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If someone you love has died, we can help.

It is important that we allow ourselves and others to grieve, remembering that each of us grieves differently. But, grieve, we must! Some emotions we may experience during grief include sadness, anger, guilt, helplessness, and loneliness. People may need reassurance that these are normal feelings, although painful. While grief is a painful process, it can also be a growth period toward a richer life.

The following services and resources are made available to anyone (regardless of their enrollment in HWC services) in the community working through the grief associated with the death of a loved one. Our grief services are available to you at no cost.


Healing Hearts for Adults *
This educational/supportive opportunity provides a place for grieving persons to gain insight into their own feelings and reactions by sharing with other people in a supportive setting. Groups meet once a week for 6 weeks initially followed with an optional ongoing monthly meeting. Healing Hearts sessions are offered several times a year and lead by licensed staff. Click here for a schedule.

The following information has been provided to assist adults with concerns that are associated with grief.


Healing Hearts for Youth *
Children grieve differently than adults. This educational/supportive opportunity is geared for grieving school-age children. Generally, these groups are held on the school campus and offered during the school day. Parents of grieving children may contact the school counselor or the Grief & Bereavement Services Department at HWC for more information.

The following information has been provided to support those with children that grieving.

Our professional staff can assist with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your child. Please feel comfortable with contacting us by phone at 301-791-6360 or click here for a counselor to contact you.

Workshops *
Creative and interactive workshops are offered throughout the year on topics including Journalizing, Scrapbooking, and Coping with the Holidays, as a means of offering supportive grief care.

Individual Grief Counseling *
HWC bereavement counselors or social workers are available for persons choosing to receive individual counseling services. This can be done in your home or in our office at 747 Northern Avenue. People who are grieving often need to talk, and may need information about what is normal.

Bereavement Volunteers
Our volunteers are trained to assist family members through their bereavement period. They are available to provide support and help during the first year of bereavement by both home visits and telephone calls.

Memorial Service
HWC staff and patient families come together to remember and honor the memory of loved ones who have died during the past year.

Social Gatherings *
Regaining a social life after the death of a loved one can often be challenging. We host social gatherings to help prepare the bereaved for specific seasons and events; mailings will be sent to announce these events.

The Lending Library *
HWC maintains books and tapes in which can be borrowed by contacting the Grief & Bereavement Services Department.

Grief in the Workplace *
Educational Forums presented by HWC Grief Counselors on-site at your place of employment provide basic information on assisting grieving co-workers or employees. We also offer crisis intervention in the event of an employee tragedy.

Tea-n-Talk *
Regularly scheduled groups meet to discuss loss and change for individuals living in Assisted Living Communities. Please contact HWC at 301-791-6360 or one of the following hosting sites:

Homewood Retirement Centers – 301-582-1628
Somerford Assisted Living – 301-791-9221
Broadmore Assisted Living – 301-766-0066
Loyalton of Hagerstown – 301-733-3353
Fahrney-Keedy Home & Village – 301-733-6284

Long Term Grief Support *
Long term grief support is provided by HWC Grief Counselors for either facility staff or residents at a nursing home or assisted living center.

11th Hour Vigil
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* These services are offered to anyone in the community regardless of prior use of hospice services. To learn more or participate, please call our Grief & Bereavement Services Department at 301-791-6360 or click here for a counselor to contact you.