AGA (American Grief Academy)
9016Taylorsville Road #181
Louisville, KY 40299
502-671-0535
Grief Inc. is the official home of Darcie Sims, Tony Sims, and Alicia Sims Franklin. Darcie and Alicia are internationally recognized public speakers on the topics of grief and grief support. Tony is nationally known as a presenter and management consultant. Founded in 1986, Big A and Company began as a dream with the publication of Alicia's book on sibling grief, Am I Still a Sister?, the first book written by a kid for kids. In 1990, Darcie's Why Are the Casseroles Always Tuna? was published, and the candle of hope continues to burn as brightly as ever. In July of 2000, Big A and Company became Grief Inc. and the dreams have only grown larger. Grief Inc. provides seminars, trainings, community seminars, books, tapes, and more than 30 years of experience helping.
Art Therapy for Children in Grief
18659 Drake Rd
Strongsville, OH 44136
440-816-5020
Hospice Services of Southwest General Hospital
Center for Loss & Life Transition
3735
Broken Bow Road
Fort Collins, CO 80526
(970)226-6050
Founded in 1983 by Dr. Alan Wolfelt, the Center for Loss and Life Transition is a private organization dedicated to furthering our understanding of -and compassion for- the complex set of emotions we call grief. Our mission is to help both the bereaved, by walking with them in their unique life journeys, and bereavement caregivers, by serving as their educational liaison and professional forum. Our motto is "helping people help others."
Cornerstone of Hope
5905 Brecksville Rd
Independence, OH 44131
216-524.HOPE
8-wk Support Group for families (age 6-adult
Escape School
Escape School is an educational program for children and their parents regarding abduction, how to avoid it and if abducted, how to escape. Children are given practical advice, fingerprinted and photographed. For more information contact Mark Busch at Busch Funeral and Crematory Services (216) 749-7450.
FEEL (Families Experiencing Early Loss)
Fairview Hospital
Fairview Park, OH
216-476-6965
1st Thursdays 7:30-9PM at Fairview Hospital
Families Living in Grief Healing Together
5905 Brecksville Rd
Independence, OH 44131
216-524-4673
Ages 6-adult Taking FLIGHT (Families Living in Grief Healing Together) 8-wks
Infant Loss
800-700-4771
6:30-8pm, Robertson Bereavement Center - Hospice of Medina Cty, Registration req'd, no fee
Joel's Place for Children
Bay Village, OH 44140
440-248-4412
Meetings are on the East and West side of Cleveland, phone for more information. Mary Willhite, L.S.W., and Kathy Stellato, R.N., certified bereavement facilitators, founded Joel's Place for Children in 2003. They continue to lead the support groups and train and supervise the volunteer facilitators.
National Alliance for Grieving Children
555 Forest Avenue
Portland, ME 04101-1504
(866) 432-1542
Suicide Resources More resources about: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Bereavement books Suicide With special thanks to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention www.afsp.org Books/Articles to use when helping children: Children of suicide: The telling and the Knowing. Albert C. Cain, Psychiatry, Summer 2002. Vol. 65, Issue 2, pages 124-137. This is a research overview, easily understood for laypeople. Someone I Love Died By Suicide: A Story for Child Survivors and Those Who Care for Them. Doreen Cammarata, Grief Guidance, Inc., 2000. An illustrated book that explains depression and suicide in child-friendly language. After. Francis Chalifour, Tundra, 2005. Nominated for the Canadian Governor General's Literary Awards 2005, this autobiographical novel tells the story of 15-year-old Francis's struggles with guilt, anger, profound sadness and search for hope, during the first year after his father's suicide. After a Suicide: A Workbook for Grieving Kids. Developed for use with children, this workbook combines explanations of mental illness and suicide, creative exercises, practical advice, and quotations from child survivors. Available through The Dougy Center for Grieving Children and Families (www.dougy.org). After a Suicide: Young People Speak Up. Susan Kuklin, Putnam Publishing Group, 1994. Nine personal accounts of survivors, many