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"At group, my children saw hope. They also sensed an arena in which they could feel safe expressing their innermost feelings,
and someone who cared was listening. And someone with a like experience was sitting right next to them."
-Willow House Widowed Father
Willow House support groups bring together children, teens, young adults and families who share the profound experience of the death of a parent/spouse or child/sibling These groups provide a place in which the challenges and feelings of the grieving experience can be expressed, where loved ones are remembered and honored and where families' stories can be shared in a safe and non-judgmental place.
Families come together on group night for approximately two hours. The evening begins with a dinner, which allows time to transition from busy days, and to interact with others.
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After an opening circle, children and teens gather in age appropriate groups led by trained facilitators. These groups offer special activities designed to provide opportunities for expression of feelings, memorializing loved ones and sharing experiences. Through this process, children gain support, understanding and comfort knowing that their experience is "normal" and they are not alone.
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Young Adults groups bring together those young adults who are grieving the death of a loved one and whose grieving process may be all the more isolating as they are also challenged in their new and changing adult lives, perhaps transitioning in their living arrangements, school, work and life of greater independence.
Group facilitators are staff members and volunteers carefully screened and dedicated to providing support to grieving families. All facilitators participate in a comprehensive 20-hour training that teaches them about children, teens, families and grief. Some facilitators have personal grief experiences and many are mental health professionals.
Willow House groups are offered for no charge. Services are made possible through personal, foundation and corporate donations. Willow House families are encouraged to make personal donations to help support the services they receive.
Willow House currently has one group site in the city of Chicago and three group sites in the north and northwest suburbs. Additional group sites are planned for the future in locations where these important services are needed.
Registration is necessary before attending any Willow House group.
Please call us at the Willow House offices at 847-236-9300 to find the most convenient location for your family and to begin the registration process.
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