Grief support
groups provide bereaved people with a safe haven in which
to share information and support while they learn coping
skills for working through their grief. In 2009, CGSS
conducted 16 support groups. Groups typically meet for
8-11 weeks each spring, summer and fall. The sessions
are curriculum-based and new members are accepted only
through the third meeting, so that the cohesive quality
of group support is not disturbed.
All
groups are conducted by professional counselors trained
in bereavement, who use educational materials prepared
by experts in the field of grief and loss. They are assisted
by volunteers who have been through a grief support group
and a volunteer training class. These volunteers give
hope and encouragement to those who are just beginning
their grief journeys.
For
information on specific support groups or to schedule
an intake interview, please call 205.870.8667.
The
Mission of Community Grief Support Service (CGSS) is to
enhance the quality of life for bereaved adults who face
the challenges of rebuilding their lives without their
loved ones, through free grief support groups, grief education
and grief counseling.
•
All CGSS services are provided free.
• CGSS is respectful and supportive of persons of all
faith groups, as well as persons who are related to no
faith group, who desire grief support. We recognize the
value of faith or core beliefs in dealing with loss.
• CGSS is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization addressing
a critical community need in the area of health and human
services.
• CGSS programs are funded by grants and donations from
foundations, businesses, faith-based organizations and
caring individuals.
Click
here for larger view of 2010 Support Group Schedule
Professional
pastoral and licensed counselors are available to help
adults with issues related to the loss of a loved one.
Call (205) 870-8667 for
an appointment. There is no fee for this service.
To aid in the
transition from bereavement to re-socialization and new
beginnings following the support group period, we sponsor
friendship groups. These groups are informal gatherings
of persons who have been members of a support group, and
wish to continue the friendships they have made, and the
support and sharing so needed during the transition time.
Grief impacts
individuals. It also impacts families and friends, faith
communities, businesses and organizations in which grieving
persons participate. Community Education Programs increase
understanding about the total impact of grief and offers
valuable information about how to help individuals through
the grief process. The CGSS “Grief-in-the-Workplace” program
offers crisis intervention and grief education to area
businesses, including our “Lunch-and-Learn” seminars.
For more information, call 205.870.8667.
“Hope for the
Holidays” workshops are sponsored each fall to help those
facing their first holiday season without a loved one.
The workshops are co-sponsored by Ridout's Funeral Service
and provided free of charge, as a public service to the
Greater Birmingham community.
Our newsletter,
SecondWind, provides encouraging articles for the
bereaved and news of the organization. Call 870-8667 to
receive your free subscription by mail. View our current
issue of SecondWind.
SecondWind
- Autumn 2009
SecondWind - Spring 2009
SecondWind
- Winter 2008
SecondWind - Summer 2008
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