When it comes to navigating a season of grief, it’s important to remember not to try to face it alone. From local support groups to online resources, there are ways you can connect with others and lean into your difficult feelings rather than trying to suppress them. Today, we’re giving you practical resources you can utilize to navigate this journey of grief well.

Counseling: The Path to Healing

Grief counselors are educated on helping you handle difficult seasons of life. One-on-one counseling sessions allow you to unpack your emotions, fears and questions without judgement. Counselors provide gentle guidance and help encourage you to move forward in a healthy way.

Support Groups: A Community of Understanding

At Locke Funeral Services, part of our mission is to care for you and your family even after the funeral is over. With our Continuous Care Support Group Meetings, you can connect with people who are facing similar trials and draw strength from the experiences of others. Led by experienced facilitators, these group meetings create a space that welcomes vulnerability and promotes healing.

Our support group meets every Thursday, and we offer both daytime and evening options. Our daytime meetings are held at Cabin Coffee in Waterloo from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m., and our evening meetings are held at Locke at Tower Park in Waterloo from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. We encourage you to join us and bring a friend – all groups are free and open to the public. Click here for additional information.

Online Resources: Newsletters

Every few months, our team at Locke Funeral Services releases a newsletter with announcements and also helpful resources and information dealing with grief. Sometimes we even provide “homework” for you – questions to ask yourself to help with continuing to reflect throughout the grieving process. From inspirational quotes to affirmations, our newsletters are packed with valuable information for people at any stage of the grieving process.

Continuous Care: Free Support from Locke Funeral Services

For the weeks and months to come after the funeral, we provide a free support service through our Continuous Care Coordinator, Vicki Jolene Reece. You can meet with Vicki in person or over the phone, ask her questions, talk through what’s been on your mind, unpack how you’re struggling and how you’re healing, and much more. She also leads our Thursday support groups, so you can meet her there as well.

Grief is a journey that ebbs and flows, with valleys and peaks throughout the process. We understand that a big part of this journey is the resources and support at hand, so we highly encourage you to utilize these resources that are available to you through Locke Funeral Services. Remember that you’re never alone, and joining hands with others who understand your pain can give you strength for tomorrow.