The Bereavement Center

Helping Families Cope with the Loss of a Loved One

Grief is a universal experience.  No one can predict how long grieving will last or how to grieve.  Grief is truly unique.

There are manifestations of grief that are common to all who pass through it.  Understanding and dealing with these manifestations can be very helpful to people who experience the death of a loved one.

The Bereavement Center of Hospice of St. Mary’s is an extension of the hospice philosophy which encompasses the entire family as a unit of care. We offer services to families affected by a terminal illness and provide bereavement support after a death for up to 13 months. All services are provided by professional counselors and trained volunteers.

The Bereavement Center offers short term grief counseling, education and support to:

• Surviving family members and loved ones of hospice patients
• Children 6 years of age and older and adults who are residents of St.Mary’s County and have experienced the death of a loved one
• Community organizations and schools
• Individuals in the health care profession

What programs does the Bereavement Center offer?

Grief Counseling & Referral

• Short term individual and/or family counseling
• Up to 13 months of contact with families of Hospice patients
• Extensive referral resource information for long term counseling

Grief Education

Seminars on death and dying, grief and loss, are available to county educational institutions, senior centers and other community and civic organizations. An internship program is available for students majoring in psychology.

What support does the Bereavement Center Offer?
One-on-one short term grief counseling is available, by appointment, to individuals who are grieving the death of someone they love.

Adult Groups

Bereavement Support Group
For individuals who have lost a loved one to disease or sudden or natural death

Primary Caregivers Support
Education, stress management and support for those caring for the terminally
and chronically ill

Children’s Groups

“Sunrise”
Support Group for children ages 6 to 12 who have experienced the loss of a loved one

“Through My Eyes”
An expressive photography and creative writing group for adolescents ages 13-17 who have experienced the loss of a loved one

Other Bereavement Services

Camp Sunrise
A one day bereavement camp for children ages 6-12 who have lost a loved one. The camp focuses on teaching the participants positive ways to express their grief and the reward that comes from sharing their unique perspective and expression of loss.

Annual Memorial Service for Hospice Bereaved Families
“Coping with the Holidays” Workshops Information and resources available to Hospice and community families on how to cope during the Holidays and how to “survive” the Holiday Season.

Bereavement Volunteer Training and Support
Hospice of St. Mary’s is a not for profit, community based organization, providing care for the terminally ill adults, children and families without regard to race, creed or ability to pay.  For more information about our services and programs, contact us at 301-475-6423.

Be sure to frequently check our Special Events section for information about ongoing and new Hospice events.

Hospice of St. Mary’s is here to help.