The Samaritan Center for Grief Support, a division of Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice, will offer two new support groups starting in September: one for bereaved parents, and one for those grieving a loss from suicide.
“Support groups can help people come to terms with their loss and begin the healing process,” says Kimberly Rumaker, manager of the Samaritan Center for Grief Support. “We offer specialized groups for people who’ve experienced a similar type of loss, helping them feel more supported and less alone.”
Samaritan grief counselors will facilitate the new groups, which run through October at the organization’s headquarters at 5 Eves Drive in Marlton. Each group costs $30 for six sessions. Registration is required: call (800) 596–8550.
Additional support groups are listed at www.samaritannj.org. The new groups are:
— Bereaved Parents — For anyone who has lost a child. Wednesdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21 and 28 and Oct. 5 and 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Losing a child is one of the greatest losses a parent can suffer. The loss of a child can leave a gaping hole in a parent’s life and can be difficult to discuss with those who have not experienced that same loss. Join chaplain Annette Koch in a safe and open group environment to discuss the impact of losing a child and the feelings of grief, sorrow and heartbreak the loss leaves behind.
— Sharing Suicide’s Sorrows — For anyone who is grieving a suicide loss. Mondays, Sept. 19 through Oct. 24 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Suicide has far-reaching effects for those it touches; all the unanswerable questions seem magnified. Suicide can be difficult to discuss, and can evoke feelings of guilt, anger, sorrow and isolation. Led by social worker Joan Ordille, this group provides a safe environment in which to acknowledge suicide and all the hidden grief and mixed emotions that come with it.
Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice is a not-for-profit, non-sectarian, independent organization accredited by The Joint Commission, a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), and NHPCO’s We Honor Veterans program, created in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
For more information, visit www.SamaritanNJ.org.