of whom are teens. Each account focuses on a specific topic, such as losing a parent, losing a sibling, seeking therapy, support groups. My Uncle Keith Died. Carol Ann Loehr, Trafford Publishing, 2006. Written in clear simple language easily understood by children, this book offers hope and practical ways to explain suicide to children. It explains the difference between sadness and depression, and describes how chemical imbalances in the brain cause illnesses that can result in suicide. Child Survivors of Suicide: A Guidebook for Those Who Care for Them. Rebecca Parkin and Karen Dunne-Maxim, 1995. This practical guide offers guidance for family members, educators, and others who deal with young survivors. Available through AFSP in English and Spanish. www.afsp.org In Her Wake: A Child Psychiatrist Explores the Mystery of Her Mother's Suicide. Nancy Rappaport. Basic Books, 2009. Dr. Nancy Rappaport, a child psychiatrist, lost her mother to suicide at the age of four. Drawing on court papers, newspaper clippings, her mother's unpublished novel, and interviews with family and friends, she explores the impact of her mother's suicide. After a Parent's Suicide: Helping Children Heal. Margo Requarth, Healing Hearts Press, 2006. Written by a bereavement counselor who lost her own mother to suicide when she was just under four years old, this book offers constructive, compassionate and clear suggestions for helping children. Talking to Children about Suicide. Margo Requarth, Grief Digest Magazine, Vol. 4, Issue 4. Reprinted with permission from Grief Digest, Center Corp., Omaha, NE, (402) 553-1200. But I Didn't Say Goodbye: For Parents and Professionals Helping Child Suicide Survivors. Barbara Rubel, Griefwork Center, Inc., 2000. Told from the point of view of a child, this book is intended for adults to read and then share with children. Understanding Suicide, Supporting Children. The Dougy Center. 2010. This DVD provides insight on the emotions and experiences that children, teens and families affected by a suicide death often go through, and offers ways to help. Available through The Dougy Center for Grieving Children and Families (www.dougy.org).
Neonatal/Infant Loss
Independence, OH
(216) 524-HOPE
8-week support group
Pathways for Widows/Widowers & Children (5-12yrs.)
216-486-6364
2nd Mondays, 6-8PM, Eliz. Severance Prentiss Bereavement Center
STARS (Support, Tears, Anger, Remembrance & Sadness)
Hospice of Western Reserve
Children ( 6-12) meet while parents meet for support. Westside- 216-486-6319 Eastside- 216-486-6316
Sudden Infant Death Network of Ohio
Children’s Hospital Medical Center, One Perkins Sq
Akron, OH 44302
800-477-7437 or 330-929-9911
Suicide Survivor Support
338 Williams St.
Huron, OH
440-433-3984
Suicide library available in prayer room #5 at the Huron United Methodist Church
The Compassionate Friends, Inc.
P. O. Box 3696
Oak Brook, IL 60522
1-877-969-0010
-1st Thursdays 7:30 pm,(2nd Thursdays beginning 2/2010) Parma Hts. Bill & Judy 440-234-7098, Olga 216-252-7521 -3rd Thursdays 7:30pm, Wellington, 440-647-4289 or 419-577-5007 -1st Thursdays, 7:30pm, Sandusky, 419-625-1199, (419) 660-9419. -1st Tuesdays, 7:30pm, Medina, 330-483-3586 -1st Tuesdays, 7:30pm, Tiffin, 419-986-5355
The Dougy Center, The National Center for Grieving Children & Families
3903 S.E. 52nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97286
503-775-5683
The Dougy Center was the first center in the US to provide peer support groups for grieving children. We’d like to share with you what we have learned from over 13,500 children, teens and families we’ve served since 1982. The Dougy Center is a non-profit organization which is totally privately supported and does not charge a fee for services. The mission of The Dougy Center for Grieving Children is to provide to families in Portland and the surrounding region loving support in a safe place where children, teens and their families grieving a death can share their experiences as they move through their healing process. Through our National Center for Grieving Children and Families we also provide support and training locally, nationally and internationally to individuals and organizations seeking to assist children in grief.
