It is hard to believe, but the holidays are fast approaching. For some, this is a time of celebration, family gatherings and an overall season of joy and excitement! For others, it is a painful reminder that their lives have changed. The gift they desire the most this holiday season is something they can not have.

For anyone who has experienced the loss of someone by death, this season can be one of the most difficult challenges they will ever face on their road to recovery. The holidays as we remember them have changed. While others are addressing holiday greeting cards, planning holiday parties, and family gatherings, the bereaved are addressing their own concerns. Will the holidays always be this painful? How can we “celebrate” when we have these overwhelming feelings of sadness, loss and emptiness? These feelings are all a part of grief. It is important to remember that grief is neither a sign of weakness nor a lack of faith!

We invite you to our annual holiday remembrance service. We honor those who have passed from our lives, and offer some helps for those looking for a way to "survive" the holiday season. Please join us on:
December 8, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.
Omro Area Community Center




A few of the local grief services available:


Oshkosh Area Grief Resources

Affinity VNA
Grief Support Groups
 Our support groups are monthly adult gatherings for individuals and families who have experienced the death of a loved one. These groups provide a caring community in which to:
Learn about grief
Find support
Share memories
Share feelings
All groups are free to attend and no pre-registration is required.
Grief support groups meet in:

Appleton:
The first Tuesday of every month, 2:30 p.m.
Thompson Community Center
820 West College Avenue
There are many special opportunities to work through and understand grief better, offered throughout the year.

Neenah: For Men Only
Men Journeying through Grief:

To explore the unique reactions to grief that men experience. Join us for a home-cooked meal followed by sharing of grief information and support resources. Meetings will be held the first Wednesday of every month, 6-8pm at the Affinity Visiting Nurses office, 816 W. Winneconne Avenue, Neenah. Pre-registration is not required, but appreciated for meal planning purposes. Call toll-free 1-866-236-8500.

Neenah:
Peace Through Grief:

Looking at the many pieces of life that are affected by a loss.
6-week program provides information and support, looking at all aspects of the grief experience, including emotional, physical, spiritual and social. Pre-registration is required, to allow for ample curriculum and supplies for each participant. Please call 920-727-2000 for upcoming dates.


Additional groups, educational opportunities and memorial events are offered throughout the year.

For more information on these and other grief support opportunities, contact Deb Kosmer, bereavement coordinator, at 866-236-8500 or Deb.Kosmer@ministryhealth.org


Compassionate Friends
www.compassionatefriends.org
If you are a member of the family who has suffered the death of a child or a friend The Compassionate Friends is here to help you.

Chapter Name: The Compassionate Friends of Fox Valley
Chapter Number: 2172
cjeanfaville@gmail.com
(920) 268-7679
Claire Faville
Meeting Info: 4th Thursday of each month 7:00 pm
Meeting Address: Faith United Methodist Church, 1025 Tullar Rd, Neenah, WI 54956



Survivors of Suicide
www.survivorsofsuicide.com

OSHKOSH
Group
Name & Mailing Address:
Community for Hope of Greater Oshkosh


Contact: 920-230-4840
www.communityforhope.org

Meeting Place:
United Way/Hooper Community Building, 36 Broad St.
Oshkosh, WI;

Meeting Day(s)/Meeting Time:
3rd Thursday of every month 6:30-8:30 p.m.


Facilitated by: Professional

Charge: No

Newsletter: Yes, monthly

Counties Served: Winnebago, Outagamie
Ages 14+ are welcome.

RIPON
Group
Name & Mailing Address:
Community for Hope 


Contact: 920-230-4840
www.communityforhope.org


Meeting Place:
 Immanuel United Methodist Church
401 West Fond Du Lac St.
Ripon, WI 54971 


Meeting Day(s)/Meeting Time:
1st Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m.


Facilitated by: Peer and Professional 

Charge: No 

Newsletter: Yes, monthly 

Counties Served: Marquette, Green Lake
Ages 14+ are welcome.