Support Groups
The following list is provided to give you names and titles of other grief and bereavement resources available. This listing is in no way an endorsement by Mid-America Transplant Services.
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
Adult Grief Support Group
Christian Hospital NE/NW
11133 Dunn Road
St. Louis, MO 63136
(314) 653-4444
Adult Grief
DePaul Health Center
12303 DePaul Drive
Bridgeton, MO 63044
(314) 344-7080
Bereaved Parents of the USA
St. Louis Chapter
(Formerly named The Compassionate Friends)
P.O. Box 410350
St. Louis, MO 63141
(314) 878-0890
Bereaved Parents of the USA is a self-help organization offering friendship and understanding to bereaved parents, families, and friends experiencing the death of a child. Following are groups that may be close to you:
North County Group
Meets the third Saturday of every month at the Gundaker Building, 2402 North Highway 67 (rear of building) at 9:00 a.m. The facilitator is Pat Ryan, (314) 605-3949.
South County Group
Meets the second Thursday of every month at the Holy Trinity Church, Union & Revis Barracks Road at I-55 at 7:00 p.m. The facilitator is Jane Nelson, (314) 664-0515.
West County Group
Meets the fourth Thursday of every month at the Congregation Shaare Emeth at 11645 Ladue Road (corner of Ballas and Ladue Roads) at 7:00 p.m. The facilitator is Lucy Reinhart, (314) 771-1977.
Franklin County Group
Meets the third Tuesday of every month at the Washington Area Ambulance District Building, 515 Washington Avenue (behind Rothschilds), Washington, Missouri, at 7:00 p.m. The facilitators are Rosemary Hornbuckle, (636) 583-0661, and Terry and Jeanne Sullentrup, (636) 239-6098.
St. Peters/St. Charles County Group
Meets the first Thursday of every month at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2334 McMenamy Road (exit off I-70 at Mid-Rivers Mall exit), St. Peters, Missouri, at 7:30 p.m. The facilitators are Linda Long, (314) 739-9996, and Terrill and Michele Struttmann, (636) 390-9166.
Siblings/Friends - St. Peters/St. Charles County Group
Meets the first Thursday of every month at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2334 McMenamy Road (exit off I-70 at Mid-Rivers Mall exit), St. Peters, Missouri, at 7:30 p.m. The facilitator is Sarah Ryan, (314) 605-3949.
St. Louis City Group
Meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at the Epiphany of Our Lord Catholic Church, 6596 Smiley (corner of Ivanhoe and Smiley - one block south of Arsenal and I-44), St. Louis, Missouri, at 7:00 p.m. The facilitator is Sandy Curran, (314) 647-2863.
Bereavement Support Group
Hospice of SouthPointe Hospital
2639 Miami Street
St. Louis, MO 63118
(314) 577-5818 - Jan Bunch
The meeting consists of a guest speaker addressing different aspects of the journey through grief. A memorial service is held twice a year, December and Spring. This group is open to the entire community, though it is primarily made up of family members who have lost a loved one during the past twelve to eighteen months in the Hospice Program. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in the First Floor Conference Room of the Medical Center.
Bereavement Support Group
Mercy Hospice Program
St. John's Mercy Medical Center
615 South New Ballas Road
St. Louis, MO 63141
(314) 569-6213
Bereavement Support Group
St. Joseph Health Center Hospice
300 First Capitol Drive
St. Charles, MO 63301
(636) 947-5610
Children's Grief Support Group
Christian Hospital NE/NW
11133 Dunn Road
St. Louis, MO 63136
(314) 653-4444
Children's Grief Support Group
St. John's Mercy Medical Center
615 South New Ballas Road
St. Louis, MO 63141
(314) 569-6094 - Kay in Social Services Department
(314) 569-6152 - Jill in Pediatric Department
Meeting held the fourth Thursday of the month from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Day By Day
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
3015 North Ballas Road
St. Louis, MO 63131
(314) 569-5105 - Pastoral Care Department
This group is designed to help members understand that they are not alone, that someone feels or has felt what they are experiencing. Members share their feelings with one another in a caring, sharing, and loving environment. Grief, no matter how severe, does run its course. The purpose of "Day By Day" is to help you through this experience. The group meets weekly on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Day By Day is open to the entire community; there are no dues or fees. Attend as long as you choose.
