“Grief is not a disorder, a disease, or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical, and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve.”
~ Dr. Earl A. Grollman
At Linnemann Funeral Homes, we understand that the journey of healing continues long after the funeral service. Our Aftercare Department is committed to offering compassionate support to our families and providing valuable grief resources for both adults and children. We are here to help you navigate this difficult time with care and understanding.
In addition to providing information about local support groups and events, there is a complimentary six-week support group for spouses experiencing loss, offered in the spring and fall at our facility and led by licensed counselor Kyle Linnemann.
STARS PROGRAMS
We began the STARS program for children and their families in 1996. St. Elizabeth Hospice now facilitates this program and offers many incredible resources to families. For more information about the support they offer, please contact them at 859-301-4611 or [email protected]
GRIEF SHARE
GriefShare is a wonderful resource for those who are going through grief. There are many opportunities to attend in our area. Follow the link below to find all the locations near you. Each week offers a unique experience, so don’t hesitate to join a group that may have already started this year.
ST. ELIZABETH HOSPICE GRIEF SUPPORT
St. Elizabeth Hospice offers a full array of grief services for children, teens, and adults in our community. All grief counseling and support groups provided by St. Elizabeth Hospice are open to the public and are not limited to those having received hospice care. They hold regular events for various areas of grief and are an incredible resource to families.
To learn more about the support groups offered by St. Elizabeth Hospice, please visit: https://www.stelizabeth.com/care/medical-services-2/hospice/grief-support/
Below is a list provided by The Cincinnati College of Mortuary. Attendees are encouraged to contact the facilitator before attending to verify group status as it may change from month to month.
FOR PARENTS
THE COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS, CINCINNATI CHAPTERS
A national, mutual assistance, self‑help organization offering friendship and understanding to bereaved parents, grandparents and adult siblings.
NORTH GROUP:
Meetings are the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7 pm at St. Timothy Episcopal Church, 8101 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45255. New attendees please call before attending in order to gather additional information. A zoom meeting is held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month (please call for Lindsay for additional information) and a casual meeting on the 2nd Saturday at Panera on Beechmont Ave. Contact: Lindsay Bibler (513) 652-7470, [email protected]
NORTH GROUP:
Meets the 1st Tuesday of each month, 7:00pm, Spring Grove Funeral Home across from Oak Hill Cemetery, Tri-County, 11285 Princeton Pike (Route 747), Cincinnati, OH 45246.
Contact: Karen Pinsky, [email protected], (513) 207-8714; Ed Von Bargen, [email protected], (513) 518-9358; or Michael G. Rapp, [email protected], cell: (513) 289-7400; [email protected] or www.tcfcincinnatinorth.org
CHILD LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
A 6-week support group designed for parents grieving the loss of a child. Please visit our website https://hospiceofcincinnati.org/services/grief-services/ and click on the current support group offerings for a complete list of current support groups. For additional information please call 513-246-9208 or email [email protected]
COMPANIONS ON A JOURNEY GRIEF SUPPORT (COJ): Bereaved Parent Grief Support Group
The Bereaved Parent Support Group provides support for parents who have suffered the death of a child, regardless of their age at death. This group provides a safe space for grieving parents to connect, share stories, and discover hope, strength, and healing. Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, 6:30-8:00 pm, September-May (check our website for summer months). To register, please call (513) 870-9108 or visit companionsonajourney.org
COMPANIONS ON A JOURNEY GRIEF SUPPORT (COJ): Footprints on Our Hearts Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group
This group provides grief support for parents who have suffered the death of a child through miscarriage or early infant death. Footprints on Our Hearts allows parents to process their grief in a safe place with other parents who have experienced the loss of a baby. Together, we honor our children and find hope, strength, and healing. Group meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month, from 6:30-8 pm, September – May. St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 5720 Hamilton Mason Rd, Liberty Township, OH 45011. To register, please call (513) 870-9108 or visit companionsonajourney.org
HEARTS: SUPPORT GROUP
Peer-led support group for parents who have lost a child through molar or ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, neonatal death, SIDS and birth defects. The H.E.A.R.T.S. support group meets the 2nd Monday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Florence United Methodist Church, 8585 Old Toll Road, Florence, Kentucky 41042. Church phone: (859) 371-7961.
