Grief Support Services
Grief is a Healthy Response to Death
Mary Washington Grief Support Services was created to offer encouragement, empathy and support. Our team recognizes that different people grieve differently and that it can be very healing to connect with other peers who have suffered similar losses.
Our Mission
Our mission is to nurture individuals and families along their grief journey as they cope with the death of a loved one and to be able to offer programs at no cost to the participant.
All our grief support groups and programs are funded by the community through private donations, fund raising events and grants. To give online, visit the MWH Foundation page and choose "Grief Support Services" from the designation drop-down.
Practicing Self-Care
The following responses (and more) to a death or tragic event are all normal:
- Shock
- Sadness
- Disbelief
- Anger
- Guilt
- Crying
- Loss of meaning
- Questioning faith
- Sleep disturbance
- Numbness
- Heaviness in chest
- Restlessness
- Absent-mindedness
- Physical aches
- Peacefulness or relief
Grief places your body through a substantial amount of stress. Part of moving through the grieving process involves treating your body carefully so that you have strength to move forward. Making sure you’re eating healthy meals, walking and exercising, and sleeping well can give you the strength to better face your circumstances. Lightening your schedule while grieving may improve your well-being. Try temporarily reducing your work hours, taking some time off, implementing relaxation techniques, and setting aside time for yourself.
Meet Mary Beaven, Community Outreach and Bereavement Liaison
Mary Beaven is a licensed clinical social worker and has worked in hospice and bereavement for 10 years. She spent the last two years working as a hospice social worker with Mary Washington Hospice, providing direct patient care and working as the hospital liaison. At the end of October, she moved into the role of Community Bereavement Liaison for Grief Support Services. Mary enjoys spending time with her family, especially playing card games. She also loves baking and reading.
The mission of Grief Support Services is to nurture individuals and families along their grief journey as they cope with the death of a loved one. All our services are complimentary thanks to generous grants and donations from the local community. There are two ways this mission is accomplished: grief education and peer support groups. Grief education will be offered to the general community at central locations like the John F. Fick, III Convention Center or Stafford Hospital, as well as through virtual programming through the Central Rappahannock Library and the insideMWHC podcast. Additionally, grief education is provided in the local community at churches, senior living communities, and schools.
Grief groups are divided by loss type, such as loss of a spouse or loss of a parent, and are open to the community, not just those served by Mary Washington Hospice. These groups are led by highly trained peer facilitators. Grief offerings for children and families are provided through our school groups, called Kids Helping Kids, and our family support nights, called Family Expressions. The beloved Camp Rainbow kids’ grief camp is in the planning phase for 2026!
Mary Washington Healthcare Grief Support Groups, Classes and Special Events
Loss of a Spouse or Partner support group (1st and 3rd Thursday mornings)
Loss Due to Suicide or Overdose support group (Monday evenings for 8 weeks)
Art Workshop for Loss of a Grandparent March 22 (for elementary aged children)
For more information call 540.741.3567 or e-mail griefsupport@mwhc.com to provide your contact information.
