There are many resources to help you through this time. Here we list some support groups available in this area, and every month we will include a book review, websites, or other reading materials. There are also many helpful websites that can easily be found in searching the internet. Also, don't forget that your church/clergy (or any church in your area if you don't attend) can be a good source of comfort and encouragement. Funeral directors, too, have access to numerous resources and usually have free pamphlets or booklets also.
Support Groups
If you have an urgent need, you may want to call LIFELINE, a 24- hour service that offers crisis intervention, human service information, referrals, and short-term counseling. LIFELINE counselors can assist you in exploring alternatives for help. 585-275-5151 or 800-310-1160 TDD 595-275-2700 If you require further information about any of the groups below, they are listed at the website for the Mental Health Association of Rochester, www.mharochester.org
Grief Support for Alzheimer's Families
This group offers support and education, a telephone hotline, and speaker's bureau.
Contact Theo Munson 214-1434
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE / Hospice of Rochester
3111 Winton Road South
Rochester, NY 14623
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE / Hospice of Rochester
3111 Winton Road South
Rochester, NY 14623
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Eligibility
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For family members experiencing grief due to effects of the disease as well as post-bereavement sadness.
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Time
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First and Third Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 PM
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Place
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Center for Compassion and Healing
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3111 S. Winton Rd., Rochester
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Fees
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No fee
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Facilitation
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Member facilitators
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Coping with Loss Group
This professional therapy group seeks to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms, and promote acceptance.
Contact James Meyer 368-6750 or 368-6700
Sponsor: Unity Health Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
100 Pinewild Drive
Rochester, NY 14606
Sponsor: Unity Health Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
100 Pinewild Drive
Rochester, NY 14606
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Eligibility
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For children having difficulty adjusting due to significant losses in their lives, such as death of a loved one or loss of physical functioning.
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Time
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Call for information
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Place
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Call for information
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Location
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Call for information
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Fees
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Call for information
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Facilitation
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Professional therapist
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Infant Loss Support Group
The group provides an opportunity for healing through sharing with others in similar situations. Group meets as needed.
Contact Obstetrics Department 395-6045
Sponsor: Lakeside Memorial Hospital
156 West Avenue
Brockport, NY 14420
Sponsor: Lakeside Memorial Hospital
156 West Avenue
Brockport, NY 14420
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Eligibility
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For families who have experienced a loss through miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant death.
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Time
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Group meets as needed
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Place
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Family Wellness Center/Lakeside Memorial Hospital
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156 West Avenue, Brockport, NY
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Fees
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No fee
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Facilitation
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Professionally facilitated
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Parallel, Inc.
The group provides support through discussion, telephone hotline, peer counseling, education programs, and newsletter. Peer counseling training is also offered.
Contact 582-2280
Sponsor: Parallel
P.O. Box 10715
Rochester, NY 14610
Sponsor: Parallel
P.O. Box 10715
Rochester, NY 14610
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Eligibility
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For parents who have lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, or medical termination.
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Time
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Time limited groups (6 weekly sessions). Call for information about upcoming group.
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Place
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Call for information
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Location
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Call for information
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Fees
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No fee
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Facilitation
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Member facilitators
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"Parent Link" - SIDS Support, Inc.
Offers support for those who have experienced sudden or unexpected death of an infant or pregnancy loss.
Contact Jennifer Hemmerich 234-3481
Sponsor: SIDS Support, Inc.
Sponsor: SIDS Support, Inc.
Websites: www.parentlinkgroup.org / www.sids-support.org
E-Mail : support@parentlinkgroup.org
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Eligibility
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For those who have experienced the sudden and unexpected death of an infant or pregnancy loss.
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Time
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Fourth Tuesday of every month; 7 PM
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Place
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Edgewood Free Methodist Church
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250 Edgewood Avenue, Rochester
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Fees
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No fee
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Facilitation
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Member facilitators
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Adapting to Loss
12-week psychodynamic group that seeks to increase grief management and decrease intensity of symptoms associated with loss.
Contact James Meyer 368-6750 or 368-6700
Sponsor: Unity Health Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
100 Pinewild Drive
Rochester, NY 14606
Sponsor: Unity Health Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
100 Pinewild Drive
Rochester, NY 14606
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Eligibility
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For adults 18 years or older who are experiencing pathological reaction to loss. (loss of spouse, partner, parent, child, family member, friend or from separation, divorce, death or move). Call for other criteria for attendance.
