Even though every single person will experience and loss and the resulting grief at one time or another, grief is still incredibly hard to process. That’s why many funeral homes in Grand Rapids, MI offer grief support services, either in-house or connections to outside support in addition to standard funeral and service planning services.

From professional counselors and community sites to bloggers you can access from home at any time, this list features online resources for coping with bereavement and grief to give you additional support if you need it:

• The Grief Recovery Method: The Grief Recovery Method is a website developed by the Grief Recovery Institute. It has lots of valuable grief information and been a leading resource for 30 years.
• Resources for Survivors of Suicide: This group emphasizes that you are not alone when you lose a loved one through suicide. They offer different tools, interactive online supports and more.
• The Sweeney Alliance: Founded by Peggy Sweeney, this non-profit offers a range of programs for adults and children who’ve suffered a loss. Check out their regular newsletters and online resources.
• Light A Candle: This website has a page where people can “light” a digital candle in honor of their lost loved one. You can attach a name, date or photo to the candle, too.
• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Inc: TAPS specifically serves families who’ve lost a member of the military through peer-based support.
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network: The NCTSN helps support kids who have gone through trauma from the death of a loved one to injuries. They strive to reinforce stability and healing.
• Association of Death Education and Counseling: ADEC has over 2,000 members, including physical and mental health professionals, educators, funeral directors, and clergymen. They host grief conferences, workshop, and seminars frequently.
• National Center for Victims of Crime: This organization voices and supports abuse and crime survivors. They have a broad focus but offer help to a wide variety of victims and surviving families.
• Open to Hope: Open to Hope is a non-profit that helps people find hope again after a loss. They offer community support, articles, books, and more to help people work through their loss and start to live meaningful and happy lives while working through their grief.

It’s important to remember that getting extra help and support for your grief is not shameful. In fact, seeking the help you need makes you brave and strong. Use any of the above resources to help you through your loss or reach out to local funeral homes like Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care for more information about local programs, groups, and other support services.

Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care is here to help if you want to learn more about grief support resources like these or Medicaid funeral assistance as well as have additional questions about Grand Rapids, MI funeral homes. Please stop by and visit us or give us a call to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss and grief.