HEALING TOGETHER SUPPORT GROUP
For families who have experienced pregnancy loss or the death of an infant or young child. For questions regarding the group or other HEAL (Help Endure a Loss) services, call the HEAL Coordinators at (513) 974-4056.
HOPE GROUP
This group in Northern Kentucky is for parents who experienced child loss of any age. Meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month 6:00pm at the Community Grief Center, St. Elizabeth Hospice, 483 South Loop Rd., Edgewood, KY 41017. Please call (859) 301-4611 or email: [email protected] for additional information and to confirm meeting.
LOSS OF AN ADULT CHILD SUPPORT GROUP
Grief support group for parents who have experienced the death of adult children. For locations, please call Hospice of Dayton (937) 258-4991.
MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving)
Materials, support and advocacy for victims of drunk drivers can be obtained by contacting (513) 769-6800 or calling the hot-line at 1-800-522-8641.
PARENTS OF MURDERED CHILDREN, INC. National Office and the Greater Cincinnati Area Chapter
A peer led, self‑help support group for the families and friends of those who have died by violence. POMC is a national organization dedicated solely to the aftermath and prevention of murder. Call (513) 910-2598 (cell) or [email protected] (This is for Sherry Nolan- and can be used for the local Greater Cincinnati Area Chapter); (513) 721‑5683 or 1-888-818-7662 [email protected] for Sherry or [email protected] for times & locations or visit the website at www.pomc.org (This is the contact information for the National Office)
PLUS: PRAYERFUL, LOVING and UNDERSTANDING SUPPORT
Provides support for parents who have lost a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn/infant death. Meetings are the 4th Wednesday of the month from 7:30-9:00pm at St. Margaret of York Church, 9483 Columbia Rd., Loveland, OH 45140. Contact: Mary Kuenzig (513) 300-1537 or [email protected]. Schedule changes in November and December.
REACH OUT TO GRIEVING PARENTS
Peer support led by parents who have lost a child due to miscarriage, stillbirth or newborn death. Currently, this group is not able to meet in person. Please contact one of the facilitators below regarding support and updated status. Contact: Carole Bonno, (513) 922-8883, Grace DeGregorio (513) 791-1160 or Mary Kuenzig (513) 300-1537.
FOR CHILDREN
CHILDREN’S PROGRAM, CANCER FAMILY CARE
Individual and family bereavement counseling is available for children and their families who have experienced the death of a loved one from cancer. Various groups provided, as needed. Call (513) 731-3346 for additional information about children’s groups and counseling services.
COMPANIONS ON A JOURNEY GRIEF SUPPORT (COJ): School-based Grief Support Program for Grades K-12
Our School-based K-12 Grief Support program helps transform schools into grief-informed spaces where students can process complicated feelings of grief and loss, connect with a caring community, and build a toolbox of critical wellness and resiliency skills. We partner with local school districts to provide ongoing support and crisis response to bereaved children and teens in over 50 local schools on a monthly basis. Please call our office at (513) 870-9108 for more information.
COMPANIONS ON A JOURNEY GRIEF SUPPORT (COJ): Mending Hearts for Grieving Children, Teens, and Families
This program seeks to restore family balance, one child, one teen, and one family at a time. We believe a family that grieves together, heals together. This family support group is a faith-based grief support program offering a safe and nurturing environment for all children ages 3–18 and their families who have experienced a death. We engage in activities and conversations that allow not only individual family members to experience healing, but your entire family. Mending Hearts meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month, 6:30-8 pm, September – May at the Boys and Girls Club of West Chester/Liberty, 8748 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester Township, OH 45069. To register, please call (513) 870-9108 or visit companionsonajourney.org
FERNSIDE, CENTER FOR GRIEVING CHILDREN
A place of comfort and support for children and teens, ages 3-18, and their parents/guardians who have had a significant death in the family. Each of our locations now serve children grieving the death of a parent, sibling, cousin, grandparent or significant adult. Families need to call our office at 513-246-9140 to pre-register for the meetings and events.