The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children
900 Cook Road
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
313-885-0390 or 877-306-5256
Founded in 1990 by William Steele, MSW, PsyD, The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children’s (TLC) mission is to provide school professionals, crisis intervention teams, medical and mental health professionals, child care professionals and clinicians with trauma education, training, consultation, referral services and trauma-specific intervention programs and resource materials needed to help children, parents, families, and schools traumatized by violent or non-violent trauma-inducing incidents.
The SIDS Network of Ohio
800-477-7437
Meets 3rd Tuesdays at 5923 Broadview Rd., Parma, 330-460-3034 2nd Mons., 6:30 to 8pm, Lorain 440-282-9380
Website for Grandparents SIDS
800-477-7437
Young Widows
5905 Brecksville Rd
Independence, OH 44131
216-524-HOPE
2nd Tuesdays 6pm (dinner & childcare inc.)RSVP
Tragic Loss
American Association of Suicidology
4201 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 408
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 237-2280
The National Hopeline Network 1-800-273-TALK provides access to trained telephone counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Survivors Division of AAS is dedicated to understanding the issues of survivors of suicide and incorporating these in suicide prevention efforts.
Christ Church
23080 Royalton Road
Columbia Station, OH 44028
(440) 236-8282
13 week support group begining November 11th 10:00 – 11:30 am
Cornerstone of Hope
P.O. Box 31555
Independence, OH 44131
216-524-3787
The Cornerstone of Hope is a center dedicated to providing support, love and hope for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Our desire is to create a comfortable environment where individuals can receive empathy from others who have suffered similar losses. We are committed to meeting the spiritual, relational and emotional needs of children, teens, adults, spouses and families.
HMC The Robertson Bereavement Center
5075 Windfall Road
Medina, OH 44256
330-725-1900 X126
Suicide: A Time to Hear a Time to Speak This six-week grief education workshop will be held for those who have lost someone to suicide. Participants will receive support, understand the grief process, begin to understand the “why” of suicide, and begin to find some answers. Please join us for our workshop The Robertson Bereavement Center is a community outreach of Hospice of Medina County
MADD National Office
511 E. John Carpenter Fwy. Suite 700
Irving, TX 75062
800-GET-MADD (438-6233)
MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit grass roots organization with more than 600 chapters nationwide. MADD is not a crusade against alcohol consumption – MADD’s mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking.
National Organization for Victim Assistance
1730 Park Road NW
Washington , DC 20010
1-800-try-nova
The National Organization for Victim Assistance is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization of victim and witness assistance programs and practitioners, criminal justice agencies and professionals, mental health professionals, researchers, former victims and survivors, and others committed to the recognition and implementation of victim rights and services.
Northcoast Conflict Solutions
7007 E. Sprague Road
Independence, OH 44131
440-262-3700
Northcoast Conflict Solutions, LLC, is a mediation, counseling, and training practice in Independence, OH. Founded in 1996, NCS is staffed by mediators, psychologists, counselors, attorneys, and affiliates with backgrounds in: Business Debt/credit Law Education, IDEA, School safety Behavioral health Organization development Ministry Construction Real estate Human Resources Please visit the website for more information
Parents of Murdered Children
100 East Eighth Street, Suite B-41
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 721-5683 Toll Free: (888) 818-POMC
POMC® makes the difference through on-going emotional support, education, prevention, advocacy, and awareness.
