Local Grief Education and Support Groups
Hospice of the Piedmont
Hospice of the Piedmont offers several grief education and support groups for community members with various needs. These groups are open to the public. Your loved one did NOT need to be a hospice patient for you to attend. Recent Hospice of the Piedmont offerings include: Charlottesville daytime and evening groups; a grief in the workplace group; groups for specific losses; special events; and children/youth groups and programs. Local groups in the following counties: Albemarle, Augusta, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson. For information on current groups/programs, contact Hospice of the Piedmont at 434) 817-6900 or 1-800-975-5501.
Hospice of the Rapidan
Hospice of the Rapidan provides grief support groups and individual bereavement support to hospice families, friends and caregivers, as well as to the community at large. Services are provided to Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange, Rappahannock and surrounding central Virginia counties. Services are offered free of charge to anyone coping with grief after the loss of a loved one, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the loss. For detailed information, to schedule an appointment, or to see if a bereavement group is currently forming, e-mail the Grief Care Coordinator, Craig Wilt , or call 1-800-676-2012.
Hospice of the Shenandoah
Hospice of the Shenandoah serves the cities of Waynesboro, Staunton, and the region surrounding Augusta County. For grief support group information, contact the Bereavement Counselor, Mark Westebbe , at (540) 332-4909 or (540) 932-4909.
The Compassionate Friends
This group is for parents who have suffered the death of a child at any age. Phone (434) 973-8844. Email pctcf@avenue.org . Website www.avenue.org/compassion.
Camp Dragonfly
Camp Dragonfly is a caring environment where children and teenagers ages 6-18 gather with their peers to share their experiences of grieving the death of someone they love. Through playing and sharing, campers realize that their emotions are normal and that what is happening to them is happening to others. Camp Dragonfly is held in the fall soon after school begins. The camp is approximately 20 miles south of Waynesboro, VA. For more information, contact: 540-932-4909 or email hospice@cfw.com.
LOFT (Living Objectives for Today)
LOFT is a support group for widows/widowers that meets monthly in Charlottesville. Social support and information exchange are the primary goals. Each month there are guest speakers for various topics. This is a free program from Hill and Wood Funeral Home. Contact Gretchen Edwards (434) 296-6148.
Counseling/Crisis Intervention
Region Ten
Region Ten is the local community services board. They provide individual counseling and crisis intervention for anyone in need. Cost may be covered by insurance or out of pocket, a sliding scale is available. Contact (434) 972-1800.
Open House Hotline
A short term crisis and referral source offered 24-hours per day during the academic school year only . They are here to listen, comfort, and provide possible alternatives to your situation. This is a confidential, non-judgmental, and non-directive service. Contact (434) 295-TALK (8255).
UVa Cancer Center Bereavement Support Group
For family members & friends who have lost a loved one to cancer. Contact Gordon Putnam, (434) 924-2477.