The first positive step in the grieving process is holding a memorial service or funeral for your loved one. In the following days, weeks and months, people continue to need support. There are many local and national support resources available. We have provided resource links below or contact Oakcrest for more information.

Grief Resources

AARP Grief & Loss: a collection of resources and an on-line support community. http://www.aarp.org/relationships/grief-loss/

National Funeral Directors Association: Frequently Asked Questions about grief. http://www.nfda.org/grief-resources.html

Growth House – discusses hospice care, dying with dignity, terminal illness, grief and bereavement. http://www.growthhouse.org

GROWW.org - message boards, resource listings and secure chat rooms for the grieving. http://www.groww.org

WidowNet - an information and support resource for, and by, widows and widowers. http://www.widownet.org

Grief Resources For Parents

National SIDS and Infant Death Program Support Center - provides research, education, and support for families dealing with SIDS. http://www.sids.org

Bereaved Parents USA – a nationwide organization designed to aid and support bereaved parents and their families. http://www.bereavedparentsusa.org

Healing Hearts for Bereaved Parents - offers understanding, suggestions for coping, support, friendship, and hope to all parents who are struggling with grief. http://www.healingheart.net

The Compassionate Friends – supports families who have experienced the death of a child. http://www.compassionatefriends.org

SHARE Pregnancy & and Infant Loss Support - provides support to those mourning the tragic death of a baby through early pregnancy loss, stillbirth or newborn death. http://www.nationalshare.org

Grief Resources For Children

Stephanie’s Hope – Oakcrest is proud to sponsor this free program to help address the needs of grieving children, teens and their families in North Central Iowa. http://sites.google.com/site/stephanieshope2011/ Email: stephanieshope@yahoo.com or call 712-242-6308 or 515-320-1181.

Children’s Grief Education Association – provides grief education and support to bereaved children, theirfamilies and professionals in schools and community organizations http://www.childgrief.org