For those dealing with a loss of a loved one, grief comes in different forms. Sometimes, the simple act of being with others who are going through a similar experience in a safe, supportive environment can be helpful. To help young adults in the South Jersey community cope with loss, Samaritan is unveiling a new virtual support group for 2022 – Young Adults Coping with Loss.
‘Young Adults Coping with Loss’ is a complimentary, six-week group designed to provide guidance and support to young adults between the ages of 18-35 who may have lost someone they love – a family member, close friend and others. Each session runs for 90 minutes and offers a safe space to encourage open conversations about the reality and impact of losing someone when you are young. Topics for each session include common grief reactions, helpful coping strategies, guidance on building support systems, information on the different ways people grieve, perspectives on how to exist in a new reality and supportive guidance on how to deal with grief over time.
“Any kind of loss can be extremely difficult to deal with. But when emotional trauma is experienced for the first time at such a pivotal, transitional age – a time when individuals are discovering and defining who they are personally and professionally – they need a very special, unique kind of support,” explains Kimberly Rumaker, MSS, LCSW, manager of social work and counseling services at Samaritan. “That is where Samaritan can step in. Through the ‘Young Adults Coping with Loss’ support group, we offer a safe space and needed support to young adults, so that they do not have to face their loss or grieve alone.”
The kick-off session in this six-week virtual support group is scheduled for June 20 at 6 p.m. (NOTE: No meetings will be scheduled for July 4 or July 25). Space is limited for this group – pre-registration is required by calling the Samaritan Center for Grief Support at (856) 596-8550 or emailing [email protected]. For an updated schedule and additional information on support groups being offered by Samaritan in 2022, visit: https://samaritannj.org/resources/grief-support-groups-south-nj/.