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Time
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Call for information
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Place
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Call for information
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Location
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Call for information
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Fees
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Call for information
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Facilitation
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Professional therapist
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Bereavement Group - Irondequoit
COPES program offered quarterly with follow-up sessions and special presentations.
Contact Billie Harris 544-4460
Sponsor: Lifetime Care
3111 S. Winton Road
Rochester, NY
Sponsor: Lifetime Care
3111 S. Winton Road
Rochester, NY
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Eligibility
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For grieving individuals who are coping with a loss.
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Time
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Seven week series offered quarterly.
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Place
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Harris Family Center
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560 Kings Highway South (at Titus Avenue)
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Fees
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Call for Information
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Facilitation
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Professional facilitation
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Bereavement Support Group
Provides information and support. The American Cancer Society also provides a telephone hotline (1-800-ACS-2345), peer counseling (Friend-to-Friend), public education programs, a buddy system, advocacy, transportation, peer counseling training and social events.
Contact 1-800-ACS-2345 585-396-6790 www.cancer.org
Sponsor: American Cancer Society
1400 N. Winton Road
Rochester , NY 14609
1400 N. Winton Road
Rochester , NY 14609
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Eligibility
|
For individuals who have suffered a loss due to cancer or for individuals with terminal cancer.
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Time
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Call for information
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Place
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Sands Cancer Center
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360 Parish Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424
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Fees
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None
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Facilitation
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Professional and peer facilitators
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Bereavement Therapeutic Group
The group offers peer counseling and therapy.
Contact Karen Kelliher, M.S. 742-3731 groupworks@att.net
Sponsor GROUP WORKS Rochester, NY
Sponsor GROUP WORKS Rochester, NY
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Eligibility
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The Bereavement Group is for individuals coping with a loss resulting from a death. Adults only.
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Time
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Bereavement Group: Mondays, 7-8:30 PM
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Place
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Call for information
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202 W. Main Street, Victor
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Fees
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$25 per session
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Facilitation
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Professionally facilitated
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Companions in Grief
The group supports individuals who have lost a loved one.
Contact 671-1653
Sponsor: St. Rita's Parish - Webster
1008 Maple Drive
Webster, NY 14580
Sponsor: St. Rita's Parish - Webster
1008 Maple Drive
Webster, NY 14580
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Eligibility
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For those who have lost a loved one through death. All are welcome from all areas and denominations.
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Time
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Once a month. Call for calendar
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Place
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St. Rita's Parish Center
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Location
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Webster, NY 14580
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Fees
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No fee
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Facilitation
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Professionally facilitated
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COPES Bereavement Group - Irondequoit
COPES program offered quarterly with follow-up sessions and special presentations
Contact Billie Harris 544-4460
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE
3111 S. Winton Rd.
Rochester, NY 14623
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE
3111 S. Winton Rd.
Rochester, NY 14623
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Eligibility
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For grieving individuals who are coping with a loss.
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Time
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Seven week series offered quarterly.
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Place
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Harris Family Center
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Location
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560 Kings Highway South (at Titus Avenue)
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Fees
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Call for information
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Facilitation
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Professionally facilitated
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Grieving for A Season
This group focuses on multiple needs connected with loss in a faith-based environment.
Contact 225-3493
Sponsor - No sponsor listed
Sponsor - No sponsor listed
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Eligibility
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For adults that are grieving an adult loved one
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Time
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Call for information
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Place
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Call for information
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Location
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Call for information
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Fees
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No fee
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Facilitation
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Professionally facilitated
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Grieving partners
Each evening's program includes:
Brief grief-education remarks, a reading which serves as a springboard for discussion, and opportunities for talking and sharing similar experiences - all offered with special sensitivity toward "disenfranchised" grieving people.
Brief grief-education remarks, a reading which serves as a springboard for discussion, and opportunities for talking and sharing similar experiences - all offered with special sensitivity toward "disenfranchised" grieving people.
Contact (585) 214-1414
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE / Hospice of Rochester
Rochester, NY
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE / Hospice of Rochester
Rochester, NY
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Eligibility
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Ongoing, open, drop-in meetings for men and women whose spouse or life-partner has died - people who "were perfect for each other".
