The following grief counseling and support groups are available in our region. These organizations offer help to people who have experienced loss through death. Your funeral director can offer additional information at your request.
Bereavement Support Groups in Des MoinesBelow we have provided a number of local area support groups that you may want to consider after the loss of a loved one. All of the groups welcome new members and encourage you to be as active as you want to be.
At the time of a loss and immediately after, friends and family provide a great source of comfort. But as the days pass, most of us find that the support and friendship of kindred souls who have suffered the same kind of loss is both helpful and healing.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS FOR : Please Choose: Loss of Child Loos of a Parent Loss by Suicide Loss of Spouse Grieving Children Loss in General Grief Counseling
Iles Funeral Homes and Amanda the Panda have partnered together to support children and families when someone they love has died. This support is provided through services which include: Weekend camps tailored to college students, children ages 5 – 17, and adults as well as support groups, Fun Days, and Holiday Support activities and programs. Amanda the Panda provides these services free of charge to our families. Amanda the Panda’s mission is to restore grieving children and families back into the mainstream of their lives through innovative services that provide hope and healing. For additional information call 515-223-2827 or visit www.amandathepanda.org
Compassionate Friends
Self-help organization for bereaved families after the death of a child. Meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, Children's Butterfly Garden Reception Room, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines. Contact from other parents who have also had a child die, provides the opportunity to talk to someone who has "been there." Lending library and newsletter available. Sibling and grandparent support also.
Group Leader: Merry Bradley 515-277-6432 SIDA Death: Karen Wiederholt 515-274-3584 Suicide: Paul & Joyce Scranton 515-965-2467 Substance-related: Susan Conner 515-868-5995 Congenital & heart defects: Ruth & Dave Carlson 515-224-0720 Siblings: Vern Bradley 515-277-6432
Iowa SIDS Foundation
The Iowa SIDS Foundation is a statewide non-profit health organization dedicated to providing emotional support to SIDS and SUID families, educating professionals and the general public about SIDS and funding medical research into the causes of SIDS.
406 SW School Street, Ste. 205 Ankeny, Iowa 50023 E-mail: info@iowasids.org Contact: Patty Keeley patty@iowasids.org 515-965-7655 or 866-480-4741
Mommies With Hope
A biblically based support group for moms who have experienced the loss of a child (pregnancy, infant, or child loss). Moms are encouraged by connecting with and comforting one another through monthly "Hope" meetings and occasional social outings. Whether your loss is recent or abiding, all stages of grief are welcome.
www.mommieswithhope.com E-mail: info@mommieswithhope.com Contact: Teske Drake 319-404-0272
Grieving the Loss of a Parent with UnityPoint
First Tuesday of the month 6:30 PM Dinner at a designated restaurant Contact Info: Anne Alesch, MDiv Bereavement Coordinator & Counselor 515-557-3169 anne.alesch@unitypoint.org
Coping After A Suicide Support Group - by Polk County Crisis and Advcacy Services
Offers a safe, confidential support group open to anyone (older teens and adults) surviving the loss of a loved one through suicide. Meets the second Thursday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m. as well as the last Saturday of each month from 9-10:30 a.m. No charge.
Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services 2309 Euclid Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50310 Contact: 515-286-3600
AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has many resources for survivors; go to their website and search by zip code.
afsp.org
Homicide Survivors Support Group - by Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services
For family and friends who have lost a loved one as the result of homicide. Meets the third Tuesday of each month at our office from 6-7:30 p.m. No charge.
Life After Death of Spouse (LADOS)
LADOS is a group o widowed persons like yourself. We meet together monthly to help ourselves and one another understand and work through the many dimensions of grief, sorrow and pain which follow the death of a spouse.
LADOS meets:
The second Sunday of each month at Grace United Methodist Church at 7:00 p.m.
www.dmarcunited.org/services/LASOS/
Bari Hoskins 515-278-2494
Y.E.W.S. - Young Energetic Widowed Singles, Inc.
Started in 1984, the YEWS group is a social support group for adults who have experienced the death of their spouse. The regular monthly dinner is held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday night of each month. The group dines out in a local restaurant with social conversation and dinner at 6 p.m. There is no meeting, just conversation, laughter and fun.
Contacts: Virginia Powers 515-255-1950 Volney Smith 515-987-3388
Grieving the Loss of a Spouse/Partner with UnityPoint
Educational Group Discussion
First Monday of the month 10:00 AM Iowa Lutheran Hospital Conference Room 1 – Main Level
Social Coed Luncheon
Third Monday of the month 11:30 AM Iowa Lutheran Hospital Cafeteria – Level B
Contact Info:
Anne Alesch, MDiv Bereavement Coordinator & Counselor 515-557-3169 anne.alesch@unitypoint.org
AMANDA THE PANDA SUPPORT GROUPS
Children (ages 5-17) grieving the death of a loved one meet in separate groups with two facilitators per group for 8 weeks on Monday evenings in the fall, winter and spring. Starting at 6:00 p.m. a meal is served and groups conclude at 7:30 p.m. No Charge.
www.everystep.org 1821 Grand Ave. West Des Moines, Iowa 50265 Contact: 515-223-4847
CAMP AMANDA - for grieving children, teens and adults
This weekend grief camp is held in April and September for grieving children (6 years and older), teens and adults. Camp dates and application forms are posted on the website. No charge.
