HERMISTON, Ore.-“Understanding Your Grief-Hope for Healing,” a six-week grief support group starts April 29 in Hermiston.
The series provides information, resources and support through understanding companionship for those coping with grief.
“Grief is not a straight line it doesn’t have neat and tidy stages, and everyone experiences it differently,” said James Lafolette, Vange John Memorial Hospice Chaplain, who is helping lead the group for the third year. “It’s heavy but gratifying work, when you see people benefiting from what you’re offering, it recharges you.”
“Understanding Your Grief”
“Understanding Your Grief” is based on the work of Dr. Alan Wolfelt, a renowned author, grief counselor, and death educator, and while it is not faith-based, it is “faith-friendly,” according to Lafolette.
Anyone dealing with grief is welcome to attend the six hour-and-a-half sessions that will cover the necessity of mourning, common myths associated with grief, and how grief is unique to everyone.
“Understanding Your Grief” provides a safe place for attendees to process their grief, whether from the loss of a family member or loved one, or with any form of loss, such as that of health or a job.
“With any loss there’s a certain degree of grief, but our culture is not great at supporting the grieving process,” said Lafolette, who will be leading the support group with his wife, Rebecca, as well as former middle school counselor Cris Frazier, a lay leader (a non-ordained member of a congregation, who serves in leadership roles in church ministry or community efforts) at New Hope Church in Hermiston.
The three plan to lead the support group as “understanding companions,” connecting attendees with resources, and ensuring a safe place for them to start processing grief.
“It’s the power of presence, of showing up and being there,” said Lafolette, who confirms he’s neither an expert nor a grief counselor. “The more people know about grief, the grieving process, and the resources available, the better we become at walking with them together as they process loss.”
The need for grief support
Good Shepherd’s Vange John Memorial Hospice is a Medicare-certified hospice program that provides compassionate care and support for terminally ill patients and their families during end of life.
Support is focused on symptom management for comfort and quality of life provided in the patient’s own home, including medications, medical equipment, bath aid services, nursing visits, 24-hour nursing support, Chaplain services, occupational therapy, massage, and volunteers.
Bereavement support for the family continues for up to 13 months after a patient dies and includes letters, check-in calls, visits, and support assessments.
“Hospice is there to support grieving families or loved ones, and we’d like to be able to point to resources, such as grief support groups,” said Lafolette.
A few local churches occasionally offer grief support programs, such as GriefShare, however, the only consistent yearly offering that Lafolette was aware of was through the Stanfield Baptist Church.
“Anyone with empathy and a little training can lead small group grief support,” said Lafolette, who hopes to see more groups started so that support is available in the spring, fall and winter.
Attending “Understanding Your Grief”
“Understanding Your Grief” starts April 29 and runs through June 3. Sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. at New Hope Church, located at 1350 S. Highway 395 in Hermiston.
Registration is recommended for “Understanding Your Grief” and materials, including Dr. Wolfelt’s book, will be provided for registered attendees.
To register for “Understanding Your Grief” or for more information on the group, contact James Lafolette at jlafolette@gshealth.org or 541.667.3814.
While the support group is free, donations are welcome to offset the cost of materials.
More information about Vange John Memorial Hospice, and the services and programs it provides, is also available online.