Suicide Prevention Education Alliance – SPEA
29425
Chagrin Blvd Ste 306
Cleveland , OH 44122-4637
216. 464.3471
Suicide prevention
Suicide Survivor Support
Middleburg Heights Community Church
Middleburg Hts, OH 44130
(440) 237-1359
2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month from 7:30- 9 p.m., Middleburg Heights Community Church
Suicide Survivor Support
St. Thomas
Sheffield Lake, OH
440-949-2752
4th Tuesdays (non-denominational)
Suicide Survivor Support
Stein Hospice
Huron, OH
419-625-5269 ext.115
Young Widows-New Beginnings
Hospice of the Western Reserve
Westlake, OH
440-892-6680
Hospice of the Western Reserve St. John Westshore Comm. Outreach Ctr., Westlake
Hospice and Support Organizations
Akron Child Guidance Center
2305 East Aurora Road
Twinsburg, OH 44087
(330) 425-7111 or (330) 794-4254
Alzheimer’s Association
12200 Fairhill Road Cleveland, OH 44120
216-721-8458
The Alzheimer’s Association’s mission is to stand by those who are touched by Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias by advancing research and providing the information, care and support needed to live life as fully as possible throughout the journey.
Center for Grief Counseling and Education, Inc.
6046 Whippley Avenue NW
North Canton, OH 44720
(330) 497-2960
Cuyahoga Valley Church
5055 East Wallings Road
Broadview Hts., OH 44147
440-746-0404
Grief Support Group. Grief Share Contact: Greta Smith
Health Care Library:
Hospice Information and Resource Guide
Hospice care is different from standard hospital care. The philosophy of hospice care focuses not only on the patient, but on the patient’s life as a whole – including their family and friends. Although the main goal of this type of care is to ease the pain of terminally ill patients and provide them comfort in their final days, it also focuses on the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient as well. Hospice care can be provided in hospitals, nursing homes, specialized hospice centers and even the patient’s own home. While hospice care can include many things, it typically involves pain management, counseling and assistance with daily tasks. The main difference between hospice care and of that found at a hospital is that both the hospice staff, the patient and the patient’s family all recognize that there is no cure for the patient and that they will pass away soon. This understanding allows for the hospice workers to not only aid a patient in accepting this fact, but helps them get their physical and emotional affairs in order before passing. Therefore, the following links will provide information not only for potential patients, but for their families as well.
Hospice & Palliative Care Partners of Ohio
2500 E. 22nd Street
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 694-6236
Formerly VNA Hospice, an Agency of the Visiting Nurse Association.
Hospice Foundation of America
12000 Biscayne Blvd. #505
Miami Beach, FL 33181
(305) 981-2522
Hospice Foundation of America is a not-for-profit organization that provides leadership in the development and application of hospice and its philosophy of care. Through programs of professional development, research, public education and information, Hospice Foundation of America assists those who cope either personally or professionally with terminal illness, death, and the process of grief.
Hospice Net
Hospice Net provides information and support to patients and families facing life-threatening illnesses. Hospice Net is an independent, nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization working exclusively through the Internet.
Hospice of the Western Reserve
300 East 185th Street
Cleveland, OH 44119
(216) 383-2222 or (800) 707-8922
Mission ~ Hospice of the Western Reserve provides palliative end-of-life care, caregiver support, and bereavement services throughout Northern Ohio. In celebration of the individual worth of each life, we strive to relieve suffering, enhance comfort, promote quality of life, foster choice in end-of-life care, and support effective grieving.
River’s Edge Counseling Services
3430 Rocky River Drive
Cleveland, OH 44111-2997
(216) 688-1111
What We Offer ~ Counseling for Individuals, Couples and Families. We welcome you, and we ACKNOWLEDGE the unique experiences in your life: family related, cultural, physical and spiritual; VALUE your strengths, and while enhancing those strengths, we speak to the vulnerabilities which together create the whole you; ENCOURAGE you to move towards emotional and psychological health; HELP you discover options through awareness and the use of your internal and external resources; INVITE you to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the nature which surrounds the Center.
St Charles Borromeo
Group to meet 6 sessions April 5-May 10 meeting at 6:30-8pm
Strongsville Psychological Services
14843 Sprague Road Suite A
Strongsville, OH 44136
(440) 234-9955
Medicare provider, mood and anxiety disorders, stress and anger management and grief loss.
