We offer bereavement services for the families we serve. In addition, we have provided some helpful grief support links below:
Local Support Group -
for more information on our local support group, please visit: Griefshare.org
The Compassionate Friends: Central MN
The mission of The Compassionate Friends is to assist families toward thepositive resolution of grief following the death of a child of any age and toprovide information to help others be supportive. (320) 632-5858
National Cancer Institute - Grief, Bereavement, and Coping with Loss - This site describes loss, grief, and bereavement; the stagesof grief; and methods for coping with grief. Includes information onanticipatory and complicated grief. Also includes sections on children andgrief.
National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
Toll-free number: 1-800-228-6332
Web site: www.nfda.org/grief-resources.html
Grief resources and funeral planning information
GriefNet
Web site for adults: www.griefnet.org
Web site for children: http://kidsaid.com
Offers online groups for grief support, with a specialsub-site for children
Books for Adults:
"HealingYour Grieving Heart 100 Practical Ideas" by Alan Wolfelt
This book offers 100 practical here-and-now suggestions for helping yourselfmourn so that you may live well and love well again.
OnGrief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief through the Five Stages ofLoss
--by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler
Books for Children:
"TheGift of a Memory" by Marianne Richmond (Waldman House Press, Inc., 2000)
This picture book focuses on the general loss of a special life. Appropriate forall ages 10 years . The book includes beautiful artwork on each page, a legacypage, and a journal page, inviting friends and family to record memories.
"The Next Place" by WarrenHanson (Waldman House Press, Inc., 1997)
This picture book is a celebration of life and the journey to everlasting life.The topic is general loss of a loved one. Appropriate for all ages, 8 years .
"When Someone Very SpecialDies" by Marge Heegaard (Woodland Press, 1988)
This is a book for children, 6-12 years, designed to teach children aboutdeath. In this book children are encouraged to draw pictures to illustratetheir own story, recognize and express emotions, and communicate openly. Thisbook helps adults realize the unhealthy misunderstandings a child may haveabout death.
Webhealing.com, the first interactive grief website on the internet, offers discussion boards, articles, book suggestions, and advice for men and women working through every aspect of grief. The site’s founder, Tom Golden LCSW, has provided book excerpts and contact information to help those healing from loss.
Willowgreen offers support and information for those dealing with life transition & aging, illness & caregiving, loss & grief, and hope & spirituality. The site offers advice, products, and inspirational materials.
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) website contains a Grief & Loss section with grief-related articles and information.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s website provides a host of information and resources for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury and their caregivers.