What is a grief support group?
It’s not easy to understand or accept the death of someone we love. A grief support group is a group of people who come together to help each other through their grief journeys. A group can be either open ended or time limited. All groups facilitated by Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice have trained leaders with master’s degrees in counseling.

What's the benefit of attending?

Connection with others who have gone through a similar situation.
Association with people who will listen without judgment.
Time to focus on how the loss is affecting you.
New ideas to help you cope and heal.
Acceptance of how you really feel.
Time to share memories of the person who died.
Understanding of what responses are natural and normal during grieving.
A place to give as well as accept comfort.

Will I have to talk if I don’t want to?
It can be frightening and overwhelming to take that first step to go to a support group. A good support group allows you the choice of what you share and when you share it. In most support groups, you can share as much or as little of your story as you want. Give yourself two or three sessions to decide if one is right for you.

How do I find a support group?
Support groups are offered at several times and locations. We’ve listed them below, along with phone numbers to call to get more information. And you can always call us – Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice – at (360) 493-4667 or 1-800-869-7062 if you want to talk about your needs or concerns, and to get referrals to private counselors. If you are in crisis, please call the Thurston/Mason County Crisis Line at 360-586-2800 or the Lewis County Crisis Line at 360-748-6696.

Thurston County Family Grief Support Groups

The SoundCareKids program welcomes families with children age 5 to 19. Kids, teens and parents meet in small groups according to age ragne: 5-7 years, 8-12 years, 13-19 years, parents/guardians. This group meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. Pre-registration is required. Contact Michelle Normoyle at (360) 493-5928 or 800-869-7062 to request enrollment forms.

Thurston County Adult Grief Support Groups and Classes

What: Grief Support Group
When: 1^st and 3^rd Mondays of each month (excluding holidays), 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Where: Lacey Presbyterian Church, 3045 Carpenter Road SE, Olympia
Phone: (360) 493-4667 or 800-869-7062 (Providence SoundHomeCare & Hospice)

What: Grief Support Group
When: 2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays of each month (excluding holidays), 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Where: Providence SoundHomeCare & Hospice, 3432 South Bay Road NE, Olympia
Phone: (360) 493-4667 or 800-869-7062 (Providence SoundHomeCare & Hospice)

What: Quarterly Grief Works Six-Week Class
When: Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Where: Providence St. Peter Hospital, 413 Lilly Rd. NE, Olympia, WA
Phone: (360) 493-7240 to register (preregistration is required)

What: “PS” Support Group for those experiencing stillbirth, newborn death, or miscarriage
When: 2^nd Thursday of each month, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Where: Providence St. Peter Hospital, 413 Lilly Rd. NE, Olympia, WA
Phone: Luann at (360) 493-5751 or Joy at (360) 456-8271

What: “Compassionate Friends” Support Group for adults whose child has died
When: 1st Monday of each month (excluding holidays), 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Where: Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice, 3432 South Bay Road, NE, Olympia
Phone: Allan Roth (360) 427-1418 (days), (360) 427-1694 (evenings)
National office: 1-877-969-0010. Web-site: www.compassionatefriends.org

Mason County Adult Grief Support Groups

What: Grief Support Group
When: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
Where: Shelton Health and Rehabilitation Center, 153 Johns Ct., Shelton
Phone: (360) 493-4667 or 800-869-7062 (Providence SoundHomeCare & Hospice)

Lewis County Adult Grief Support Groups and Classes

What: Loss of a Child Support Group
When: 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, 7–8:30 p.m.
Where: Providence Centralia Hospital, Administrative Conference Room (inside the North parking lot entrance)
Phone: Joy Carrington, 360-748-4347.