The Robertson Bereavement Center
797 North Court St.
Medina, OH 44256
330-725-1900 or 1-800-700-4771
A community outreach of Hospice of Medina County and Barberton Hospice & Palliative Care, The Robertson Bereavement Center offers information, education, and support about grief and loss. an alert, pain-free life and to manage other symptoms so that their last days may be spent with dignity and quality.
Resources for Seniors
AARP Grief & Loss Programs
601 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20049
1-866-797-2277
AARP Grief Support Line Would you like to talk to someone who cares? Call toll free 9 am – 9 pm ET, Daily
Communication Connection
Contact Kathy Kilpatrick for more information.
Eldercare Professionals of Ohio
440-212-4987
Northcoast Conflict Solutions
7007 Sprague Road, Suite 1
Independence, OH 44131
440-262-3700
Northcoast Conflict Solutions, LLC, is a mediation, counseling, and training practice in Independence, OH. Founded in 1996, NCS is staffed by mediators, psychologists, counselors, attorneys, and affiliates with backgrounds in: Business Debt/credit Law Education, IDEA, School safety Behavioral health Organization development Ministry Construction Real estate Human resources
Social Security Administration
1-800-772-1213 TYY: 1-800-325-0778
Funeral Association Resources
Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice
Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) Prog
866-431-2377
The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice is committed to providing a voluntary certification program to funeral service practitioners that shows families your commitment to exceptional service and life-long learning.
Association for Death Education and Counseling
342 North Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06117-2507
(860) 586-7503
ADEC is one of the oldest interdisciplinary organizations in the field of dying, death and bereavement. The almost 2000 members are made up of a wide array of mental and medical health personnel, educators, clergy, funeral directors, and volunteers. ADEC offers numerous educational opportunities through its annual conference, courses and workshops, its new certification program, and via its acclaimed newsletter, The Forum.
Bereavement Services
1910 South Avenue
La Crosse, WI 54601
800-362-9567
Recognizing death as a part of life, and grief as a normal healthy response to loss through death, Bereavement Services promotes bereavement care through a professional, team approach. Providing dignified, respectful, and compassionate bereavement care for patients and families. Developing bereavement training and support materials for health professionals in all disciplines.
Grief Resources
152 College Park Drive
Seal Beach, CA 90740
562-881-2313
National Center for Death Education
777 Dedman Street
Newton, MA 02459
617-928-4649
The National Center for Death Education (NCDE) is an educational center dedicated to promoting knowledge and understanding in the field of Thanatology. NCDE aims to help people enhance their own awareness of death as well as provide them with the resources to support the dying and grieving of all ages. We provide ongoing learning opportunities for professional caregivers and others designed for acquiring and maintaining a current knowledge base, as well as developing creative and useful skills for providing care associated with end of life, bereavement and loss.
Ohio Funeral Directors Association
2501 North Star Road – P.O. Box 21760 Columbus, OH 43221-0760
(614) 486-5339 Fax: (614) 486-5358,
Whether it’s education and training, professional networking, or a voice in the legislature, OFDA has something for you. We invite you to take advantage of the many services OFDA offers and become part of the strongest family of professional funeral associations in the country.
Thanos Institute
P.O. Box 1928
Buffalo, NY 14231
800-742-8257
Thanos Institute was founded in 1981 to help funeral directors educate the public through Home-Study Continuing Education for Licensed Funeral Directors and Embalmers, and through educational programs for Funeral Associations. Thanos Institute offers accredited continuing education home-study courses for licensed funeral directors. They are convenient, affordable and can be completed without leaving home or office
The American Academy of Bereavement
(CMI Educational Institute, Inc.)
