Hospice offers support groups for those grieving

Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice, a nonprofit organization offering support for those with life-threatening illnesses and the bereaved, is offering a series of programs in April for those who have recently experienced the death of a family member or friend. The programs are open to everyone in the community, and are offered free of charge. It is at 200 Whitfield Drive in Geneva. Registration is required by calling (630) 232-2233 or e-mailing info@fvvh.org. For details, visit www.fvvh.org.

• Next Step is a monthly drop-in support group for those who have been widowed or lost a significant other, and who have already participated in some sort of grief counseling or support group. This series of monthly workshops begins on April 9 and meets the second Thursday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the hospice. A list of monthly topics can be found at www.fvvh.org. The program is free, but registration is required.

• MALES (Men After Loss Expressing themselves Safely) is a monthly drop-in support group providing an opportunity for men to freely express their thoughts and feelings with other men. Coffee and doughnuts provided. It starts April 11 and meets the second Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. at the hospice. Free, but registration is requested.

• Footprints is a six-week program supporting parents and adult family members who are coping with a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or newborn death. This program is co-sponsored by the hospice, Provena Mercy Medical Center and Provena St. Joseph Hospital. Footprints meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, April 13 to May 18, at the hospice in Geneva. The program is free, but registration is required.

• Light Finders is a six-week support group for survivors of suicide loss. This group provides a safe environment to talk openly, and is a place to share experiences with others who understand this loss. The group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, April 15 to May 20, at the hospice in Geneva. The program is free, but registration is required.

In addition, the hospice is offering a community education session, "How to Stay Young the First 100 Years," from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at the hospice. This session will teach participants how to take of their bodies for not only a long life, but a quality long life. Program is free, but registration is required.