Remembrances Grief & Bereavement Program

Our programs are designed to help adults and children with their grief and to support them in their time of bereavement.  The programs are offered free of charge to everyone in our community. All programs are held at the New Milford VNA, 68 Park Lane Road (Route 202), unless otherwise noted.

Adult Bereavement Support Group
Led by a Professional Grief Counselor, this group meets the first and third Thursdays of every month at 7:00 p.m. Open to all bereaved adults, including,but not limited to, family members of deceased NMVNA patients in the community and surrounding towns.

Camp Jonathan Children’s Bereavement Program
Children express grief differently from adults. Camp Jonathan, a one-week experiential summer day camp, helps children ages 6 through 12 who have suffered the death of a significant person.  The camp is led by Professional Pediatric Grief Counselors and Therapists and assisted by trained Hospice volunteers. It is held during the month of August.  Click here for more information about Camp Jonathan

Growing Through Grief Child/Parent Bereavement Workshop
This six-week workshop enables bereaved children with their parents or guardians to work though their grief using creative therapies.  Held during November and December, the workshop is led by a professional Pediatric Grief Therapist.

Teen Bereavement
Held six consecutive weeks during March and April, this series is open to teens 13 through 18 who have lost a significant person to death. Teens discuss coping with grief and learn age-appropriate creative therapies. This group can also prepare participants to work as Camp Jonathan Junior Counselors. Facilitated by a professional Adolescent Grief Counselor.

Community Bereavement Annual Remembrance Service
This Interfaith service is held in November. It is comprised of the Reading of the Roll of Remembrance, music, inspirational ecumenical readings, a reading from Scripture and a homily by an area clergyman. A reception follows this meaningful and beautiful service.

Holiday Workshop
Stress reduction, taking care of oneself and initiating new traditions are just a few of the topics discussed. This group provides grief support and education for bereaved adults throughout the holiday season.  It is held during November and December and is led by a
Professional Grief Counselor.

Tree of Life
Both a community remembrance event and a fund-raiser for the Hospice Program, Tree of Life celebrates and remembers deceased members of our community. Trees are lit during a joyous celebration of music, prayers and testimonial in the towns of New Milford, Sherman, Kent, Washington and Roxbury, held during November and December. Please contact NMVNA or visit newmilfordvna.org for information on how to donate a tree light in memory or honor of a loved one.

 Programs are open to all members of the community and surrounding towns and
 are free of charge.