VCHS Hospice Offers Adult Grief Class

May 27, 2011

In learning to resolve grief it often helps just to talk with someone who can listen patiently and in an understanding manner.  Grief support groups can be instrumental in helping people feel less isolated as they move at their own pace in their own way in working through their grief. 

Connie Felt has this to say about attending a grief support group, "In a period of time of just over 15 months, I have had many close people die - my father, a long-time co-worker, my son, and a very close friend.  Having worked with many people over the years, it appeared to me that people who have gone to support groups seem to understand and deal with losses and problems better.  It is so helpful to talk with others going through similar losses - people who understand what you are going through.  I have found that although no two people grieve in the same way and that it is a very long process, that in order to improve, it is a necessary process to go through.  I would encourage anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one to attend a grief support group.  It is a wonderful way to get ideas, share thoughts and understand about the grieving process.  Society has the impression that the grief process is a matter of days or weeks, then people going through it wonder what is wrong with them when it doesn't happen like that."

Valley County Health System Hospice is sponsoring Grief Support classes for adults who have lost a loved one.  These classes are free of charge and will meet six consecutive Tuesdays beginning June 14th and ending July 19th.  The classes will be held at the Valley County Home Health/Hospice building at 400 S. 23rd Street from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  The classes will be co-facilitated by Sally Wagner, Rolen Sell, and Marilyn Winkelbauer. If you are interested in learning more about these classes, please contact Marilyn at 308-728-4315.