Good Grief
St. Mary's Health Center
6420 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
(314) 768-8070 - Pastoral Care
Good Grief is a support group for families and loved ones. The group offers an opportunity for people to begin working through their grief in a semi-structured setting which integrates solid teaching around proven ways to cope with opportunities to give and receive support. A commitment of six consecutive sessions is encouraged. Call for meeting time and location.
Grief Adjustment Series
St. Luke's Hospital
232 South Woods Mill Road
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(314) 434-1500, Ext. 4433 - Marilyn Scott
The Grief Adjustment Series is a six-session series which is designed for persons experiencing a recent loss. The series brings together a variety of resources and focuses on the grieving process and the support of others undergoing a similar experience. It is hoped that persons attending these sessions will attend all six. Groups begin in September, January and April.
Grief Support Group
Christian Hospital Northeast
11133 Dunn Road
St. Louis, MO 63136
(314) 355-7209 - Betty Richards
The Christian Hospital Northeast-Northwest Grief Support Group is open to anyone in the community who has experienced the loss of a loved one. It is a time of learning and sharing with those who have experienced similar losses. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the second floor, Education Department of the Paul F. Detrick Building.
Grief Support Group
St. Anthony's Medical Center
10010 Kennerly Road
St. Louis, MO 63128
(314) 525-1999 - Chaplain Sue Perry
This grief support group offers support for persons experiencing a loss of a spouse, child, parent, or significant other. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and the fourth Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the eighth level classroom.
Grief Support Group
St. Elizabeth's Hospital
211 South Third Street
Belleville, IL 62221
(618) 243-2120, Ext. 1342
This grief support group is for anyone who has lost a family member or friend. It is a 9-week seminar which is held in the Education Building across the street from the hospital. Call for the schedule.
Grief Support Group
St. Joseph Health Center
300 First Capitol Drive
St. Charles, MO 63301
(636) 947-5484 - Pastoral Care
This grief support group is for anyone who wishes to attend. No advance notice is needed to attend meetings. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the first floor auditorium.
HELP
St. John's Mercy Medical Center
615 South New Ballas Road
St. Louis, MO 63141
(314) 569-6528 - Betty Lappe
(314) 569-6470 - Ken Potzman
Life Crisis Services, Inc.
1423 South Big Bend Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63117
(314) 647-3100
647-HELP - 24-hour Hotline
Life Crisis Services, Inc., provides weekly support groups for those who have lost someone to suicide (survivors of suicide). Hotline answers calls from people of all ages who are struggling with suicide, grief, depression, relationships, work, children, parents, alcohol, drugs, sexual issues, anger, abuse, AIDS, health, money, shelter and other life struggles.
LIFT
The Salad Bowl
3949 Lindell Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 576-1156
Operation LIFT is an organization designed specifically to meet the needs of women whose husbands have died. The group, more than anything else, provides social events where women turn attention away from grief and focus on having an enjoyable time. Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month at 12:00 noon. Annual dues $10.00.
MEND (Meeting and Establishing New Direction)
Barnes-Jewish Hospital at
Washington University Medical Center
One Barnes-Jewish Hospital Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 362-2145 - Teresa Caldwell, LCSW
MEND is an informal support group designed to help grieving persons establish new directions in their lives. Participants are welcome to share their experiences and feelings or simply listen to others. Many of the meetings include short, informational programs of general interest. MEND is free and open to anyone suffering the loss of a loved one. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Mercy Friends
St. John's Mercy Medical Center
615 South New Ballas Road
St. Louis, MO 63141
(314) 251-6470 - Ken Potzman, Pastoral Services
The group provides emotional and peer support for persons who are grieving due to the loss of a significant person in their life. It is open to the public. Meetings are held on every second and fourth Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Pastoral Services Office of the Medical Center.
