What Our Grief Support Groups Look Like

Grief can feel like an insurmountable weight, especially after the loss of a child, leaving many feeling isolated and burdened. We understand this emotional journey and offer a place where these feelings can be shared and understood. Our grief support groups provide a safe and compassionate environment where you can express your story and find healing through shared experiences.

At Healing Hope Ministries, we believe that no one should have to navigate grief alone. Our grief support small group meets monthly at the Healing Hope Retreat Center, offering comfort and a sense of community among those who understand the unique challenges of loss. It's a space where vulnerability is met with support, and shared stories become a source of strength.

In addition to our regular meetings, we are always available for one on one connection. Whether it be over a cup of coffee, lunch or just chatting on the phone, we’re here to remind you that you are not alone on this journey. Join us in embracing the power of healing through sharing your story with others.

Why Grief Support Matters

Grief can feel like an overwhelming journey, leaving us lonely and isolated. We often find ourselves grappling with emotions that seem too heavy to bear. This is where grief support becomes essential, offering a much-needed lifeline.

In our grief groups, telling our story and being truly heard holds immense power. Sharing personal experiences with those who understand can bring relief and validation. It's a comforting reminder that we are not alone in this journey.

Benefits of Grief Support Groups:

• Safe space to share feelings
• Validation of personal experiences
• Community connection

Together, we create a space where grief is not just acknowledged but honored. Healing happens when our grief is witnessed and supported by others who have walked similar paths. Community and shared experiences are powerful forces in this healing process.

A mother who joined one of our groups shared, "After we lost our daughter, we felt isolated. In the group, we discovered we're not alone. We can grieve without guilt now." Her words underscore the impact of coming together.

By joining these gatherings, we find solace and support. Grief support is about forming connections and helping each other through the toughest times.

What to Expect in Our Grief Support Group

Our grief support group meets on the third Monday of every month from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Healing Hope Retreat Center in Alcester, SD. These meetings provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for families to share their thoughts, listen to others, or simply be present.

• Safe and Supportive Environment – There is no pressure to speak, only the opportunity to be heard when you are ready.
• Guidance from Experienced Facilitators – Our team understands the grieving process and gently guides conversations to ensure a supportive experience for all participants.
• Community Connection – Finding others who have experienced similar loss can be incredibly validating and healing.
• Flexible Participation – Whether you choose to share or simply listen, every form of participation is respected.

For specific meeting dates and additional details, visit our Facebook page or contact Karri at (605) 201-4261.

Who We Serve

We are committed to serving individuals and families who are navigating the loss of a loved one. We offer personalized support to key members including parents, siblings, grandparents, and the support network surrounding them. 

Parents

For parents who have faced the devastating loss of a child, we offer a compassionate community where they can express their grief without judgment. We acknowledge the complex challenges parents encounter as they struggle to cope and find meaning. Our support groups aim to provide a lifetime of connection to others who have endured similar pain, allowing parents to share their stories and learn from one another.

Our primary aim is to create a safe environment where parents feel understood and supported. Through regular meetings and retreats, parents are offered a chance to find hope in knowing others have survived this difficult journey. Together, we learn and grow, drawing strength from shared experiences and understanding.

Siblings

Siblings often face their own unique form of grief, whether they are children, teenagers, or adults. Our special events and family retreats encourage brothers and sisters to take the time they need to process their feelings and honor their sibling's memory. We warmly welcome both young siblings and adults who have lost a brother or sister to join us.

Family retreats are an opportunity for siblings of all ages to grieve in a supportive setting, fostering communication and healing within the family unit. By including children and encouraging dialogue, we ensure siblings feel acknowledged and empowered on their grief journey.

Grandparents

Grandparents are sometimes overlooked in the grieving process, yet they endure significant emotional pain. Our programs recognize them as integral members of the family who also need support. We provide a compassionate space where grandparents can mourn the loss of their grandchild while balancing the responsibility of supporting their son or daughter.

It’s important for grandparents to have a place to express their feelings openly, and our community is dedicated to offering that solace. By connecting with others who understand their struggle, grandparents can find comfort and peace on their path to healing.

The Support Network

We understand that friends, relatives, and coworkers often want to offer help but might not know how. Our resources and special events equip these individuals with practical tools and strategies to support families in mourning. By guiding the support network around bereaved families, we help ensure that meaningful assistance is available during this challenging time.

To further aid these efforts, we recommend "The Walk: Our Story of Hope, Healing and How to Help a Loved One Who Has Lost a Child," a valuable resource for those looking to provide practical and emotional support. Through education and empathy, we aim to build a community of understanding that uplifts grieving families.

A Personal Story of Healing

The Godber family knows firsthand how Healing Hope Ministries can make a difference:

“Our son, Will, died in November 2017, and his loss has devastated us beyond measure. Throughout our journey, however, God has strategically brought so many caring and compassionate people into our lives. Denny and Karri of Healing Hope Ministries have been key components in our journey through grief. The truth is that grief never ends. It comes in waves, and you’re never quite sure when a storm will hit, but with the support of Denny and Karri, we have been able to put one foot in front of the other in order to proceed on our pathway through grief. We are regular attenders of their monthly support group, and it is through the sharing of our stories with others going through these grievous losses that we are able to heal. We aren’t meant to grieve alone. Fortunately, Healing Hope has created a growing community of folks caring for one another, despite unspeakable losses.”

Key Aspects of Our Journey:

• Monthly Meetings: A space for shared experiences.
• Community Support: Building connections with others.
• Guidance: Leadership from Denny and Karri.

How to Get Involved

Participating in our grief support groups can be a meaningful step on your path to healing. We encourage everyone to find community in our spaces designed for sharing and connection. Experiencing the support of those who truly understand can be incredibly comforting.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the loss of a child, we invite you to join our grief support group. Here’s how you can get started:



• Attend a Meeting – Join us on the third Monday of each month at the Healing Hope Retreat Center.
• Contact Us – Call Karri at (605) 201-4261 for more information.
• Explore Additional Resources – Learn more about our grief retreats, memorial walks, and other support programs on our website.

We’re here to walk alongside you and offer ongoing support. Together, we can light the path to hope and healing.