Special Focus Support Groups

Children & Family

Families Growing Through Grief Retreat

A Fairview Hospice Co-sponsored Event

Mt. Olivet Retreat Center, Farmington, MN

Nov. 6-8, 2009

This retreat is for families who have experienced the death of a parent at least 3 months ago but not more than 18 months ago. Families Growing Through Grief is a National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Award of Excellence Program. For more information, call Chris Dooley-Harrington, Fairview Hospice Grief Counselor, at 952-885-6197 for more information.

Fairview Youth Grief Services

Ebenezer Ridges Care Center

13820 Community Drive, Burnsville, MN 55337

Youth Grief Services offers a multi-week grief support series for youth and their caregivers. Groups for youth, 4-18 years old, are organized by age and provide age-appropriate activities. Groups for caregivers are organized by relationship loss. An education group is also offered to help caregivers better understand grieving youth and how to support them. There is no charge for the series, but pre-registration is required. Call Fairview On Call at 612-672-7272 to register. For more information, call Youth Grief Services at 952-892-2111 or visit their website at www.youthgriefservices.org

Camp Erin

Fairview Youth Grief Services.

One Heartland Center, Willow River, MN.

August 21-23, 2009

Camp Erin is a grief camp designed for children ages 6-17 who have experienced the death of a family member or friend. The camp is designed to help children express their grief, build trust and self-esteem, and learn to cope with their loss. Camp is free, but space is limited, so apply early! To learn more, call Youth Grief Services at 952-892-2111 or visit their website at www.youthgriefservices.org.

Growing through Grief

A School Support Program

Growing Through Grief is a school support program offering a weekly grief support and/or individual counseling session to students who have experienced the death of a loved one. The group meets during the school day and rotates class periods. For more information and to locate a program in your child’s school, call Sarah Kroenke at 952/993-6209.

Valleyfair Family Fun Night

Facing Cancer Together (FaCT)

Thursday, July 29, 2009

Our evening at Valleyfair is a time for your family to just have fun together. We’ll kick off the evening with a picnic and then off to the park for rides and entertainment. This event is free. Call FaCT at 612/205-5743 to register.

Kids Kamp

Facing Cancer Together (FaCT)

Eden Wood Center, Eden Prairie

Aug. 4-6, 2009

Kids Kamp is FREE for kids anad teens (ages 5-18) who have a parent facing cancer. Teens stay overnight and will challenge themselves on a high ropes course. Kids 12 and under will participate in outdoor activities, crafts, and much more. Call FaCT at 612/205-5743 to register.

FaCT Teen Outreach

Facing Cancer Together (FaCT)

A monthly get-together just for teens who haove a parent with cancer. Hang out with other teens, learn something new and have fun. Call Suzie at 612-481-7121 for more information.

Camp Amanda Minnesota

9859 13^th Ave. N., Plymouth, MN 55441

Twice a year

Camp Amanda–Minnesota is a special camp for children and teens, kindergarten through high school, who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or significant person in their lives. Their mission is to bring hope and healing to Minnesota’s grieving children. Call 763-555-0157 for more information or visit their website at campamandaminn.com. The camp is free but a $35 refundable deposit is required.

Rainbows Program

St. Richard’s Church

7540 Penn Ave. S., Richfield, MN

The Rainbow Program is a peer support group for children who have suffered a significant loss in their lives, either by death, divorce, or any other painful transition. There is no cost for this program, but registration is required. Call Ann Mullerleile at 612-869-2426 ext. 115 for dates and more information.

Evening Family Nights

Allina Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care

1055 Westgate Drive, Suite 100, St. Paul, MN 55114

A 6-week activity-related support for parents made single by death and their children, ages 5-18. Cost of the program is $50, sliding fee available. Call Allina Grief Resources at 651-628-1752 for dates and more information.

Support for Grieving Youth

Children’s Hospital—St. Paul

345 N. Smith Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102

Youth who have experienced the death of a loved one are invited to participate in this five week support series. This offering is designed for youth, 3 to 18 years of age. Groups for adults will also be held at the same time. There is no fee to participate but registration is requested. Contact Sue Bohnsack at 651/232-3665 (HealthEast Hospice) for dates and more information.

Jewish

The Twin Cities Jewish Healing Program

Through the wisdom and traditions of Judaism, The Twin Cities Jewish Healing Program offers comfort, hope, and strength to people experiencing loss, life challenges, illness, dying, and grief. Call 952-542-4864 for more information.

Cancer

Facing Cancer Together

Facing Cancer Together (FaCT) is an educational support program offered free of charge for children and their families who have a parent with cancer. FaCT helps families gain understanding, strength and hope as they journey through the cancer experience together. Annual activities include a summer camp, harvest of Hope Family Retreat, Education and Support Nights, and a Kids Kove Holiday Festival. Call 612-205-5743 for more information.

Men’s Group

Men’s Grief Group

Bradshaw Funeral Home

675 S. Snelling Ave., St. Paul, MN (Highland Park)

One Saturday per month, 10-11:30 a.m.

This support group for men is sponsored by HealthPartners Hospice of the Lakes. There is no fee for the group and new members are welcome at any time. Call Paul Johnson at 952-883-6967 for more information.

Homicide, Suicide, Accident

Support for Homicide, Suicide, Accident

St. Paul Police Headquarters

367 Grove Street, St. Paul, MN

This support group for families who have experienced death due to homicide, suicide, or accident is for children, adults, and teens. There is no cost to participate but registration is requested. Call Margaret McAbee at 651-266-5674 to register. Groups are held year around.

Young Widows

Young Widowed Support Group

Meets monthly, Sundays, 1-3 p.m.

1055 Westgate Dr., Ste. 100, St. Paul, MN 55114

This is an education and support program for young widowed adults ages 20-55. Postcard announcements are sent to inform members of topics and meeting dates. Call 651-628-1752 to be added to the mailing list. The group is sponsored by multiple hospice programs in the Twin Cities area. Call Fairview Hospice at 612-728-2445 for more information.