Mid-America Transplant Services
Donor Family Support Group
1139 Olivette Executive Parkway
St. Louis, MO 63132-3205
(314) 991-1661 or toll free (888) 376-4854
The donor family support group is designed for organ and tissue donor families. Meetings are usually held the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the MTS office. Click here for a schedule of upcoming meetings.
New Beginnings
Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital
6 Jungermann Circle Drive
Suite 115
St. Peters, MO 63376
(314) 724-0283 - Nancy Paul
New Beginnings is a support group for anyone who has lost a loved one. Group has meetings and outings. The group meets on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Ongoing Bereavement Group
St. Luke's Hospital
232 South Woods Mill Road
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(314) 434-1500, Ext. 4433 - Linda Cevely
This group meets monthly to assist individuals who have already faced the initial impact of loss. It is recommended that one attends the Grief Adjustment Series first and then attend this group as a follow-up. Meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month at 12:00 noon.
Resources For Crisis and Change
7750 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
(314) 644-2999
Some of life's transitions are welcomed. Others involve loss and difficult change and are more feared. All present new challenges. All involve leaving some of the past behind and moving toward a changed future.
To successfully effect these transitions, we often need to resolve old pain, forgive what needs forgiving, utilize support systems, clarify values, assess alternatives, and take responsibility for what we can change. Resource For Crisis & Change is a resource for meeting the changes and crises that transitions bring. Fees for grief therapy are generally covered by insurance. Call for more information.
Sharing Losses Through Bereavement
Grief Support Group
St. Joseph Hospital of Kirkwood
525 Couch Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314) 966-1618
Stages (Teen Support Group)
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
3015 North Ballas Road
St. Louis, MO 63131
(314) 569-5105 - Pastoral Care Department
Stages is a support group of teenagers from 13-18 years old who share their feelings as they encourage and support each other during their "stages" of grief. Stages meets weekly on Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Missouri Baptist Medical School of Nursing. There is no charge to attend the "Stages" support group and it is open to the public. Teenagers may attend for as long as they choose.
Sunsets (Children's Support Group)
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
3015 North Ballas Road
St. Louis, MO 63131
(314) 569-5105 - Pastoral Care Department
Sunset is a grief support group for children ages 5 through 12. The group meets weekly on Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the School of Nursing Building located just north of the Medical Center. A child may continue to attend Sunsets sessions for as long as he or she desires. Sunset is free and open to the public.
Support Through Sharing Grief Group
DePaul Health Center
12303 DePaul Drive
Bridgeton, MO 63044
(314) 344-7080 - Gracy Coy or Jan Marshall
The Grief Support Group at DePaul Health Center is designed to provide mutual support to grieving adults. The meetings are led by experienced health care professionals who are familiar with the concerns and interests of grieving adults. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Kubitchek Room, St. Vincent's Division.
The Chrysalis (kris' a lis) Center
7717 Natural Bridge Road
St. Louis, MO 63121
(314) 381-9195
A bereavement counseling and resource center that helps funeral directors provide bereavement care to the families they serve for up to one year after a loved one's death. The Center's unusual name, Chrysalis, means cocoon - a stage of development between caterpillar and butterfly. For the Chrysalis Center, it symbolizes the time after a loved one's death when we pull into ourselves, work through our grief and emerge to a new and meaningful life.
The Kids Club House
320 North Forsyth
St. Louis, MO 63105
(314) 727-4664 - Joan Bacon, Coordinator
Bereavement support groups for children and their parents.
