The emotional upheaval these trying times can cause, is sometimes so overwhelming that even the support of friends and family may not help relieve the amount of sadness and grief you feel.

At Forastiere Family Funeral Home & Cremation we offer the following aftercare grief resources:

Grief Specialist
We are happy to announce that Joshua Velez is our new Grief Specialist, where he will help continue our bereavement support to our community.  We have been fortunate to know Josh since 2018 when he was advancing his caregiving expertise. Josh already mastered being a CNA, working with Hospice, and in ministry; then deciding to become more involved to complete his service of caring credentials by encompassing direct care with families and their deceased loved ones. Since our working together, Josh has been influential with Beacon Hospice and Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst as their Spiritual Care and Bereavement Coordinator. He has his master's degree in theology focused on bioethics and end-of-life care. Josh has diverse experience helping others, including his own loss of loved ones. He sits vigil with families during their final hours, facilitates a bereavement program including individual and group support in the Amherst community. He provides a peaceful, empathetic presence that many families find comforting. 

Josh will facilitate two monthly support groups. The first group will begin Wednesday, May 8th for those who have lost a spouse, and the second group will take place Wednesday, May 22nd for friends and family members who have lost a loved one.

Please join us in giving Josh a warm welcome. We are so grateful to have him here.  

Grief Support Groups

We have helpful groups that are focused on different grief journeys. 

They are held several times a month at our Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, on 220 North Main Street in East Longmeadow. All of our groups are free of charge, open to the community, and registration is not needed. 

Should you like more information, feel free to download our Full Circle Newsletter (above) or call our office at (413) 525-2800.

Grief Book Club

For those who enjoy reading and have experienced a loved one passing away. Held every other 

Wednesday of the month from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

Book we will be reading: It's OK That You're Not OK by Megan Devine

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Wednesday, May 15th, 2024

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

Wednesday, June 12th

Survivors of Suicide

For those whose life has been touched by suicide. This group is facilitated by members from the American Foundation for Suicide and Prevention/ AFSP Western Massachusetts Chapter. Held the third Monday of every month from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

Monday, May 20th, 2024

Monday, June 17th, 2024

Monday, July 15th, 2024

Family & Friends Support

For those who have lost a child, parent, siblings, dear relative, or friend. Held every 

fourth Wednesday of the month  from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024

Wednesday, June 26th, 2024

Wednesday, July 24th, 2024

Widowed Support

For anyone who has lost a spouse. Held every second Wednesday of the month from 

6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

Wednesday, May 8th, 2024

Wednesday, June 12th, 2024

Wednesday, July 10th, 2024

Full Circle Quarterly Newsletter

Our Grief Resource Team, Joshua Velez and Loren Forastiere, are the creators of our newsletter that is available on our website as well as through email. The newsletter is a resource that contains articles, tips, and inspirations which many families find helpful and comfort. Our grief support group calendar which highlights the types of support groups, the dates, time and place held is also found in the newsletter.  Should you like to receive our newsletter quarterly, please email us at wecare@forastiere.com

Remembrance Programs
Throughout the year, we invite the families that was our honor to serve to our funeral home for remembrance ceremonies. We gather and continue to honor and remember their loved one together. We do this in a variety of ways including our annual Remembrance Butterfly Release Ceremony, Handling the Holidays programs, Sweetheart Luncheon, Candle Lighting Ceremonies and our Spring Remembrance ceremonies. It is our belief that grief shared with others, over time, is lessened and creates a journey of healing moments.

In addition to the bereavement services for the families we serve,  we have provided some helpful grief support links below: 

Crisis, Grief and Healing

Webhealing.com, the first interactive grief website on the internet, offers discussion boards, articles, book suggestions, and advice for men and women working through every aspect of grief. The site’s founder, Tom Golden LCSW, has provided book excerpts and contact information to help those healing from loss.

GriefNet

With nearly 50 internet support groups plus a wide range of online resources, GriefNet provides support for those dealing with all types of loss. Their companion site, kidsaid.com, helps children and their parents deal with grief and loss in an appropriate and safe environment.

Grief and Loss   

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) website contains a Grief & Loss section with grief-related articles and information.

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization   

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s website provides a host of information and resources for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury and their caregivers.

GRASP

Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing

AFSP

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention