How can I learn more about Growing thru Grief?
To learn more about the program, send an email to admin@growingthrugrief.org. We will send you information about the program and how to register. If you would like someone to call you personally, please indicate this and provide your phone number in your email. Jan Huntley, a member of our Executive Committee, will contact you by phone.
What kind of grief does Growing thru Grief address?
All of us experience losses over our lifetimes. Growing thru Grief focuses on grief that follows the loss of loved ones, such as a spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild or friend. Although we do not focus on other losses (divorce, job loss, pet death, chronic illness, etc.), such losses may impact how you experience grief following the death of a loved one.
How can I participate?
Come to any Tuesday session. Participants gather for fellowship and refreshments from 4:00 - 4:30 PM. The formal gathering (educational programming and small group discussion) begins at 4:30 and ends at 6:00 PM.
Do I have to register in advance?
There’s no need to register in advance. The first time you come, we will ask you to complete a basic information form so we know who you are and can stay in touch with you about our programming. We do not share this information with outsiders.
Will I be required to make a commitment to come for a particular number of times?
Growing thru Grief is an open and flexible program. Each session stands on its own. Feel free to come when you can.
How soon after I have lost a loved one should I come?
The timing of your participation in the group is up to you. You must be ready to listen to other people's grief stories as well as share your own. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to a member of the Growing Thru Grief Executive Committee - admin@growingthrugrief.org.
What should I expect if I come to a meeting?
There is an opportunity to socialize with other participants over refreshments from 4:00-4:30 p.m. The grief support programming begins at 4:30 p.m. and lasts until 6:00 p.m. Typically, we begin with either a 15-20 minute presentation on a grief-related topic or with a topic for discussion suggested by one of our facilitators. We then break into small groups for sharing and conversation. Each group has 2 trained facilitators. Following the small group sessions we reconvene as a full group for a brief closing conversation. The heart of Growing Thru Grief is the small-group sharing sessions. You are expected to stay through the presentations, small groups, and closing session.
In the Fall and the Spring of each year, we offer 6-week core educational series on grief. In these series, we address key issues faced during the grieving process, debunk myths about grief, and welcome all into a safe, nonjudgmental community for sharing their thoughts about and experiences with grief.
Does Growing thru Grief have guidelines that govern the grief support groups?
We have guidelines that help insure that we are providing a safe space for people to share their stories -- with tolerance for all opinions and confidentiality regarding the experience of other group members. These guidelines will give you a good feel for how our support groups operate. A copy of these Guidelines is available when you check in on a Tuesday afternoon. The basic Grief Support Group Guidelines are also posted on this website HERE.
Must I be part of an organization that supports Growing Thru Grief in order to participate?
No. Growing thru Grief is open to all regardless of affiliation or religious beliefs.
Is there a cost to participate in the weekly group meetings?
There is no cost to participate. The weekly support group is free to all participants. Coalition Members support Growing thru Grief through donations. Click this link to reach our Coalition Members web page, where you will find participating faith groups and organizations.
If I would like to support Growing thru Grief, how can I do that?
You can help in several ways. Tell those who are grieving about the group and invite them to come. Invite your organization or faith community to become a Coalition member. We also welcome individual financial contributions to support our programming. If you would like, you can send a check payable to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with “Growing Thru Grief” in the memo line. Mail to Growing Thru Grief, c/o St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1200 W. Cornwallis Rd., Durham, NC 27705.
To learn more about the program, send an email to admin@growingthrugrief.org. We will send you information about the program and how to register. If you would like someone to call you personally, please indicate this and provide your phone number in your email. Jan Huntley, a member of our Executive Committee, will contact you by phone.
What kind of grief does Growing thru Grief address?
All of us experience losses over our lifetimes. Growing thru Grief focuses on grief that follows the loss of loved ones, such as a spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild or friend. Although we do not focus on other losses (divorce, job loss, pet death, chronic illness, etc.), such losses may impact how you experience grief following the death of a loved one.
How can I participate?
Come to any Tuesday session. Participants gather for fellowship and refreshments from 4:00 - 4:30 PM. The formal gathering (educational programming and small group discussion) begins at 4:30 and ends at 6:00 PM.
Do I have to register in advance?
There’s no need to register in advance. The first time you come, we will ask you to complete a basic information form so we know who you are and can stay in touch with you about our programming. We do not share this information with outsiders.
Will I be required to make a commitment to come for a particular number of times?
Growing thru Grief is an open and flexible program. Each session stands on its own. Feel free to come when you can.
How soon after I have lost a loved one should I come?
The timing of your participation in the group is up to you. You must be ready to listen to other people's grief stories as well as share your own. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to a member of the Growing Thru Grief Executive Committee - admin@growingthrugrief.org.
What should I expect if I come to a meeting?
There is an opportunity to socialize with other participants over refreshments from 4:00-4:30 p.m. The grief support programming begins at 4:30 p.m. and lasts until 6:00 p.m. Typically, we begin with either a 15-20 minute presentation on a grief-related topic or with a topic for discussion suggested by one of our facilitators. We then break into small groups for sharing and conversation. Each group has 2 trained facilitators. Following the small group sessions we reconvene as a full group for a brief closing conversation. The heart of Growing Thru Grief is the small-group sharing sessions. You are expected to stay through the presentations, small groups, and closing session.
In the Fall and the Spring of each year, we offer 6-week core educational series on grief. In these series, we address key issues faced during the grieving process, debunk myths about grief, and welcome all into a safe, nonjudgmental community for sharing their thoughts about and experiences with grief.
Does Growing thru Grief have guidelines that govern the grief support groups?
We have guidelines that help insure that we are providing a safe space for people to share their stories -- with tolerance for all opinions and confidentiality regarding the experience of other group members. These guidelines will give you a good feel for how our support groups operate. A copy of these Guidelines is available when you check in on a Tuesday afternoon. The basic Grief Support Group Guidelines are also posted on this website HERE.
Must I be part of an organization that supports Growing Thru Grief in order to participate?
No. Growing thru Grief is open to all regardless of affiliation or religious beliefs.
Is there a cost to participate in the weekly group meetings?
There is no cost to participate. The weekly support group is free to all participants. Coalition Members support Growing thru Grief through donations. Click this link to reach our Coalition Members web page, where you will find participating faith groups and organizations.
If I would like to support Growing thru Grief, how can I do that?
You can help in several ways. Tell those who are grieving about the group and invite them to come. Invite your organization or faith community to become a Coalition member. We also welcome individual financial contributions to support our programming. If you would like, you can send a check payable to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with “Growing Thru Grief” in the memo line. Mail to Growing Thru Grief, c/o St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1200 W. Cornwallis Rd., Durham, NC 27705.