Grief Support Groups

Why Grief Support Groups

At Ryan’s Place we believe that grief is meant to be shared. At every age there is power in realizing that you’re not alone. Our support groups are filled with people who are struggling with death, just like you. All group support services are provided at no cost to those who attend.

“Others should come because they might not realize that others feel the same way, and they can make friends who get them.”

– 11 year old group member

Program Nights

Ryan’s Place offers weekly peer support groups on Monday or Tuesday evenings for individuals and families grieving the death of a loved one. Families share a meal together at 6:00 p.m., then separate into support groups from 6:30–7:45 p.m. Program Nights run from mid-September through May (with alternate programming offered during the summer).

Children’s groups, ages 3–18, are divided by developmental age. Each week explores a grief-related topic through age-appropriate games and activities that encourage connection, expression, and conversation.

Adult groups are organized by both relationship to the person who died and the circumstances of the death. While they follow the same weekly topics as the children’s groups, adult sessions offer greater flexibility for participants to share, process, and explore what they need most.

Because some circumstances of death can bring unique and complex layers of grief, Ryan’s Place also strives to offer specialized groups for those grieving a death by suicide or accidental overdose.

** We have a Spanish speaking adult group on Monday’s Program Night

Children's Groups

Activities such as talking time, unstructured play time, art, music, physical activity and quiet times are all part of the healing process.

Teen's Groups

The opening of all sessions include an opportunity for sharing and then the group decides on the other activities for the evening.

Adult's Groups

Adults who’ve experienced the death of a child
Adults who’ve experienced the death of spouse/partner
Adults who’ve experienced a death due to suicide
Adults who’ve experienced a death of a relative or close friend
Adults who’ve experienced a death due to accidental overdose

Spanish Groups

We now have a Spanish speaking group that meets at the same time as our English grief support groups. If you are interested in registering for our Spanish Speaking group please call our office at 574- 535-1000.

Suicide Bereavement Group

Surviving family members of death by suicide often suffer not only the trauma of losing a loved one, but may also find themselves at a higher risk of suicide and emotional problems. Ryan’s Place offers an adult peer support group to help these family members and friends to talk about their grief, pain and questions.

Accidental Overdose Group

Losing a loved one to an accidental overdose can bring overwhelming grief, confusion, and a unique sense of loss. Surviving family members and friends may face not only the pain of their loss but also unanswered questions and feelings of isolation. Ryan’s Place offers an adult peer support group called Lanterns, to provide a safe space for those affected to share their experiences and grief.

Contact us at (574) 535.1000 to schedule an appointment if you are interested in joining one of our support groups.

Need to Talk?

We’re ready to help no matter what situation you’re in.