THEOS for Widowed, Midwest, Inc. (They Help Each Other Spiritually)
12345 Manchester Road
St. Louis, MO 63131
(314) 822-3111 - Cathy Duke, Executive Director
THEOS is a self-help support organization for those who are recently widowed. Our purpose is to help each other heal, become whole, and once again find meaning in life. Several chapters meet monthly through the St. Louis area. There is an annual Spring Grief Recovery Seminar, a telephone helpline, literature and a newsletter. Call to receive a current list of chapter locations and meeting times. For more information about chapters in other areas, contact the International headquarters at: THEOS Foundation, 1301 Clark Building, 717 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, (412) 471-7779
Widowed Persons Service (AARP-WPS)
5814 Kerth Road
St. Louis, MO 63128
(314) 487-6684 - Irma Picker, Missouri State Coordinator
Widowed Persons Service is an outreach program in which trained widowed volunteers offer support to newly widowed persons in communities nationwide. WPS identifies resources that help newly widowed persons recover from the trauma of a spouse's death, and then rebuild their lives.
Wife-Widow-Woman Program
National Council of Jewish Women
8420 Delmar Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63124
(314) 993-5181
The Wife-Widow-Woman Program is a volunteer support group for widows which is based on the premise that widowhood is a normal life process, not a pathological one. Its goal is to help the widow become an independent, functioning single woman in a world of couples. Groups are directed by a leadership team of a widow trained in group process and a professional social worker or counselor. Meetings begin in September and January. Call for more information.
Young Adult Support Group
Sacred Heart Church
10 Ann Avenue
Valley Park, MO 63088
(314) 822-3111 - Cathy Duke, Executive Director
(314) 225-6991 - Kathy, Coordinator
(314) 394-1969 - Barb, Coordinator
The Young Adult Support Group, which is sponsored by THEOS (They Help Each Other Spiritually), helps young widowed individuals (approximately age 50 and under) deal with the grief process, including issues specific to their age group. Meetings are held on the second Sunday of each month at 2:00 p.m.
SOUTHERN MISSOURI
Bereavement Support Group
760 South Kingshighway
Cape Girardeau, MO
(573) 335-6208 - Julie Metzger
(573) 651-5519 - Connie Griswold
Designed for individuals recovering from the loss of a family member or friend, the Bereavement Support Group encourages participants to discuss feelings and share experiences in coping with stages of grieving. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Southeast Hospice and the third Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. in the Regional Cancer Center at Southeast Missouri Hospital.
AARP Widowed Persons Service (WPS)
Ironton - WPS
Marilyn Treaster
156 South Main Street
Ironton, MO 63650
(314) 546-7689
Kimberling City - WPS
Doris Fountain
800 West Jefferson Street
Lampe, MO 65681
(417) 779-7613 or
(417) 337-5419
Lebanon - WPS
Adele Beever
27148 Olympic Drive
Lebanon, MO 65536
(417) 532-3330
Piedmont - WPS
Francis McMurry
Route 1, Box 1253
Piedmont, MO 63957
(314) 223-7349
Pilot Knot - WPS
Tony Cole
Route 1, Box 49D
Arcadia, MO 63621
(314) 546-6103 or
(314) 545-3682
Ste. Genevieve - WPS
Carolyn Basier
602 Jefferson Street
Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
(314) 883-5642
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
Caring Group
Wesley United Methodist Church
922 West Republic Road
Springfield, MO
(417) 883-1021
Caring Group is a support group for those experiencing grief, depression, stress or anxiety. Call for meeting days and times.
Springfield - WPS
Louise Carlstrom
2633 South National
Springfield, MO 65804
(417) 887-9004
Strange Support Group
Springfield, MO
(417) 887-7166
Strange Support Group is for people who have lost a spouse by death and still have children at home. Meetings are held on Thursdays beginning at 7:30 p.m. Call for more information.
Victims/Survivors of Victims of Nonsexual Crimes
Missouri Victim Center
(formerly Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Center)
943 Booneville Avenue
Springfield, MO
(417) 863-7273
889-HELP (4357) Hotline
This support group is for victims or survivors of victims of armed robbery, aggravated assault, homicide, or DWI. Meetings are held on Tuesdays beginning at 7:15 p.m.