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Time
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1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month - beginning October 6th
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Place
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Community Center for Compassion and Healing
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Location
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LIFETIME CARE's Offices -- 3111 Winton Road South. (just south of Brighton-Henrietta Town-Line road, across from Valley Cadillac and Pizza Hut; look for the memorial eagle out in front...)
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Fees
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No Pre-registration required...Free-will donation to hospice requested at each session.
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Facilitation
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Led by Professional facilitators from the perspective of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.
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Kids Adjusting Through Support (KATS)
The groups are designed to help children and families cope with a serious illness/death. A newsletter, social events and 8 week coping support groups (in spring and fall) are provided.
Contact Stephanie D'Amico-Constantino 585-624-5555
Sponsor: Camp Good Days and Special Times
1332 Pittsford Mendon Road
Mendon, NY 14506
Sponsor: Camp Good Days and Special Times
1332 Pittsford Mendon Road
Mendon, NY 14506
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Eligibility
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For children and families who have an immediate family member who has died or who has a serious illness.
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Time
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Mondays, 7-8:30 PM
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Place
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Al Sigl Center
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Location
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1000 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester
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Fees
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No fee
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Facilitation
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Professional and member facilitators
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A Caring Place
Professionally facilitated age-specific peer support groups for kids, teens and their families.
Professionally facilitated age-specific peer support groups for kids, teens and their families.
Sponsor: Lifetime Care, The Center for Compassion and Healing
Eligibility: Children and teens ages 3 and up who have faced the loss of a significant person in their lives
Location: Lifetime Care 3111 Winton Road South, Rochester 14623
Programming is offered on Monday evenings at 6:30 but dates vary
Registration Required
Fee: Small fee or donation varies based on programming
Contact: Lori Newland 475-8825
Eligibility: Children and teens ages 3 and up who have faced the loss of a significant person in their lives
Location: Lifetime Care 3111 Winton Road South, Rochester 14623
Programming is offered on Monday evenings at 6:30 but dates vary
Registration Required
Fee: Small fee or donation varies based on programming
Contact: Lori Newland 475-8825
Mornings At the Mall Bereavement Group
This is for adults who wish to work on grief issues through physical exercise and/or friendship in a group setting.
Contact Theo Munson 214-1434
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE
3111 Winton Rd. S.
Rochester NY, NY 14623
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE
3111 Winton Rd. S.
Rochester NY, NY 14623
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Eligibility
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For adults.
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Time
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Tuesdays 8:30 -10:00 AM
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Place
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Medley Center. Gather and sign in at ground floor near Macy's.
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Location
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Irondequoit, NY
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Fees
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None
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Facilitation
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Member facilitated.
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Open General Bereavement Group/Gates Presbyterian Church location
The group offers support and an educational component
Contact Theo Munson 214-1434
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE
3111 Winton Road South
Rochester, NY 14623
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE
3111 Winton Road South
Rochester, NY 14623
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Eligibility
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For people who have lost a family member
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Time
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Second and Fourth Tuesdays, 5:30-7:00 PM
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Place
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Gates Presbyterian Church
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Location
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1049 Wegman Road, Gates
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Fees
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No fee
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Facilitation
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Professionally facilitated
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Open General Bereavement Group/LIFETIME CARE's Wellness Center
The group offers support and an educational component
Contact Theo Munson 214-1434
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE
3111 Winton Road South
Rochester, NY 14623
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE
3111 Winton Road South
Rochester, NY 14623
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Eligibility
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For people who have lost a family member
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Time
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Second and Fourth Thursdays, 5:30-7:00 PM
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Place
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Wellness Center for Loss and Transition
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Location
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LIFETIME CARE's offices, 3111 Winton Road South, Rochester
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Fees
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No fee
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Facilitation
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Professionally facilitated
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Parent Loss Bereavement Group
The group offers support and an educational component
Contact Theo Munson 214-1434 Theo.Munson@lifetimecare.org
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE/The Center for Compassion and Healing
3111 Winton Road South
Rochester, NY 14623
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE/The Center for Compassion and Healing
3111 Winton Road South
Rochester, NY 14623
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Eligibility
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For adults who have lost one or both parents
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Time
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First and Third Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00 PM
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Place
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Wellness Center for Loss and Transition
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Location
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3111 Winton Road South, Rochester
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Fees
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$3 to $5 donation requested
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Facilitation
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Professionally facilitated
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Compassionate Friends
This is a support group that offers parents, who have lost a child, the opportunity to share with others in similar circumstances. A newsletter is also provided.
