Virtual Touch Programs
Wesley Lawton, Grief Support Services Manager, conducts a virtual support group
Hospice of Michigan is sensitive to the current outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the anxiety that you may be feeling. The safety of our patients, families, volunteers and staff is our priority.
It is also our priority to continue to provide bereavement support to the communities we serve.
While we have temporarily suspended our face-to-face support groups, we are pleased to offer several opportunities to join virtual grief support groups to help keep you connected and supported during these uncertain times.
Joining a virtual group is very simple - you can join by phone or by computer.
Please feel free to join any of the virtual support group options - you are welcome to join more than one. Please contact the Grief Support Services Manager leading the group you would like to attend. They will provide you with the information needed to participate.
We recognize that these challenging times can impact our grief and hope you will consider attending.
Click to view printable document
Men Overcoming Loss (Virtual)
This online support group is for men who are dealing with the death of a loved one. Join virtually with men across the state from your computer or mobile device.
1st Tuesday of the month, from 6:00pm -7:30pm
3rd Tuesday of the month, from 6:00pm -7:15pm
RSVP with Will Gasper at 231-444-3350 | wgasper@hom.org or Wes Lawton at 586-263-8514 | wlawton@hom.org
View the Men Overcoming Loss - Video Archives >
Men’s Grief Lunch Group (In-Person)
A meal-centered lunch group for men who has lost a spouse or partner. Facilitated by volunteer Larry Dugan.
2nd Wednesdays of the month | 1pm - 2:30pm
Location: American Legion, 658 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids
RSVP with Carly Whetstone at 616-443-2581 | cwhetstone@hom.org
Living On
The focus of Living On groups is to express feelings and experiences related to the loss in a supportive, caring, and non-judgmental environment. Grief and loss topics are addressed as they arise, depending on the interests of those attending the group.
In-Person Groups
3rd Tuesday of the month | 1pm - 2:30pm
Location: Eton Senior Recreation Center, 4900 Pardee Ave, Dearborn Heights
RSVP with Jackie Morris at 313-578-6328 | jmorris@hom.org
2nd Wednesday of the month | 1pm - 2pm
Location: Hospice of Michigan, 932 N. Mitchell St., Cadillac
RSVP with Will Gasper at 231-444-3350 | wgasper@hom.org
1st Thursday of the month (starts in October) | 1pm - 2pm
Location: Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding SE, Ada
RSVP with Carly Whetstone at 616-443-2581 | cwhetstone@hom.org
3rd Friday of the month | 10:30am - 11:30am
Location: Royal Oak Senior Center, 3500 Marais Ave., Royal Oak
RSVP with Cynthia Palmer at 248-334-1323 | cpalmer@hom.org
In-Person Groups with Virtual Option (Zoom)
1st Tuesday of the month | 6pm - 7pm
Location: Hospice of Michigan, 43097 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills
RSVP with Cynthia Palmer at 248-334-1323 | cpalmer@hom.org
2nd Tuesday of the month | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: Hospice of Michigan, 400 Perry Ave., Big Rapids / Zoom
RSVP with David Keller at 231-527-0913 | dkeller@hom.org
Virtual only (Zoom)
1st Wednesday of the month | 2pm - 3:30pm
RSVP with Jackie Morris at 313-578-6328 | jmorris@hom.org
1st and 3rd Thursday of the month | 1pm - 2:30pm
RSVP with Jackie Morris at 313-578-6328 | jmorris@hom.org
Living On – Young Adults
An open, ongoing, monthly group for people in their 20s and 30s. Facilitated by Arbor Hospice and Hospice of Michigan Grief Counselors.
1st Monday of the month | 6pm – 7:15pm
RSVP with Wes Lawton at 586-263-8514 | wlawton@hom.org
Living On – Loss from COVID
A grief support group for people who have experienced a death of a loved one from COVID. This group will meet monthly to discuss topics of grief and loss. Facilitated by Arbor Hospice and Hospice of Michigan Grief Counselors.
3rd Wednesday of the month | 6pm – 7:15pm
RSVP with Jackie Morris at 313-578-6328 | jmorris@hom.org
Living On – Loss of Spouse or Partner
Come and share, or simply listen, as we discuss the various intricacies and many facets of grief after the loss of a spouse/partner.