Evening Program: Peer support groups for families with children ages3 – 18, who are grieving the death of a family member or friend. Children and teens are divided into groups with others close to their age, while their parents/guardians meet with each other at the same time. Groups are offered twice a month at five different locations (Anderson, Blue Ash, Bridgetown, Downtown &Liberty). Families must call our office at 513-246-9140 to pre-register for the meetings.
School Program: Fernside offers time-limited peer support groups, held on-site during the school day, at area elementary, middle and high schools.
Crisis Program: Fernside provides support to schools and other organizations following a death. We can provide consultation as well as on-site support for faculty/staff, students and parents/guardians.
Special Collaboration Program: Fernside partners with community agencies to serve children or adults with disabilities or in unique settings.
Camp Program: Fernside offers a day camp for children ages 3-8, an overnight summer camp for children ages 7-12, and an overnight retreat for teens ages 13-18.
For additional information about the programs offered by Fernside, please call 513-246-9140.
STARS PROGRAM FOR GRIEVING KIDS, TEENS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Educational event for kids pre-K-12th grade and their families. 6 week program offered weekly on Thursdays from 4:30-6:00pm. Please contact: 859-301-4611 or [email protected] for location and next starting date.
The STARS Program offers Equine Adventure Camps for kids 8-18 in the summer. Please contact: 859-301-4611 or [email protected] for location and next starting date.
GENERAL GRIEF GROUPS
ADULT DAUGHTERS SUPPORT GROUP
Support group for adult daughters who have experienced the death of a parent. Meets once a month on the 1st Wednesday of the month from 3:00-4:30pm. at the Community Grief Center in Edgewood, KY. Contact (859) 301-4611 or [email protected] for additional information.
ADULT PARENT LOSS GROUP
A 6-week support group for adults grieving the loss of a parent or parent figure. Please visit our website https://hospiceofcincinnati.org/services/grief-services/ and click on the current support group offerings for a complete list of current support groups. For additional information please call 513-246-9208 or email [email protected]
ADULT PARENT LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Grief support group for adult children who had a parent die. For starting date and locations, please call Hospice of Dayton at (937) 258-4991.
ALS SURVIVORS GROUP: DINNER & SOCIAL
The group meets tri-yearly at a local restaurant. The group is for those who have experienced the death of a loved one to ALS. Enjoy the informal support and companionship of others who have experienced a similar loss. Contact: Yvonne Dressman (859) 781-8555 for the date and time of the next gathering.
COMPANIONS ON A JOURNEY GRIEF SUPPORT (COJ) IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SPRING GROVE FUNERAL HOME: Men in Grief Support Group
This grief support group is a safe place to be open and communicate about these challenges with other men who know the pain of losing a loved one. This support group is hosted by Spring Grove Funeral Homes and facilitated by Companions on a Journey and meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month, 6-7:30 pm at Spring Grove Funeral Homes (Tri-County), 11285 Princeton Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45246. To register, please call (513) 870-9108 or visit companionsonajourney.org
COMPANIONS ON A JOURNEY GRIEF SUPPORT (COJ): Caring for Your Grieving Soul
Caring for Your Grieving Soul is an open grief group designed to offer support to adults who have suffered the death of a loved one. Surrounded with love and support, this grief support group offers you the opportunity to connect with other adults who understand the heartache of losing a loved one. Together, we help individuals to restore balance and find hope, strength, and healing. Meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 6-7:30 pm. at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 11000 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 44249. To register, please call (513) 870-9108 or visit companionsonajourney.org
GRIEF TO PEACE – COMPANIONS ON A JOURNEY (COJ) IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SPRING GROVE FUNERAL HOME
Surrounded with love and support, this grief support group is hosted by Spring Grove Funeral Homes and facilitated by Companions on a Journey. Together, we help individuals to restore balance and find hope, strength, and healing. In-person and virtual options to attend are available. The in-person session meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6-7:30 pm at Spring Grove Funeral Homes, 4389 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232.
