration is required. West Chester Township, OH. For more information, call Companions on a Journey Grief Support 513-870-9108.

• Companions on a Journey Grief Support: Young Adult Group – This group is designed to help young adults, ages 18-29, who have experienced the death of a loved one understand their feelings and emotions and meet others who have had similar experiences. For specific time and location, call Companions on a Journey Grief Support 513-870-9108. West Chester Township, OH. 

• Dealing with Grief – Sponsored by T.P. White Funeral Home. A support group for those grieving the death of a loved one. Meets the third Monday of each month from 6:30-7:30 pm at T.P. White Funeral Home, back office, 2050 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45230. For additional information, call 513-231-7150 or Jan Borgman at 513-636-0069.

• From Grief to Peace – Meets the third Tuesday of each month at 5:45 pm at the Gwen Mooney Funeral Home on the grounds of Spring Grove Cemetery, 4389 Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati, OH, and on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:45 pm at the Gwen Mooney Funeral Home at Oak Hill, 11285 Princeton Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45246. This is an open grief group designed to assist anyone who has suffered the death of a loved one. Please RSVP to 513-853-6856.

• For Those Experiencing the Loss of a Loved One – A support group for those who have lost a loved one. Meets the first Sunday of the month from 1-3 pm at Neidhard-Minges Funeral Home, 3155 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45211. Contact Janet McGrath or Lisa Groh at 513-661-3022.

• Grief Coaching Group – A grief coach has the tools and expertise to skillfully guide individuals through the process of mourning their loss and getting started on the next phase of their journey. We begin by recognizing an individual’s ability to heal, address issues, confront challenges and take action. The role of the grief coach is to bring these attributes to the surface at a time when they may not be apparent to a struggling survivor. Coaching involves forging a positive vision for the future and creating strategies for achieving specific life goals with an emphasis on action and accountability. Pre-registration is required. This five-week group will be held at the Family Life Center, Woodview & Compton Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45231. Contact Diane Kinsella at 513-931-5777 or flc@nmpchurch.org for more information and to register.

• Grief Support Group – Monthly grief programs will take place at our new Linnemann Funeral Home Event center in Erlanger, KY, just outside Cincinnati. Topics will vary each month. Call Marsha Linnemann at 859-727-1250 for monthly programs.

• Grief Support Group – For those grieving the death of a loved one. Meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 4-5:30 pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 7820 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45255. Contact Judy Sherlock at 513-965-9889 for additional information. 

• Grief Support Group – For those who have lost a friend or loved one, sponsored by Hospice of Cincinnati at the Goldstein Family Grief Center, 4360 Cooper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242. For dates, times and meeting locations of both general and specialized groups, call 513-891-7700.

• Grief Support for Adults with Disabilities – Support group for those who are grieving the death of a family member or friend. Eight-week group sessions are offered at different times and locations during the year. Contact Fernside at 513-246-9140 for more information.

• Grief Share: Journey from Mourning to Joy – Non denominational group for those grieving the death of someone close that features biblical teaching on grief and recovery topics. This 13-week group is offered two times each year and is located at CrossPointe Baptist Church, 4596 Bells Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45244. For start date and times, call 513-528-1740.

• Healing a Heart – A support group for adults. A six-week program in spring and fall. Hospice Care of Middletown, 3909 Central Ave., Middletown, OH 45044. For starting dates, times and locations, contact 513-424-2273.

• Life Transitions – For those who are experiencing the death of a loved one from cancer. Meets on the fourth Monday of each month from 6:30-8 pm at Cancer Support Community, 4918 Cooper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242. Contact Kelly Schoen at 513-791-4060 for more information. 

• Life after Loss Grief Support Group – Grief support group for those who have experienced any type of loss through death. For starting date and location, call Hospice of Dayton at 937-258-4991. 

• New Day Grief Support Group – A nine-week grief support group for adults who have lost a loved one. Call for the start of the next group. Contact Kathy Teipen at 513-489-7489 or 513-474-6907. Cincinnati.

• PEACE: People Enduring Addiction Consequences Everyday Support Group – Meets the first Tuesday of each month from 7-8:30 pm at the Transitions Grateful Life Center, 305 Pleasure Isle Dr., Erlanger, KY, just outside Cincinnati. For more information, please contact Connie DeMarrero at 859-635-0187 or Charlotte Wetherton at 859-356-3285.

• Companions on a Journey Grief Support: Healing After a Suicide Loss – This group is designed to assists adults who have lost a loved one to suicide. Meets the second Tuesday of each month from 7-9 pm at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Hospitality Room, 5720 Hamilton-Mason Rd., Hamilton, OH 45011. Registration is required. For more information, call Companions on a Journey Grief Support, Sheila Munafo-Kanoza, at 513-870-9108.

• Survivors of Suicide – A peer led support group for people who have lost a loved one to suicide. Meets the third Monday of each month, 7 pm, at the Centennial Barn at St. Claire Center, 100 Compton Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45215. For more information, call Anita McKinney at 513-923-4375.