2nd & 4th Thursday of the month | 2pm – 3:15pm
RSVP with Kjirsten Boeve at 231-929-1557 | kboeve@hom.org
4th Tuesday of the month (starts September) | 6pm – 7:15pm
RSVP with Stacy Malenfant at 989-358-4295 | smalenfa@hom.org
Living On – Adult Loss of Parent
An open, ongoing, bi-monthly group for people who have lost a parent.
4th Tuesday & 2nd Wednesday of the month | 6:30pm – 7:30pm
RSVP with David Keller at 231-527-0913 | dkeller@hom.org
Living On – Loss of Adult Child
An open, ongoing, monthly group for those who have lost an adult child where grief and loss topics are addressed as they arise, depending on the interests of those attending the group.
2nd Thursday of the month | 10:30am – 11:45am
RSVP with David Keller at 231-527-0913 | dkeller@hom.org
SEMINARS AND SPECIAL SERIES
Loss of Spouse/Partner with Ron Gries, Author of “Through Death to Life”
Hear Ron’s authentic and hopeful story of living through his wife’s illness and death, and of his grieving and healing. Ron will share excerpts of his book and discuss how writing helped him on his journey.
Tuesday, September 21 | 12pm - 1pm
RSVP with Kjirsten Boeve at 231-929-1557 | kboeve@hom.org
Hope After Loss: Grief and COVID 19
This group is for anyone grieving a recent loss. We will discuss grief in general but also the unique challenge of all of the losses experienced during the pandemic and how to cope for the future.
Tuesday, October 5 | 6-7:30pm
Location: James H. Cole Home for Funerals, 16100 Schafer Hwy, Detroit
RSVP with Jackie Morris at 313-578-6328 | jmorris@hom.org
Seminar-Grief 101
This educational meeting provides attendees with important resources and information for those coping with the loss of a loved one. Grief 101 explores what is normal during the grief process, strategies for coping, suggestions for self-care, and available community support. Registration is required. This program is offered both in-person and online via Zoom.
Wednesday, November 10 | 6pm - 7:15pm
Location: Hospice of Michigan, 2366 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor
RSVP with Naomi Avril at 734-794-5177 | navril@arborhospice.org
Hope for the Holidays
Holidays can be especially difficult for anyone dealing with grief and loss. This program is designed to offer support to those who are grieving the death of a loved one during a season of memories, family, and traditions. Specific strategies for handling special occasions and taking care of yourself during this emotionally laden season will be discussed. Advance registration required.
Thursday, November 18 | 1pm - 2:30pm
Saturday, December 4 | 2pm - 3:30pm
Tuesday, December 7 | 7pm - 8:30pm
RSVP with Cindy Palmer at 248-334-1323 | cpalmer@hom.org
Care Mapping Series
Who are your supports, what affects your mood, how can you best practice self-care while grieving? It is not always easy to answer these questions, but in using tools to help you observe and visualize your supports and environment, we hope to compassionately assist you in answering them.
4 Thursdays: September 16 – October 7 | 6pm - 7pm
Facilitated by Jen Norber and Karen Monts
RSVP with Karen Monts at 313-578-6326 | kmonts@hom.org
Grief After Dementia - Caregiver Support Group
For anyone who has lost someone to Alzheimer’s Disease or other type of dementia. In partnership with Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter.
2nd Tuesdays of the month (starting September) | 6:30pm - 8pm
RSVP with Carly Whetstone at 616-443-2581 | cwhetstone@hom.org
Fly and Remember - Royal Oak & Ludington
Fly and Remember gives people a chance to recall a special time in their youth and honor a loved one at the same time. Attendees will be provided kites and the materials needed to personalize and fly their kite in memory or in honor of a loved one. This is a family-friendly memorial event open to all ages.
September 11 | 10am - 12pm
Royal Oak: Starr Jaycee Park, 1321 West 13 Mile Rd.
Ludington: Ludington Waterfront Park, 1300 S. William St.
Contact: Cindy Palmer: 248-334-1323 | cpalmer@hom.org