How can I learn more about the Growing thru Grief program offered by the Triangle Area Grief Coalition?
Call or e-mail Bill Dahl (admin@growingthrugrief.org , dahlhaus@nc.rr.com)919 967-2596 (H), 919 599-2638 (M). Or if your faith group or organization is already a member of the coalition of faith group and other organizations supporting Growing Thru Grief, talk with the Board Member from your group. Participating faith groups and organizations and their Board representatives can be found on our website – www.growingthrugrief.org.
How can I participate?
Come to any Tuesday session. The formal gathering (educational programming and small group discussion) begins at 4:30 and ends at 6:00 PM. Participants gather for fellowship and refreshments from 4:00 - 4:30 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. We also have a weekly sign in sheet.
How soon after I have lost a loved one should I come?
The decision is up to you. We encourage you to talk with Bill Dahl or another Growing Thru Grief Board member about the timing of your participation in the group.
What should I expect if I come to a meeting?
From 4:00-4:30 p.m., there is an opportunity to socialize with other participants over refreshments. 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.
In the Fall and the Spring of each year, we offer a 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.
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 a death. As such, you may find it appropriate to discuss other losses that impact how you currently feel.
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.
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. Grief Coalition Members support Growing thru Grief through donations.
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, to Bill Dahl, c/o St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1200 W. Cornwallis Rd., Durham, NC 27705.
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 Guidelines are also posted on our Website (growingthrugrief.org).
Call or e-mail Bill Dahl (admin@growingthrugrief.org , dahlhaus@nc.rr.com)919 967-2596 (H), 919 599-2638 (M). Or if your faith group or organization is already a member of the coalition of faith group and other organizations supporting Growing Thru Grief, talk with the Board Member from your group. Participating faith groups and organizations and their Board representatives can be found on our website – www.growingthrugrief.org.
How can I participate?
Come to any Tuesday session. The formal gathering (educational programming and small group discussion) begins at 4:30 and ends at 6:00 PM. Participants gather for fellowship and refreshments from 4:00 - 4:30 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. We also have a weekly sign in sheet.
How soon after I have lost a loved one should I come?
The decision is up to you. We encourage you to talk with Bill Dahl or another Growing Thru Grief Board member about the timing of your participation in the group.
What should I expect if I come to a meeting?
From 4:00-4:30 p.m., there is an opportunity to socialize with other participants over refreshments. 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.
In the Fall and the Spring of each year, we offer a 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.
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 a death. As such, you may find it appropriate to discuss other losses that impact how you currently feel.
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.
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. Grief Coalition Members support Growing thru Grief through donations.
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, to Bill Dahl, c/o St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1200 W. Cornwallis Rd., Durham, NC 27705.
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 Guidelines are also posted on our Website (growingthrugrief.org).