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Grief Support Guide

Navigating Grief & Finding Support in Lafayette, LA

A Guide To Healing

Grief is a profound and personal journey that affects everyone differently. It can be a challenging path to navigate, but with the right support and resources, healing is possible. At Colligan Crematory & Funeral Services, we understand the importance of finding comfort and community during times of loss. For families in Lafayette, Broussard, and throughout Acadiana, we offer this guide to help manage grief and connect with local support networks.

Understanding Grief

Grief is not a linear process; it ebbs and flows, affecting emotions, thoughts, and even physical well-being. Recognizing the various stages—from denial to acceptance—can prepare you for the multifaceted experience of mourning. Acknowledging your feelings is a vital step toward healing.

Resources & Suggestions for Coping With Grief

Resources & Suggestions for Coping With Grief

  • Seek Professional Grief Counseling
    • Professional counseling offers a safe space to explore emotions and develop coping strategies. The Hospice of Acadiana in Lafayette provides individual and group counseling services. Reach out to them or similar local providers for support tailored to your needs.
  • Join Support Groups
    • Sharing your experiences with others who understand can be incredibly healing. In Lafayette and surrounding areas, support groups such as GriefShare offer regular meetings where members can connect and find solace in shared stories.
  • Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care
    • Mindfulness practices like meditation, journaling, or gentle yoga can help center your emotions and ease stress. Local studios often offer classes specifically designed to support emotional well-being.
  • Engage in Creative Expression
    • Channeling emotions into creative outlets, such as painting, writing, or music, can provide relief and serve as a tribute to your loved one’s memory. Abbott Square in New Iberia hosts various artistic workshops where you can express yourself in a supportive environment.
  • Utilize Online Resources and Helplines

Online communities and helplines offer immediate support for those unable to attend in-person sessions. Organizations like the National Alliance for Grieving Children provide resources that can be accessed anywhere, allowing flexibility in how you seek help.

Local Support Services in Acadiana

Local Support Services in Acadiana

Healing House -

  • They believe with all their hearts that no child should ever have to grieve alone and that is the reason they have created a safe place where grieving children find the support, comfort and understanding to help them along their challenging and emotional grief journey. To put it simply, they are available to help them heal. Healing House is a non-profit agency helping children ages 4 to 17 who are anticipating or have experienced the death of a loved one or a family member. They provide a welcoming and comfortable group atmosphere where kids can express their feelings and thoughts, they can do so in the company of other children who are going through the same experience. They believe that sharing their feelings, stories and memories can be a powerful way to help grieving children heal. They offer support groups and programs facilitated by caring volunteers who are passionate about helping others. Healing House is focused on children but they also have programs for young adults, caregivers and parents of grieving children. All services are offered free of cost under the direction of a mental health professional and facilitated by trained volunteers.
  • Contact Number- +1 337 -234-0443
  • Address- 160 S Beadle Road, Lafayette, LA 70508, U.S

Maddie's Footprints -

  • Maddie's Footprints was established in 2010 in memory of Madeline Noelle McGrew. The vision of Maddie's Footprints is to help families who have experienced stillbirths, miscarriages and the loss of their infant. They help lead these families in the right direction when they need information and counseling. They also offer these families financial assistance for end-of-life expenses or medical expenses that can be overwhelming during their tough times. They also help to bury babies who have died as a result of abuse and neglect.
  • Contact Number- +1 337-534-4209
  • Address- 234 Rue Beauregard, Lafayette, LA 70508, U.S

Hospice of Acadiana, Inc. -

  • Hospice care in the United States began as a grassroots movement to offer care at home for terminally ill patients. It is a common misconception that hospice is a crisis service for the last few days of life. In fact, hospice care is intended for patients with a terminal illness or condition and a life expectancy of 6 months or less. The perception is that by electing hospice, the patient is giving up and that end of life is imminent. Although, the full benefit of hospice services comes along before the end of life.
  • Contact Number- +1 337-232-1234
  • Address- 2600 Johnston St Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70503, U.S

Diocese of Lafayette -

  • Their mission involves the total restoration of humanity and the salvation of the whole person. Their response to this mission finds expression in programs that promote healing and unity in every aspect of the human person. Like Jesus, they sell to express solidarity with the poor and the pressed, striving all the while to remove from ourselves and Church structures whatever promotes injustice, inequality and oppression. The Roman Catholic Church of the Diocese of Lafayette acknowledges Jesus as Lord and finds in His person and mission their truest identity. Obedient to the prompting of the Spirit, they acknowledge His life and ministry. His dying and rising as profound expressions of the Father's constant love for all people. They faithfully join Him as ministers in His kingdom.
  • Contact Number- +1 337-261-5500
  • Address- 1408 Carmel Dr, Lafayette, LA 70501, U.S

Asbury United Methodist Griefshare -

  • GriefShare is a warm, caring support group for people who have experienced the death of a loved one. Our next 13-week program begins Sunday, August 15, 2021 at 3:30pm and will be held in person on the Asbury campus. By participating in GriefShare you will benefit from weekly videos containing helpful information on grief-related topics, a workbook providing additional resources, and the healing power of a small group experience. These three components work together to help you recover from the deep pain of loss.
  • Contact Number: 337.984.4211
  • Address: 101 Live Oak Blvd, Lafayette, La 

Grief Recovery Center -

  • The Grief Recovery Center (GRCBR) is a safe and healing space for any individual who is suffering from loss, trauma, grief and any other mental health struggle that affects their daily life. They offer low-cost individual and family counseling, free drop-in support groups, educational workshops, memorial services and community events. The services are for all ages people. The donor-funded program offers grants to clients on a sliding scale. Financial support from donors and partnering organizations allows the center to offer a number of grief support services at little or no cost, honoring the vision that their founder, Sister Rita Coco, built nearly 30 years ago. The mission of the Grief Recovery Center is to compassionately assist those who experiencing grief, loss and trauma through counseling support and education.
  • Contact Number- +1 225-924-6621
  • Address- 4939 Jamestown Ave #101, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, U.S.

How Colligan's Can Support Your Journey

At Colligan Crematory & Funeral Services, we are committed to supporting families beyond the immediate duties of planning a funeral. We partner with local grief counselors and support networks to ensure that families in Abbeville, Eunice, and other parts of Acadiana are not alone in their journey through grief.

We encourage you to reach out to us for more resources and guidance tailored to your specific situation. By connecting with supportive services in your community, you can find the strength and companionship needed to navigate through grief.

Contact us for more details and to explore how we can assist you during this challenging time. Remember, healing takes time, and you are not alone on this path. Let us help you find the support and solace you need.