HANNIBAL, MISSOURI
Grief Support Group
Hannibal Regional Hospital
P.O. Box 551
Hannibal, MO 63401
(573) 248-5186 - Marilyn Murphy
The Grief Support Group meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Call for more information.
ILLINOIS
Adult Grief Support Group
St. Elizabeth Hospital
211 South Third Street
Belleville, IL 62221
(618) 234-2120, Ext. 1342 - Pastoral Care Department
Adult Grief Support Group
St. Joseph Hospital
1515 Main Street
Highland, IL 62249
(618) 654-7421, Ext. 2306 - Cathy Benvenuito
Bereavement Support Group
Hospice of Bond County
305 South Third Street
Greenville, IL 62246
(618) 664-9701
Crisis Services of Madison County
337 East Ferguson Avenue
Wood River, IL 62095
(618) 251-4073
Grief Support Group
St. Joseph Hospital
1515 Main Street
Highland, IL 62249
(618) 654-7421, Ext. 2306 - Pastoral Care Department
Kids Time Grief Support Group
(for children 6-12 years old)
St. Elizabeth Hospital
211 South Third Street
Belleville, IL 62221
(618) 234-2120, Ext. 1342 - Pastoral Care Department
Live Today
St. Joseph Hospital
9515 Holy Cross Lane
Breese, IL 62230
(618) 526-4511, Ext. 327 - Sister Virginia
(618) 526-4330 - Phyllis Berndsen
(618) 523-4311 - Ken & Dorothy Humphrey
Mended Hearts
Stress and Anxiety Support Group
Alton Memorial Hospital
One Memorial Drive
Alton, IL 62002
(618) 463-7150
New Horizons Starting Over
Catholic Social Services
617 South Belt West
Belleville, IL 62220-2414
People Needing People
Anderson Hospital
Route 162 and Old Edwardsville Road
Maryville, IL
(618) 656-8228 - Nancy Kaprelian
People Needing People is a bereavement support group sponsored by Madison County Hospice. Meetings are held in the third floor classroom of the hospital on the second Tuesday of each month. Sessions are from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Meetings are open to hospice families and the general community at no charge.
People Needing People
St. Elizabeth's Medical Center
2100 Madison Avenue
Granite City, IL 62040
(618) 798-3399 - Nancy Kaprelian
People Needing People is a bereavement support group sponsored by Madison County Hospice. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the President's Room, ground floor. Meetings are open to hospice families and the general community at no charge.
Share
(Bereavement support for parents whose child has died)
St. Elizabeth Hospital
211 South Third Street
Belleville, IL 62220
(618) 234-2120, Ext. 1293
Share and Care
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
9500 West Illinois
Route 15
Belleville, IL 62223
(618) 397-6700
(314) 241-3000
Support Group for Bereaved Families
St. Anthony's Hospital
St. Anthony's Way
P.O. Box 340
Alton, IL 62002-0340
(618) 466-9017
Teen Age Grief (TAG)
St. Elizabeth Hospital
211 South Third Street
Belleville, IL 62220
(618) 234-2120, Ext. 1091
The Compassionate Friends
U.S. Headquarters
P.O. Box 3696
Oak Brook, IL 60522
(708) 990-0010
The Compassionate Friends
Belleville Chapter
St. Elizabeth Hospital
211 South Third Street
Belleville, IL 62220
(618) 234-2120, Ext. 1342
The Compassionate Friends
Madison County Chapter
7645 Old Moro Road
Moro, IL 62067
(618) 377-8574
Up With Life Bereavement Support Group (For Adults)
Wood River Township Hospital
Edwardsville Road
Wood River, IL 62095
(618) 254-3821, Ext. 537 - Chaplains' Office
Walk-On
Thomas Mortuaries
2205 Pontoon Road
Granite City, IL 62040
(618) 876-4321
Widowed Persons Service
Programs & Services for Older Persons
201 North Church Street
Belleville, IL 62220
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