Grief Companion Program
LifeNet Health’s Grief Companion® Program pairs donor families who are seeking emotional support and encouragement through their grief journey with other donor families who have walked their own journey. They understand the unique experience of grief, and support others as they mourn. Our program is designed to provide a safe environment for grieving, free of judgment with an understanding companion they can trust.
It is important to be able to express our grief, to talk with someone who understands. However, often those closest to us and our loved one are also grieving and reluctant to share their grief in an effort to protect us. That mutual grief becomes a barrier, leaving us to walk our journey alone and bewildered.
Your Grief Companion will be an empathetic listener who will allow you to share stories, cry and help you to cope with the upcoming “anniversaries” and holidays as they answer questions such as “is it normal to…?” He or she can share advice and offer comforting words borne from his or her own experience.
Some companions interact frequently by phone, email or Facebook. Some communicate only occasionally or on an as-needed basis. Your grief journey is your own, and the purpose of this program is to provide you with support how and when you need it most.
“My grief companion is perfect for me. She knows what I am talking about and going through when no one else does. She tells me it’s OK to cry and will listen to me talk about my son.”
- Program Participant
If you are interested in having a Grief Companion, please contact us and use the subject line “I want a Grief Companion.” A Donor Family Services staff member that will provide a more detailed explanation of how the program works and answer your questions.
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To download the Grief Companion® Program brochure click here.
To learn how to be trained as a certified Grief Companion click here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: A Grief Companion is not a professional counselor, and the Grief Companion Program is not a substitute for professional counseling. If you find yourself not able to function in your life as you would wish to please contact a professional counselor or talk with your doctor or a healthcare professional who can refer you to a licensed grief counselor.