P.O. Box 912
Cheektowagan, NY 14225-0912
800-726-3888
The American Academy of Bereavement (AAB), a non-profit organization founded in 1993, is a national association devoted to the education, preparation and advancement of bereavement specialists. AAB serves as a stepping stone for professional and personal growth in the field of bereavement. AAB members have the opportunity to establish relationships with colleagues across the country. Through seminars, a yearly conference and networking, members are able to discuss the challenges and the gifts of this unique work
The Selected Independent Funeral Homes
00 Lake Cook Road, Suite 205
Deerfield, IL 60015
800-323-4219
Founded in 1917 as National Selected Morticians, a worldwide professional association of more than 1,500 independently owned funeral homes. Members operate under the strictest standards and best practices to offer you confidence and preserve your trust during times of need. As a professional association, we actively police our members to ensure you and your loved ones receive the best care available when choosing a Selected Independent Funeral Home.
Books and Publications
Accord, Inc.
1941 Bishop Lane, Suite 202
Louisville, KY 40218
800-346-3087
Bereavement Publishing, Inc.
5125 North Union Blvd., Suite #4
Colorado Springs, CO 80918-2056
1-888-604-4673
In-Sight Books
P.O. Box 42467
Oklahoma City, OK 73123
1-800-658-9262
Our books, videos and cassettes in the areas of bereavement and elder care have touched over a million people through the years. Please take a moment to look at our catalogue of materials to see if we have something that will fit a need for you or someone you know.
Northcoast Conflict Solutions
7007 E. Sprague Road, Suite 1
Independence, OH 44131
440-262-3702
Patricia Bertschler and Laurette Cocklin have written a book entitled “TRUCE! Using Elder Mediation to Resolve Conflict among Families, Seniors and Organizations.”
Genealogy/ Virtual Records
Genealogy/ Virtual Records
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ohcdrt/
A good general site which lists genealogical societies and their activities in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina Counties, also has some good databases. The following are death time records available for the local area.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a directory of links to state and foreign offices responsible for vital records, including death certificates and other information, that may be helpful to funeral directors and people involved with genealogy research.
The sites linked through the CDC directory explain the procedures and costs of obtaining the records.
The directory is on the CDC web site at:
www.cdc.gov/nchs/howto/w2w/w2welcom.htm
Cuyahoga County
Genealogy How-Tos for Cuyahoga County
Cuyahoga Wills & Estates Index Dockets Pre-A-70 (1826-1904)
Cleveland (Owned) Cemetery Index to Interment with images
Selected cemetery transcriptions at
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ohcuyah2/cems/trans.html
Rockport Cemetery (God’s Little Acre)
Denison Cemetery Cleveland
Lutheran Memorial Park Cemetery, Hinkley, Medina Co., OH
Maple Ridge Cemetery, Westlake
Lutheran Cemetery, Ridge Rd., Cleveland
River Road Cemetery, Orange Twp., Cuyahoga Co.
Independence Township Cemeteries, Cuyahoga Co.
Mapleshade Cemetery
St. Lawrence
Hemlock
Darrow Family Cemetery
West Family Cemetery
Froelich Family Cemetery
Cleveland Owned Cemetery Information and other links
MattsonWorks Genealogy Source
Strongsville Cemetery Inscriptions and Obituaries
St. Adelbert’s Cemetery records and inscriptions and obituaries
US GenWeb Tombstone Project Cuyahoga County
Butternut Ridge, North Olmsted
Darrow Family, Parma
Early Settlers’ Cemetery, Parma
Lakewood Park Cemetery, Rocky River Index to inscriptions (Not complete)
St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery, Independence City
St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Berea Inscriptions and Photos
St. Peter’s Cemetery, Parma
West Cemetery, City of Independence
East Cleveland Township Cemetery Records and Inscriptions
Lakeview Cemetery
Roselawn Cemetery, Solon Inscriptions – with images soon.
Cleveland Necrology File by Cleveland Public Library Death notices early to 1975
Cleveland News Index by Cleveland Public Library Index to Death Notices and Obituaries 1976 to current
Lake County Cemetery Inscriptions
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ohlcgs
Lake County Geneology
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ohlake/
Online Ohio Death Records and Indexes – a good place to start.