Adult Support

"It was so helpful to attend the support groups, be with others and share my grief. I feel I benefited in so many ways." ~ Barbara M.

Since each journey through grief is unique, we offer a broad spectrum of options for adults who are coping with the serious illness or death of a loved one. Many are available both in the daytime and evening.

Individual Consultation
Many people feel reassured and affirmed about their grief experience after meeting individually with our counselors. If professional experience is needed beyond the scope of the services we offer, our staff can recommend additional support through local resources for specialized counseling services.

Newly Bereaved Series
This is a three-part series offered each month for those whose loss was one to three months ago. We show a video, provide an overview of common grief responses and explain all the bereavement services offered through the PATHways Center. Space is limited. To register, individuals speak with a PATHways counselor in advance of the program.

Adult Drop-In Support Groups
Each group offers a presentation on a variety of topics by a grief counselor, followed by time to talk with others who are grieving. The following monthly adult support groups are available:

Coping with the Loss of a Parent
First Tuesday of each month, 7:00–8:30 p.m. at the PATHways Center.

Coping with All Loss
First Tuesday of each month, 1:00–2:30 p.m. at Willow Valley Manor North,
   (Florence Thomas Room), 600 Willow Valley Square, Lancaster

Coping with the Loss of a Companion/Spouse
Third Tuesday of each month, 7:00–8:30 p.m. at the PATHways Center
Fourth Tuesday of each month, 12:30–2:00 p.m. at the PATHways Center

Coping with the Loss of a Child
Fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:00–8:30 p.m. at the PATHways Center

Grief Workshops
Throughout the year, the PATHways Center offers workshops for those who have experienced a loss. Past topics have included "Writing and Remembering," "Sibling Loss," "Grieving Multiple Deaths" and "Supporting the Bereaved." See our current calendar of events for upcoming workshops.

Growing Through Grief
This series, for individuals bereaved at least six months, explores ways of coping with life changes after the death of a loved one. Taught with both lecture and discussion, this six-week course is held for two hours each week. Space is limited. To register, individuals meet briefly with a PATHways counselor in advance of the series. Click here for more information.

"Just being in a group of people who accept your grief and your reactions to it meant the world to me." ~Richard S.

Coping with Suicide Loss
This group provides a safe place to share with others who also have questions and struggle with the pain associated with the suicide of a loved one. A six-week group is offered twice a year for adults whose loss has occurred at least four months prior to the group. Click here for more information.

Coping with the Holidays
Getting through the first or subsequent holiday seasons may be difficult after the death of a loved one. These weekly sessions, held each Tuesday from late November through early January, provide the opportunity to connect with others who are grieving and obtain support throughout the holiday season.

Bereaved Men's Breakfast Group
Bereaved men are invited to join other men at a monthly breakfast group facilitated by two male PATHways volunteers at the Apple Tree Restaurant on the corner of Centerville Road and Columbia Avenue, Lancaster. Each participant pays for his own meal. See calendar for details.

A Night Out
Bereaved adults are invited to join others for A Night Out of dinner and socializing. For details, call bereavement volunteer Gerry Michael at (717) 656-8947.

Ephrata Grief Support
Periodically throughout the year we offer grief group support at the Ephrata Cancer Center. Watch for details.

For more information about any of our programs, please call (717) 391-2413 or (717) 733-0699.