Attendees may be parents, spouses, children or friends of people suffering from cancer, dementia, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, frailty or any other condition. Attendees can participate at whatever level they feel comfortable. Group leaders also help caregivers find resources in the community for whatever types of assistance their loved ones may need. See our support group listings page for times and locations.
Grief Support
Family and friends are invited to participate in counselor-led support groups offered every week. Some participants come simply to listen; others feel comfortable sharing thoughts and feelings. See our support group listings page for times and locations.
We also have on staff experts in children's bereavement who can work with children and their parents to understand the special effects of grief and loss on the young.
We can offer brief private counseling to those who need an extra helping hand in coping with their loss. Our counselors assist families in crisis and help identify resources in the community for longer-term, one-on-one assistance.
Children’s In-School Bereavement Services
At Avow Hospice, we understand that children have unique reactions to grief and loss. They need guidance to navigate their complex feelings and to understand loss in the larger contexts of their lives and family relationships. As young persons with limited life experiences, our children need special tools to cope with grief. It is our mission to provide them.
Our services, designed for children ages 5-18, provide support and companionship to children who are grieving the loss of a parent, sibling, friend or relative through illness, accident, suicide or homicide. With the help of trained counselors, bereaved children are given an opportunity to move through their unique experience of loss in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. All services are offered free of charge.
We provide:
- Children’s grief workshops held in Collier County schools (public and private) during the school day for children of similar ages and similar losses. Workshop activities include art projects, videos, storybook discussions and the sharing of photos and memories as a way to express emotions and concerns in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.
- School assistance during times of crisis (for example, the death of a student or teacher).
- Defusing sessions with children exposed to a traumatic event.
- Consultations with parents to help them support their child in age-appropriate ways.
- Individual support for children anticipating a loss through illness and death, or when a group is not currently available for a bereaved child.
- Community education on children's grief issues.
Who we serve:
- Any youth, aged 5-18, who is grieving the loss of a loved one.
- Children who are facing the anticipated loss of a significant -person as a result of illness or death.
- Children who have been exposed to a traumatic event which resulted in death or
severe harm to another.
- School personnel who want assistance with crisis intervention when there
has been a death of a student or faculty member.
- Parents of bereaved children.
For more information about this service or to speak to a counselor, call (239) 261-4404.
Pet Loss Support Groups
A special support group for those grieving the loss of a pet is held once a month. The group gathers to share stories, laughter, tears, smiles and fond remembrances of treasured animal companions. It is open to the public and all are welcome. No reservations required - simply join us and bring a photo of your pet if you'd like. See our support group listings page for times and locations.
Avow Hospice bereavement counselors are also available throughout the year to talk in person or over the phone with those who have lost a pet or whose pet's death is imminent. Call (239) 261-4404.