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.

All programs are offered free of charge, but registration is required one week in advance.  Spanish interpretation is available.

Unless otherwise indicated, sessions are held at Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice, 200 Whitfield Drive, Geneva.

To register, please contact FVVH at (630) 232-2233 or email us at info@fvvh.org.

Bereavement options include:

 
Support groups led by trained facilitator

• 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:

• Cherished Children
  When a child dies, parents are left to deal with an unimaginable depth of emotions, and need a safe place where they can find support to help them cope with the sorrow and emptiness in their hearts -- Cherished Children is that place. this group is a safe place to cry, to question, to remember, and to find ways to hold on to cherished memories.  A clinical professional will facilitate this group.  An intake interview is required before registering by calling Carol Ann Richeson at (630) 232-2233, ext. 224. Free, but refundable deposit required.
  Tuesdays, May 15 to June 26
  6:30 to 8 p.m.
  
  
• Footprints (Perinatal Loss)
  This unique six-week program supports parents and adult family members who are coping with a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or newborn death.  Short-term individual counseling is available at no charge during the interim between groups.  An interview is required before registering. Registration and refundable deposit required.  Call Carol Ann Richeson at (630) 232-2233 ext. 224
  Tuesdays, May 15 to June 19
  6:30 to 8 p.m.
  
  
• 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. An intake interview is required before registering by calling Carol Ann at (630) 232-2233, ext. 224. Free, but refundable deposit required.
  Next session TBD
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Memories of Mom
  
  This group is for daughters who have lost their mothers.  During this six-week program, we will explore the many ways a mother's influence contributes to who we are.  Coping with grief, changed roles within the family, regret, gratitude, forgiveness and dreams lost and renewed are a few of the other topics to be discussed. This group offers a safe place to express grief and share memories of mom. Registration and refundable deposit required.
  Wednesdays, June 6 to July 18
  (no meeting on July 4)
  6:30 to 8 p.m. at FVVH
  
  
• Memories of Dad
  For those whose fathers have died, Father's Day is often a bittersweet holiday, evoking a heightened sense of the loss.  Join us for an evening of reflecting and remembering during which you will learn some comforting ways to honor your father's memory.  Registration and refundable deposit required.
  Monday, June 11
  6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

• 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. Free with refundable deposit.  Registration is required.  Please call FVVH at (630) 232-2233. 
  Wednesdays, May 30 to July 11
  (no meeting on July 4)
  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 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 have 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. Free, with refundable deposit. Please call FVVH at (630) 232-2233.
  Tuesdays, May 29 to July 17
  7 to 8:30 p.m.
  
  
• 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. Meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. at FVVH.
  
  2012 meeting dates and topics:
        
  April 12    Gratitude and forgiveness 
  As we move towards forgiveness (it's a process) we open ourselves to feel gratitude for the many blessings we have in our lives. Un-forgiveness closes us, preventing us from feeling fully the other aspects of our lives. Explore and share how forgiveness and gratitude have made a difference in your life.
  
  May 10    Am I OK to feel this way?                     
  Is it OK to feel angry, guilty and lonely?  Is it OK to feel happy and enjoy myself sometimes?  How should I feel?  How do my family and friends think I should feel?  Am I normal?  Explore the feelings and expectations you have for yourself while grieving the death of your loved one.
  
  June 14    Traveling alone       
  Travel industry professional Cynthia Albright will share information on how to select the right tour or cruise, whether you should mix it with others or go it alone, travel security, safety concerns at hotels and ‘tips’ on tipping and packing. 
  
  July 12        How to communicate your needs to family and friends                   
  When coping with a death loss, true strength does not mean being unemotional and independent.  True strength is allowing yourself to be human, recognizing your own limitations, and if need be, allowing others to assist you.  Tonight you will learn how to assertively communicate your needs as well as how to identify those who will be an asset to your recovery as you move forward through your grief journey.
  
  August 9    The restorative power of breath, movement and stretching                                Experience the restorative power of yoga as an exercise in self-compassion guided by certified yoga instructor, Annette Laughlin.  Breath, movement and stretching help release painful emotions and redirect energy.  Practice living in the moment to cultivate healing and a sense of peace.  Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat if you have one.  If preferred, techniques can be done while sitting on a chair rather than on floor.
   
  September 13    Managing your finances    
  From budgeting and investment principles to family and retirement considerations, it is important to understand your finances now more than ever. An individual from the OnPath Financial Group will provide information about how you can take steps to reduce financial worries by defining your goals, gaining     a better understanding of potential financial challenges and developing a sound savings and investment strategy.
     
  October 11    Signs and symbols                   
  Signs, symbols and synchronistic events have, throughout time, been experienced by the bereaved.  Such experiences can serve as a source of connection, comfort and hope.  Tonight, we will discuss current research and share personal stories. 
  
  November 8    Risk taking                                        
  Developing a new sense of self and new routine for living can be greatly enhanced by creative risk-taking. Moving toward greater comfort and activities in life usually means usually means taking risks, a positive process which itself energizes us.  Join with others in reviewing and discussing the types of truly positive risks which can lead to a more involved and satisfying life.
   
  December 13    Remembering 
  Remembering the past makes hoping for the future possible.  Suggestions will be offered for keeping the memory of your loved one alive.  The evening will close with a candlelight remembrance ceremony.
  
  
  
• 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 Christy Pitol  at (630) 232-2233, ext. 230.
  
  NEW DATE:
  Wednesdays, April 25 to June 6
  at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
  357 Division Street, Elgin
  6 to 8 p.m.