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Support Groups

Bereavement care offered by Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice is a philosophy of care which attempts to put control back into an individual’s life by providing support and assistance with immediate needs. FVVH's bereavement services are open to the entire community -- for adults and children -- regardless of whether the deceased was an FVVH patient, free of charge. One-on-one grief support with a licensed counselor is available along with a variety of support groups designed to serve the entire family.  Please contact FVVH at (630) 232-2233 or email us at info@fvvh.org for more information on our bereavement services.

Bereavement options include:

  • Support groups led by trained facilitators

  • Support by a volunteer with special training in grief work

  • One-on-one short-term grief counseling with one of our social workers

  • Opportunities for social interaction

For those who have experienced a loss

  • Memories of Mom
    This six-week support group is for daughters who have lost their mothers. Dreams lost and renewed, as well as gratitude and forgiveness are a few of the topics to be explored with the support of others. This group offers a safe place to express grief and share memories.
    Thursdays, Sept. 16 to Oct. 21
    6:30 to 8 p.m. at FVVH


  • Light Finders
    A six-week support group for survivors of suicide loss, for which the journey of healing can be lonely, painful and confusing. This group provides a safe environment to talk openly -- a place where others will listen without judging and a place to share experiences with others who understand this loss. Free but registration is required.
    Mondays, Oct. 18 to Nov. 22
    6:30 to 8 p.m. at FVVH
  • Our Grief Journey
    This six-week program assists those who have experienced the death of a parent, any age child, sibling, friend or other loved one. Topics include the grief process, coping with grief, spirituality, and embracing change and growth. Co-sponsored by FVVH, Provena Saint Joseph Hospital, Provena Mercy Medical Center and Provena Hospice. Registration is required.  Please call FVVH at (630) 232-2233. 
    Wednesdays, Oct. 13 to Nov. 17
    6:30 to 8 p.m. at FVVH


  • Grief Share
    Grief Share is a monthly drop-in support group for adults who have experienced the death of a loved one.  This program meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Provena Saint Joseph Hospital in Elgin.  Please call (847) 695-3200, ext. 5767 for more information.  The program is offered by Provena Saint Joseph Hospital.


  • M.A.L.E.S.--Men After a Loss Expressing themselves Safely
    At FVVH, we realize that grieving can be particularly difficult for men who are expected to be "strong" and often bottle up their feelings.  We understand that many men who appear to be adjusting well to the death of their loved one may be suffering silently along.  M.A.L.E.S. will help men grieve by providing them an opportunity to freely express their thoughts and feelings with other men.  Coffee and donuts will be provided.  The group meets at the FVVH offices in Geneva on the second Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. Registration is requested; call (630) 232-2233.


  • Individual Bereavement Support
    Short-term grief counseling or support by volunteers trained in grief work is available to anyone in the community. Contact Carol Ann Richeson at (630) 232-2233 for more information.

For anyone who has experienced the death of a spouse/life partner

  • Pathways
    This seven-week group addresses issues faced by those who hae experienced the death of a spouse or life partner. Emotional support is offered as well as assistance with accepting the death and coping with grief.  Registration is required. Please call FVVH at (630) 232-2233.
    Tuesdays, Sept. 7 to Oct. 19
    6:30 to 8 p.m. at FVVH


  • Next Step
    This monthly drop-in support group allows individuals who have lost a spouse or life partner discuss grief issues in a safe, welcoming and nurturing environment. It is recommended that this support group be the "next step" after participating in a previous grief support group. Meets monthly from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at FVVH.

    2010 meeting dates and topics:
    January 14, Connections (reviving old and creating new friendships)
    February 11, New Directions (exploring new activities and interests)
    March 11, Who Am I Now? (changing roles and what the future holds)
    April 8, No Rules...It's OK (living the life that's best for you)
    May 13, Securing Your Life (ways to feel safe and secure in your surroundings)
    June 10, A Fresh Approach to Cooking, Dining & Hospitality (cooking for one; entertaining others)
    July 8, Summer Sharing Sessions
    August 12, Summer Sharing Session
    September 9, Give Your Energy a Lift (techniques to boost energy)
    October 14, Finding Meaning and Purpose in Your Life (how difficult times can help us grow)
    November 11, Gratitude and Forgiveness (finding balance and healing)
    December 9, Reflections/Growing from Loss (look back on the year and our progress)


  • Weaver’s Circle
    Designed for people 60 and over who have experienced the death of a spouse, Weaver's Circle offers support and friendship through monthly dinners. Please call FVVH at (630) 232-2233 to be placed on the Weaver's Circle mailing list.

 

For families

  • Herbie’s Friends
    A program where family members who have experienced a loss can share their thoughts, feelings and stories. Families with children ages 5 to 18 enjoy a meal together followed by activities led by trained facilitators. Registration is required. Please call FVVH at (630) 232-2233.
    Winter Session:
    Fall session:
    Mondays, Oct. 4 to Nov. 15
    6 to 8 p.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 27 Edgelawn Drive, Aurora
    Winter session:
    Mondays, January 17 to February 28
    6 to 8 p.m. at Fox Valley Presbyterian Church, 227 East Side Drive, Geneva


Perinatal Loss

  • Footprints
    This unique six-week program supports parents and adult family members who are coping with a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or newborn death. Registration is required. Please call FVVH at (630) 232-2233 to register. This program is co-sponsored by FVVH, Provena Mercy Medical Center and Provena Saint Joseph Hospital.
    Tuesdays, Oct. 19 to Nov. 23
    6:30 to 8 p.m. at FVVH


  • Individual Bereavement Support
    Short-term grief counseling or support by volunteers trained in grief work is available to those who have experienced perinatal loss.  Contact Carol Ann Richeson at (630) 232-2233 for more information.