The virtual session meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month, 6-7:30 pm.
To register for these groups, please call (513) 870-9108 or visit companionsonajourney.org
FOR THOSE EXPERIENCING THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE
A support group for those who have lost a loved one. Meets the1st Sunday of the month, 1:00-3:00pm at Neidhard-Minges Funeral Home, 3155 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45211. Contact: Janet McGrath, (513) 661-3022.
GRIEF COACHING GROUP
A 5-week group, offered 2-3 times each year. Our grief coaches have the lived experience of losing close loved ones and the training to coach and facilitate small groups designed to help members honor their losses, discover their strengths, and their unique ability to recover. We borrow some practices from mindfulness and the relief that comes through focusing on the present moment. Pre-registration required. Journey to Hope, Woodview & Compton Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45231. Contact Diane Kinsella (513) 931-5777 or [email protected] for dates & time and to register.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 7820 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45255, offers a Grief Support Group. This group brings together people who are dealing with the loss of a loved one. All are welcome to attend. Contact the parish office for additional information (513) 388-4466.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
For those grieving the death of a loved one at St. James Church, 3565 Hubble Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45247. Contact Vicki Jung (513) 260-2373 or Julie Schneider (513) 377-1232 for start date.
GRIEFSHARE: JOURNEY FROM MOURNING TO JOY
Non‑denominational group for those grieving the death of someone close that features biblical teaching on grief and recovery topics. Offered twice a year for 13 weeks at Cross Pointe Baptist Church, 4596 Bells Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45244. For the next start date and times, call (513) 528-1740.
HEALING A HEART
A support group for adults. A six week program in the Spring and Fall. Hospice Care of Middletown, 4418 Lewis St, Suite B, Middletown, OH 45044. For starting dates, times and locations contact (513) 424-2273.
HEALING TOGETHER SUPPORT GROUP
A 6-week support group is open to any adult grieving the loss of a loved one. Please visit our website https://hospiceofcincinnati.org/services/grief-services/ and click on the current support group offerings for a complete list of current support groups. For additional information please call 513-246-9208 or email [email protected]
LIFE TRANSITIONS
For those who are experiencing the death of a loved one from cancer. Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesdays 6:30 pm-8:00pm at Cancer Support Community, 4918 Cooper Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45242. Contact: (513) 791-4060 for additional information.
LIFE AFTER LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Grief support group for those who have experienced any type of loss through death. For starting date and location, please call Hospice of Dayton (937) 258-4991.
NEW DAY GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
A nine-week grief support group offered for adults who have lost a loved one. Please call for the start of the next group. Contact Kathy Teipen (513) 489-7489.
NAVIGATING THE NEXT PART OF YOUR GRIEF JOURNEY
A six week support group designed for those two or more years past their loss. Please visit our website https://hospiceofcincinnati.org/services/grief-services/ and click on the current support group offerings for a complete list of current support groups. For additional information please call 513-246-9208 or email [email protected]
PARENT LOSS FOR ADULTS
This group is for adults, 18 and over, who have experienced the death of a parent. The group meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 6:00-7:00pm at the Community Grief Center in Edgewood, KY. Contact (859) 301-4611 or [email protected] for additional information prior to attending.
WIDOWS/WIDOWERS
“A WIDOWS LIFE”: SPOUSE LOSS FOR WOMEN: Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 3:00-4:30 group or the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 6:00-7:30pm at the Community Grief Center in Edgewood, KY. Contact (859) 301-4611 or [email protected] for additional information prior to attending.
