Grief Support Programs

Pathways of HopeSM Grief Counseling Centers provide a variety of services to the communities we serve throughout Ohio. Our knowledgeable, caring staff provides support or education when requested by an individual, family, group or community organization. All of our clinicians are licensed social workers or counselors. They are seasoned professionals in grief and bereavement work.

Grief support groups can provide a much-needed bridge over the difficult days, weeks and months during and after a loss. Participants discover that the group is a place where understanding, encouragement and practical suggestions are readily found. Designed to meet a variety of needs, all of our groups are open to anyone in the community who is coping with the loss of a loved one and offered free of charge. Our groups typically meet on a rotating basis through the year. Contact Pathways of Hope at 937.256.4490 opt. 6 for group schedules near you.

Bereavement Workshops

Bereavement workshops are offered throughout the year in the Wooster and New Philadelphia areas to help support and educate those who are grieving. Please visit our events page to learn more.

Grief Support Groups

Hope and Healing provides a safe venue for sharing experiences, discussing key challenges, and learning about positive coping strategies along the grief journey. This free 5-week series is offered in the New Philadelphia area and is designed to help adult grievers understand the many nuances of grief, help them with processing the pain, and help them adjust to a world without their loved one. During the Hope & Healing group, participants will identify and process many of the ways that grief presents itself. It is not necessary to share openly in a group setting to receive support. The weekly curriculum and insights from others can generate hope and clarification for one’s own grief experience. Groups meet every other Thursday at 656 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663. While the event is free and open to the public, registration is required. To register and for more information, please call 800.884.6547 or email NorthPathwaysofHope@OhiosHospice.org and include your name, the name of the event, the date of the event, and your phone number.

Grief Works is an open support group for adults that have experienced a loss led by our bereavement staff offered through Ohio’s Hospice | Newark. Groups meet the first Monday of every month from 3-4:30 pm at 2269 Cherry Valley Rd., Newark, OH 43055. To register for this support group, or for more information, please call 740.788.1474.

Growing Through Grief is open to any adult who has lost a loved one to death. This free group is offered in eight-week sessions throughout the year in the Dayton area. Please contact a bereavement counseling staff member at 937.258.4991 for enrollment.

Heart to Heart is an open grief support group for adults who have experienced a loss. Together, led by Pathways of Hope staff and trained volunteers, we gather to share our memories and experiences – heart to heart. The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7pm at 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691. For more information or to RSVP, email NorthPathwaysOfHope@OhiosHospice.org or call 800.884.6547.

Social Groups

Growing Together meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month to share a meal and enjoy the fellowship of others who also have experienced the loss of a loved one. This time is an accessible, respectful and confidential space. If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one or supporting a friend who is grieving, please join us for a meal at The Barn Restaurant located at 877 W. Main St., Smithville, OH 44677. First Tuesday at 12:30 pm and Third Tuesday 3:30 pm. Please call Ohio’s Hospice | Wooster at 330.264.4899 to learn more.

Children’s Grief Support

Healing Pathways are school-based grief support programs, providing 1:1 supportive grief counseling, grief support groups, and grief education for staff and students. Healing Pathways is offered at Ohio’s Hospice | Dayton.

Youth Camps. We strive to offer support and guidance to children through education on grief and loss and normalizing emotions and experiences. Visit our camp page to learn more about in-person camps and home experiences available to children and teens who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or significant loved one.

Art-Related Support

The Art Cart is a mobile cart that will bring art to you! Open to all ages, the Art Cart is a free service to all patients and family members who would like a creative distraction while visiting the Ohio’s Hospice | Dayton campus at 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45420. No artistic talent is required. The Art Cart travels through the Hospice House Monday through Thursday at various times.

Individual Counseling

One-on-one counseling sessions for children, teens, and adults are available by appointment. One session often provides adequate information for grievers to feel they are processing grief normally. Our bereavement counselor/social worker will develop an individual plan of care based on each individual’s needs.

Our philosophy is that grief is a normal reaction to loss, that each individual’s experience is unique, and that each relationship is one of a kind. Our Pathways of Hope staff seeks to understand what is needed for each individual to navigate the grief process and to assist with an effective plan to cope with this life change.

To schedule an appointment or find out more about one-on-one grief counseling services, please contact Pathways of Hope at  937.258.4991.

Memorial Services and Remembrance Events

Memorial Services and remembrance events are held at various times throughout the year and are open to the public. These events are a way to honor your loved ones while supporting our mission in your community. Please contact our Ohio’s Hospice Foundation for more information about remembrance events.