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Aftercare
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Sometimes the loss of a loved one can be especially painful. We understand that the grieving process does not end with the funeral. We are here not only to help arrange the funeral, but to help families cope with the loss of their loved one. Our Aftercare program begins after the services and provides continuous support throughout the first year. Christine Lachapelle-Miller, Aftercare Coordinator, will follow up with our families one week after the service to check in and see how they are doing. She will let them know the services the Center for Grief & Healing offers and continue to support them on an ongoing basis if they so chose.
Center for Grief & HealingIn April of 2007, the Lachapelle Funeral Home proudly opened its Center for Grief & Healing. After the death of a loved one, life can seem uncertain and hopeless. The goal of the Center is to provide free services to our families and members of the community and help them gain a sense of hope. |
What to Expect
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Everyone grieves. Grief is the feelings inside—the confusion, the churning stomach, the heartache, the mental anguish. Mourning is what we do with our feelings of grief in order to reconcile the loss and continue living healthy and positive lives. Coming to a support group is both challenging and rewarding—it may be difficult to face the pain, but facing it, expressing it and sharing with others in similar circumstances provides us with new tools and the inner strength to cope with our changed circumstances and help our families move forward. We do not subscribe to theories of “stages” of grief, or think of our mission as “treating” people so that they “get over” their grief. We recognize that there is no timeline for individual grief, but rather chaotic, stormy, swirling seas of emotion punctuated by moments of calm and gradual reconciliation of the permanent changes, reassessment of life’s meaning and living a “new normal” that is assisted by the hardwork of healthy, life-affirming mourning. While we encourage you to share and to express your pain, we recognize that some individuals may not be ready. There is no pressure to speak, take what you need, use it for yourself…for your strengthening, reinforcement and healing. Give only what you can…try to find some comfort in the knowledge that you are not alone…There are others who understand your anguish. Participants are encouraged to attend for as long as they like. There is no cost for our bereavement services.
Support GroupsGrieving Spouses This group is for those individuals who have lost a spouse at any age and any sexual orientation. Grieving Children This is a group for adult children who are suffering from the loss of a parent. Bereaved Parents This group is for parents who have lost a child (2 years or older). Empty Arms This group is for those who have experienced any type of pregnancy or infant loss (babies up to two years of age). Survivors of Suicide This group is for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. Support for Caregivers This group is for friends and family caring for someone with a terminal illness. |
Workshop PresentationsWorkshop presentations will be offered on a variety of topics within the area of death, grief, loss, and life transitions. |
Lending LibraryWe have a large selection of books, videos and other resources dealing with grief, bereavement support and other issues that affect the bereaved. |
Guided MeditationOur guided group meditation and one-on-one sessions focus on stress, bereavement, illness, anxiety and depression. |
Reiki HealingReiki is a wonderful healing method that re-balances your body on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Reiki restores the body’s vital life force, which is often depleted by illness, anxiety and everyday stress. |
Memorial Services and Memory WalksOn an ongoing basis and in coordination with community organizations, the Center offers memorial services and sponsors memorial walks to celebrate the lives of our loved ones. |
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For more information or to check on upcoming events, please contact: Christine Lachapelle-Miller at (401) 256-2741or email christine@lachapellefh.com. |
Resources on the WebTen Freedoms for Creating a Meaningful Funeral http://www.centerforloss.com/articles.php?file=freedoms.php My Grief Rights: Ten Healing Rights for Grieving Children http://www.centerforloss.com/articles.php?file=grief_rights.php Helping Yourself Heal When Someone Dies http://www.centerforloss.com/articles.php?file=helping2.php Helping Yourself Heal When Your Spouse Dies http://www.centerforloss.com/articles.php?file=helping3.php Helping Yourself Heal When a Parent Dies http://www.centerforloss.com/articles.php?file=helping4.php Helping Yourself Heal When a Baby Dies http://www.centerforloss.com/articles.php?file=helping5.php Helping Yourself Heal During the Holiday Season http://www.centerforloss.com/articles.php?file=helping6.php For more articles on grief go to: |