Contact: 515-223-4847
DADDY'S LITTLE ANGELS - ages 12 and under
A support group started in 2006 for children ages 12 and under, whose dads have died. There are monthly activities planned, either a meeting, a social or an outing.
E-mail: jnichols511@msn.com Contact: Jana Nichols 515-962-0614
STEPPING STONES - ages 3-5 and 6-10
A six week program designed to encourage children, who have experienced the loss of a loved one, to share their experiences, identify and understand their feelings, clarify misunderstandings about death and dying and strengthen their faith in Jesus. Meets in conjunction with GriefShare.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 8301 Aurora Ave., Urbandale, Iowa 50322 www.gldc.church Contact: Pastor Tim Phillips 515-276-1700
GRIEF RELIEF - by Hospice of Central Iowa
Grief Relief is a three hour event, twice a year; open to grades 7-12. This session is about handling the grief that comes after someone dies. Free of Charge. Call for location and registration.
www.hospicesofcentraliowa.org Contact: Bereavement Counselors 515-274-3400
TEENS TOGETHER GRIEF SUPPORT - by Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
An interactive discussion-based curriculum which helps teens who have lost a loved one go through the grief process with others who are experiencing the same emotional situations. Activities take place at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.
www.gldc.church Contact: Pastor Tim Phillips tim.phillips@gldc.church 515-276-1700
TOG
TOG "Touching Our Grief" is ongoing grief support sessions for adults surviving the death of someone loved. Support group available in West Des Moines. No charge. Call for dates, times and locations of groups outside of West Des Moines.
2910 Westown Parkway, Suite 200 West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 www.hospiceofcentraliowa.org Contact: Bereavement Counselors 515-333-5810
MERCY HOSPICE BEREAVEMENT SERVICES
"Soup Tuesday" - an opportunity to share a simple meal with others who have experienced the death of a loved one. Held the first Tuesday of every month, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Mercy Hospice-Johnston, 5820 Winwood Dr., Johnston, Iowa 50131
"Comfort and Coffee" - a monthly drop-in grief support group. Meets the first Friday of each month, 10 a.m., Mercy Hospice-Johnston, 5820 Winwood Dr., Johnston, Iowa 50131
"The Men's Group" - a non-denominational social group for men of all ages who have experienced the loss of a loved one: spouse, parent, child, friend. Times and dates vary.
"Pathways through Grief" - a multi-session grief education program offered several times throughout the year. Classes limited to 12.
"Managing Grief During the Holidays" - offers positive, creative suggestions for living through the holidays while experiencing the loss of a family member. Typically offered in early November.
For more information, or to make reservations for any of the programs listed, please send an e-mail to mcasey@mercydesmoines.org or Contact: Mary Kay Casey 515-643-6147
Healing Hobbies: Crafting Through Grief with UnityPoint
Fourth Friday of the month 2:30 PM Clive Public Library Contact Info: Anne Alesch, MDiv Bereavement Coordinator 515-557-3169 anne.alesch@unitypoint.org
WESLEYLIFE GRIEF SUPPORT
"Growing in Grief" 3rd Monday of each month, 7-9 p.m. 5508 NW 88th Street Johnston, Iowa 50131 Widower's Support Meets simultaneously For more information please call Char at 515-271-6765
Adults grieving the death of a loved one meet with two facilitators per group for 8 weeks on Monday evenings in the fall, winter and spring. A meal is served at 6:00 p.m. and groups conclude at 7:30 p.m. There is no charge. (Groups are available for children and teens 6-17 at the same time.)
www.amandathepanda.org 1000 73rd St., Suite 12 Windsor Heights, Iowa 50324 Contact: Charlene "Charlie" Kiesling 1-877-533-4847
Faye Petersen LISW
Faye is a licensed clinician with over 25 years of experience and training as a grief counselor. She works with individuals and families who are experiencing the death of loved ones or losses from other life situations or events.
Her compassionate services provide understanding of grief reactions, facilitation of healing and hope as well as help in finding strength to move forward. As grief is an individual experience, Faye uses a client-centered approach and personalizes services to meet individual needs.
In addition to grief counseling, Faye offers services for depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem and addiction through insurance or private pay. Please email or call for an appointment or more information:
Fayepetersenlisw@gmail.com 515-360-7446 Office: 3636 Westown Parkway, Suite 219, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE DIOCESE OF DES MOINES
Services provided to families, couples, and individuals struggling with a variety of issues including grief, loss, sexual abuse, and family conflict.
601 Grand Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50309 Information: 515-237-5045
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES OF IOWA
Strengthening Families and Restoring Futures. Licensed clinicians that are caring and compassionate to assist families in healing through grief and loss and other life situations/events. A non-profit organization that provides counseling on a sliding scale or ability to pay basis for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Evening hours available.
1111 University Ave. Des Moines, Iowa Contact: 515-288-1981 Fax: 515-288-9109 www.cfiowa.org
DES MOINES PASTORAL COUNSELING CENTER
Counseling that provides understanding, hope and healing in a variety of areas including: grief and loss, anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, relationship problems, parent-child issues, and spiritual matters. Compassionate counselors take a mind, body and spirit approach to helping individual adults, couples and families to live more fully. Innovative services for counseling children and adolescents. An independent non-profit organization providing counseling through insurance and/or on a sliding scale or ability-to-pay basis. Office hours 8-6 Monday-Friday, evening hours available.
www.dmpcc.org 2929 Westown Parkway, Suite 110 West Des Moines, Iowa 50265 Information: 515-274-4006
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