• Survivors of Suicide – This group meets continuously throughout the year. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month from 6-7:30 pm at the Union Township Civic Center, Riverview Room, 4350 Aicholtz Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45244. Contact Liz Atwell at 513-721-2910 or eatwell@mhankyswoh.org for more information.

• Grief Recovery Method: Grief Support Group – The Grief Recovery Method Grief Support Group creates a safe environment and teaches correct action choices that help people move beyond the pain caused by loss. In this 12-week program, you will examine beliefs about dealing with loss, look at various losses which have affected your life, and take actions that lead to completion of the pain caused by a recent loss or one that occurred long ago.  A Tuesday evening group meets at Crossroads Hospice in Blue Ash; a Wednesday afternoon group meets at the Cancer Support Community in Blue Ash; and groups are also held in Westwood, Hamilton, Mt. Orab, Bethel, and Georgetown. Contact Mike Strick at 513-786-3743 or mike.strick@crossroadshospice.com or Donna Hartmann at 513-786-3781 or donna.hartmann@crossroadshospice.com for more information. 

• Companions on a Journey Grief Support: Mending Hearts Program for Grieving Children, Teens and Families – A faith-based, ongoing grief support program for children ages 4-18 and their families who have experienced a death. Groups meet on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 5720 Hamilton-Mason Rd., Liberty Township, OH 45011. Families may register by calling Companions on a Journey Grief Support at 513-870-9108.

• Angels of Hope – This is a support group for families grieving the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, looking for ways to find hope again. This group meets at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, the first and third Wednesdays of every month from 6:00pm – 7:45pm. This is an open group and no registration is necessary. FREE childcare is provided. For more information, call (812) 350-5944 or email kylee_jones@att.net. St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 719 Fifth Street, Columbus – Room 2102. 

• Beginning Again – A bereavement support group that helps adults cope with the loss of a loved one. These groups meet at the Our Hospice Center in Columbus, every Tuesday from 2:00pm – 3:30pm and 5:30pm – 7:00pm and at the North Vernon Center every Thursday from 2:00pm – 3:30pm. These are open groups and no registration is necessary. For more information, call (812) 314-8042 or (800) 841-4938 Ext. 8042 or email ourhospice@crh.org. 

• Wings For The Journey – A bereavement support group that helps grieving parents cope with the loss of a child of any age. Meets at Our Hospice Center, on the third Tuesday of each month from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. This group is open to anyone in the community and no registration is required. For more information, call (812) 314-8042 or (800) 841-4938 Ext. 8042 or email ourhospice@crh.org. Our Hospice Center, 2626 E 17th St, Columbus.

• Aultman Grief Services – Bereavement Services:  Aultman Grief Services is a community based grief support program that offers a variety of grief support groups for children, adults and families. Individual counseling is available, as well as a Trauma Grief Support Group offered to those bereaved individuals who have experienced a tragic loss such as suicide, homicide, overdose or accidental death. Contact Beth Wengerd at beth.wengerd@aultman.com or call at (330) 479-4835. Counties served: Stark, Summit, Portage, Wayne, Holmes, Tuscarawas and Carroll.

• Hospice of Northwest Ohio – Bereavement services offered: Hospice of Northwest Ohio provides several support groups and workshops to help people cope with the loss of a loved one.  All groups are provided free of charge and are available to anyone in the community, whether or not they have had previous involvement with Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Meeting with a Hospice of Northwest Ohio grief counselor is required before participation in any group.  Please call the bereavement team to discuss a time and date that will work for you and your family. This will be a time for you to share your story and hear about the bereavement program. 30000 East River Rd., Perrysburg, OH  43551 Contact: Call (419) 661-4001 and ask to speak to a bereavement counselor. Bereavement Contact: Rich Plue, VP Clinical Services, rplue@hospicenwo.org. Counties served: Lucas, Wood, Fulton, Henry counties in Ohio and Monroe county in Michigan 

• Putnam County Home Care & Hospice – Bereavement services offered: We offer grief support for anyone in the county who is in need of services due to the death of a loved one.  They do not need to have been involved with hospice to benefit from bereavement services.  This can include individual sessions and groups that are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.  These services are free of charge, however donations are accepted. 575 OG Rd, Suite 3, Ottawa, OH 45875. Contact: Julia Mason, jmason@pchh.net ; (419) 523.4449. Areas served (counties served); Putnam and surrounding counties which include but not limited to Henry, Allen, Auglaize, Hardin and some of Van Wert, Defiance and Hancock counties

• Buckeye Hospice and Palliative Care Services – Bereavement services offered: Dealing with the heavy emotions that come with experiencing a life-limiting illness on top of the pandemic, can take a toll on both residents, families, and facility staff. We have counselors who can provide the emotional support needed to get through these difficulties in person (socially distant setting), virtual platform, or by phone. Website: www.buckeyehospice.com 3379 Main Street, Suite A/B. Mineral Ridge, OH 44400. Contact: David Kahnt – (609).651-1696. Counties served: Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, and Summit