Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things a person can experience, and can generate a variety of emotions and reactions. Allen Hospice provides a place to discuss those feelings in a compassionate setting with its Seasons of Grief support group. Seasons of Grief is a free, monthly program open to the community for individuals coping with the loss of a loved one.

“Grieving takes time, and everyone’s grief journey is different,” states Emily Allaire, bereavement coordinator for Allen Hospice. “As people progress through the stages of grief, they may find that they need some social support from a group to help them. Seasons of Grief offers a safe and supportive environment for participants to talk about their loss, make sense of their emotions and come to terms with them, and take the steps to move forward.”

Sessions are free and open to the public; but they are limited to 12 people to encourage small group discussion and the opportunity to deal constructively with feelings and practical problems resulting from loss. Presentations on a variety of grief issues will also be offered.

Seasons of Grief takes place on the first Thursday of every month from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. The meetings will take place in Meeting Room 2 on the first floor of Allen Hospital at 1825 Logan Avenue, Waterloo.

Please contact bereavement coordinator Emily Allaire at 319-235-5027 to register, or for more information about this program, Allen Hospice and other grief support services.