Health
- Last Updated on Saturday, 27 August 2016 23:29
What is grief? It is the normal response of sorrow, emotion, and confusion that comes from losing someone or something important to you. Grief lasts as long as it takes you to accept your loss or live with your loss.
The “Take My Hand” bereavement support group was formed by caring members of the community under the sponsorship of Albert Gallatin/Amedisys Hospice. The group has served the needs of the bereaved in the Mon Valley area for 16 years. Two of the leaders of the group, Maureen Lusk and Rose Marie Iiams, are original founding members, with 20 years of personal and hands-on experience each. The bereavement support group continues to be sponsored by Amedisys Hospice and is made possible by the cooperation of health care professionals and caring volunteers.
The meetings are open to men and women whose common bond is grief following a significant loss. There is no charge to attend the meeting. If offers all those who mourn the opportunity to share their loss, get assistance in the hard work of the grief process, and get support with gaining new direction in their lives. At each meeting, participants support each other emotionally, share information and concerns, or learn from guest speakers how, together, each can find his or her own strengths to go on with a new life.
Meetings are held in the morning and evening to accommodate people who are working during the day or do not want to drive at night. You can join the meetings at any time and can attend either or both the morning and evening meetings. Meetings are held year round.
The morning meeting is held at the Church of the Nazarene at 10th Street in Monongahela. Meeting time is the 3rd Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m.
Evening meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 609 Chess Street, Monongahela. Use the 6th street entrance.
As part of the bereavement process, Amedisys Hospice also sponsors retreats and bereavement activities.
If you have suffered a loss and would like more information, please contact Bethany Williams at 724-483-4109 or Maureen Lusk at 724-258-8855.