COMPANIONS ON A JOURNEY GRIEF SUPPORT (COJ): Widowed Grief Support Group
Young Widowed and Living Again Support Group
Surrounded with love and support, this grief support group offers the opportunity to connect with other individuals (ages 20-64) who understand the heartache of losing a spouse. Together, we help individuals to restore balance and find hope, strength, and healing. We welcome any widowed person to attend any of the widowed support groups. You may attend this group in person or virtually. This group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, 6:30-8 pm at 8857 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, Suite #002, West Chester, OH 45069. To register, please call (513) 870-9108 or visit companionsonajourney.org
COMPANIONS ON A JOURNEY GRIEF SUPPORT (COJ): New Beginnings Widowed Grief Support
Surrounded with love and support, this grief support group offers the opportunity to connect with other individuals (ages 65+) who understand the heartache of losing a spouse. Together, we help individuals to restore balance and find hope, strength, and healing. Note that age is a guideline. We welcome any widowed person to attend any of the widowed support groups. This group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, 2-3:30 pm at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 5720 Hamilton Mason Rd, Liberty Township, OH 45011. To register, please call (513) 870-9108 or visit companionsonajourney.org
COMPANIONS ON A JOURNEY GRIEF SUPPORT (COJ): New Adventures for Widowed
COJ’s New Adventures offers social outings for current and future members of our widowed support groups. There is a monthly lunch outing at a local restaurant as well as a monthly dinner and game night at a local restaurant. If you are interested in joining, please visit companionsonajourney.org for more information and to register.
MEN’S HUDDLE
A grief support/social group for men who have experienced the deaths of their wife, partner or significant other meets on the 3rd Friday of the month at 9:00-10:30am at the Community Grief Center in Edgewood, KY. Provides an opportunity to connect with other men and find support in an informal atmosphere. Contact (859) 301-4611 or [email protected] for additional information prior to attending.
PARTNER/SPOUSAL LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
This 6-week support group is designed for those who are grieving the loss of a spouse/partner. Please visit our website https://hospiceofcincinnati.org/services/grief-services/ and click on the current support group offerings for a complete list of current support groups. For additional information please call 513-246-9208 or email [email protected]
SPOUSE LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
A six week support group for those who have experienced the loss of a spouse at the Linnemann Center. Call for dates, time and location, (859) 727-1250.
WIDOWS/WIDOWERS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Grief support group for anyone who lost a spouse. Sponsored by Hospice of Dayton. For time and locations, please call (937) 258-4991.
YOUNG WIDOWS/WIDOWERS SUPPORT GROUP
A six week support group for those who lost a younger spouse at the Linnemann Center. Please call for dates and times, (859) 727-1250.
SUICIDE
COMPANIONS ON A JOURNEY GRIEF SUPPORT (COJ): Hope and Healing After a Suicide Loss
Hope & Healing After Suicide Loss Support Group offers the opportunity to connect with other adults who understand the heartache of losing a loved one to suicide. Surrounded with love and support, together we help individuals to restore balance and find hope, strength, and healing. The group meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month, 6:30-8 pm. Boys and Girls Club of West Chester/Liberty, 8748 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester Township, OH 45069. To register, please call (513) 870-9108 or visit companionsonajourney.org
SURVIVING AFTER SUICIDE
A peer‑led support group for adults who have lost a loved one to suicide. The group meets the 3rd Monday of the month. For location and additional information, call Melissa Murphy, (513) 317-2249 or email [email protected]
SPECIALIZED GROUPS/ADDICTION SUPPORT GROUPS
OVERDOSE LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
A monthly meet-up support group in conjunction with Hamilton County Public Health for those who have lost a loved one to an overdose. Meets on the last Wednesday of the month from 6:00-7:30pm. Please visit our website https://hospiceofcincinnati.org/services/grief-services/ and click on the current support group offerings for a complete list of current support groups. For additional information please call 513-246-9208 or email [email protected]
PEACE: People Enduring Addiction Consequences Everyday Support Group
Meets the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:00-7:30pm at the Community Grief Center. Registration required. Contact (859) 301-4611 or [email protected] for details prior to attending.