Grief is lessened when it is shared with others.
Healing takes time after a personal loss of a loved one. Some people find it helpful to be with other people who are also grieving. Whether your loss has been sudden or expected, overtime, you will learn to cope with the depth of emotions and experiences that are part of healthy grieving. Working through grief is a step-by-step, individual process. We are here for you.
Fall 2024 Full Circle Newsletter
Click on the graphic on the left to download the file.
Bereavement Support
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
For nearly two decades, Joanne Sullivan had been our Grief Specialist helping families to find healing moments as they work through their grief journey. Her own personal and professional life experiences with loss captures her humanistic and natural compassion and expertise, as well as, her grief work and research to be a supportive resource for families.
Joanne just recently retired in September 2023; however, she is an author of The Reality Of Loss. Her book has helped many hear her grief journey and appreciate that every emotion and feeling...you are not alone.
Grief Support Groups
We have helpful groups that are focused on different grief journeys.
Some of Our Grief Support Groups are currently temporarily on hold, while others are still meeting; please see the information below.
When they are in full session, 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.
Coping Addiction Loss
For those who have lost a loved one due to substance abuse. Held the first Wednesday of every month from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Wednesday, October 4th, 2023
Wednesday, November 1st, 2023
Wednesday, December 6th, 2023
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, October 16th, 2023
Monday, November 20th, 2023
Monday, December 18th, 2024
Family & Friends Support
For those who have lost a child, parent, siblings, dear relative, or friend. Held every third Wednesday of the month from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
THIS GROUP IS CURRENTLY ON HOLD
Widowed Support
For anyone who has lost a spouse. Held every third Wednesday of the month from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
THIS GROUP IS CURRENTLY ON HOLD
Full Circle Quarterly Newsletter
Our Grief Resource Team, Julee Montemagni 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 the form of our annual Remembrance Butterfly Release Ceremony, Handling the Holidays programs, 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
A year of daily grief support
Our support in your time of need does not end after the funeral services. Enter your email below to receive a grief support message from us each day for the next year. You can unsubscribe at any time.
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