Contact Theo Munson 214-1434 Theo.Munson@lifetimecare.org
Mark & Phyllis Simon 586-4721
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE
3111 Winton Road South
Rochester, NY 14623
Mark & Phyllis Simon 586-4721
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE
3111 Winton Road South
Rochester, NY 14623
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Eligibility
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For parents who have lost a child.
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Time
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Second and Fourth Tuesdays of every month, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
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Place
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LIFETIME CARE / Wellness Center for Loss and Transition
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Location
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3111 Winton Road South, Rochester, NY, 14623
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Fees
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Freewill donations requested
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Facilitation
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Professional advisor plus bereaved parents
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After Suicide (AS)
The group offers grief support.
Contacts Valerie or Joel, 585-709-0107
email - aftersuicide@rochester.rr.com
Sponsor - No Sponsor Listed.
email - aftersuicide@rochester.rr.com
Sponsor - No Sponsor Listed.
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Eligibility
|
For survivors of suicide death of a family member or friend.
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Time
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Second and Fourth Tuesdays every month, 7:30-9:00 PM
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Place
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CP Rochester - Al Sigl Center Winton Campus
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Location
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3399 Winton Road South, Rochester
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Fees
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No fee
|
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Facilitation
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Member facilitators
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Neutral Ground Support Organization, Inc.
The group provides peer support for individuals ending a relationship; divorced,separated or by widowhood. Also offers on-going public education programs, a newsletter and social events.
Contact 924-8690 www.neutralg@rochester.rr.com
Sponsor Neutral Ground Support Organization,Inc.
P.O. Box 26550
Rochester New York, NY 14626
P.O. Box 26550
Rochester New York, NY 14626
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Eligibility
|
Those who were formerly married (divorced, separated, widow/widowers or individuals ending a significant relationship).
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Time
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7:30-9:30 PM Thursdays
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Place
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First Baptist Church of Rochester, Educational Building
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|
Location
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175 Allens Creek Rd, (Brighton)
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Fees
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$3.00 per session. $20 annual membership fee
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Facilitation
|
Peer Facilitators
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Seniors Daytime Bereavement Group
The group offers support and an educational component
Contact Theo Munson 214-1434 Theo.Munson@lifetimecare.org
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE
3111 Winton Road South
Rochester, NY 14623
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE
3111 Winton Road South
Rochester, NY 14623
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Eligibility
|
For seniors whose spouse has died.
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Time
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First and Third Mondays, 1 to 2:30 pm
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Place
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Wellness Center for Loss and Transition
|
|
Location
|
LIFETIME CARE's offices, 3111 Winton Road South, Rochester
|
|
Fees
|
No Fee
|
|
Facilitation
|
Professionally facilitated
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Surviving Spouses Bereavement Group
This series offers grief education and support
Contact Theo Munson 214-1434 Theo.Munson@lifetimecare.org
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE
3111 Winton Road South
Rochester, NY 14623
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE
3111 Winton Road South
Rochester, NY 14623
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Eligibility
|
For men and women who have been widowed. Pre-registration process requires a phone interview.
|
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Time
|
Eight week sessions. Call for additional information
|
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Place
|
Wellness Center for Loss and Transition
|
|
Location
|
LIFETIME CARE offices, 3111 Winton Road South, Rochester
|
|
Fees
|
$7 per session or $49.00 prepaid for 8 weeks
|
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Facilitation
|
Call for information
|
Young Widows/Widowers Bereavement Group
Offers support for those who have lost a spouse
Contact Theo Munson 214-1414 Theo.Munson@lifetimecare.org
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE, 3111 Winton Road South, Rochester, NY 14623
Sponsor: LIFETIME CARE, 3111 Winton Road South, Rochester, NY 14623
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Eligibility
|
For surviving spouses between the ages of 20 and 45.
|
|
Time
|
First and Third Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8 PM
|
|
Place
|
Center for Compassion and Healing, Lifetime Care
|
|
Location
|
3111 Winton Rd. South, Rochester, NY
|
|
Fees
|
$5 donation requested
|
|
Facilitation
|
Professionally facilitated
|
The groups listed below are sponsored by our member funeral homes and are offered without charge or obligation. You do not have to have used the specified funeral home, to attend their group.
Children’s Support Groups
Young Widows/Widowers
Caring Coffee Clatch
Monthly Widow/widowers luncheon