Grief Support
We provide grief support and education that is sensitive, compassionate and responsive to the needs of our community.
How We Can Help
Grief does not need to be carried alone. While grief is a natural and normal response after a death or significant loss, it may not feel accepted by the world at large. The Mary & Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Counseling Center is a place to find refuge and guidance, and provides individually customized support by licensed grief professionals as we recognize everyone copes with grief differently. Anyone is eligible to call and receive support.
Support Services
Contact us at 716-836-6460 for our current offerings and schedule.
It can be invaluable to speak with a grief professional to receive individuals, one-on-one support. Upon calling our team, a team member can provide telephone support by answering questions, linking with programs and providing guidance when appropriate.
The Hospice Bereavement benefit includes 13 months of individualized counseling. For those seeking grief support outside of the Hospice benefit, we have a database of local counseling referrals to offer direct support linkage within the community.
Engaging in a support group offers the opportunity to share your story and connect with others in similar circumstances. Hospice bereavement services provide monthly meetings of the 1st Year Support Group and the 2nd Year Support Group. For those seeking grief groups outside of the hospice benefit, we offer a database of local groups to help families connect directly with these community supports.
Early experiences of grief present unique challenges, but also present the opportunity to ensure young ones learn healthy outlets for their emotions. Hospice bereavement services provide individual counseling to children and teens. For those seeking counseling outside of the hospice benefit, we have a database of local counseling referrals specific to children and teens. We also have developmentally appropriate resources available to support children and their caregivers
Grief can be an overwhelming and confusing experience. We have a library of resources for all ages – such as handouts, books, and videos – that can help you make sense of what you are feeling and further determine what you need.
We pursue opportunities to promote awareness and education throughout our Western New York community. Our team is available to provide informational presentations covering foundational grief topics in an approach that is customized to your setting and audience. Examples of past and current educational efforts include workplaces, schools, healthcare agencies, community centers, wellness events, and counseling providers.
Hospice Bereavement Services
When a hospice patient dies, those in their support system are eligible to receive 13 months of bereavement services. There is no cost nor need to provide proof of insurance. Support is available to all ages and may be combined with other Wilson Support Center programming.
Our hospice bereavement services include the following:
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Individual counseling
Held at the Wilson Support Center (150 Bennett Rd, Cheektowaga, NY 14227), remote options available and accommodated on a case-by-case basis• Monthly grief support groups
Available virtually via Microsoft Teams• Supportive telephone contact
• Grief Journals
Five volumes of grief information and guidance sent routinely throughout the 13 month benefit period• Memorial events
• Informational grief literature
• Referrals to other community supports
Please call 716-836-6460 or email griefsupport@palliativecare.org to initiate support.
Reciprocal Bereavement Services
Individuals residing in Erie County whose loved one was served by a Hospice outside of Erie County are eligible for hospice bereavement services.
We vet grief support services nationally, forming connections to other Hospice bereavement programs to establish referral partnerships. We use this database of reputable grief support options to assist folks with linkage throughout the country. Individuals residing outside of Erie County whose loved one was served by our Hospice are encouraged to contact our team for assistance in locating local grief support options.
Western New York Grief Support Centers
Wilson Support Center is pleased to highlight our collaboration with two new dynamic community grief resources.
Western New York Compassion Connection is an expanded service of the nonprofit P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative to support grieving children and families from any origin of loss as they navigate their journey of healing and build resilience for the future. Through the power of peer-to-peer support, and grief education and resources in a safe, caring environment, we seek to foster understanding and hope to help light the darkness of loss. https://wnycompassionconnection.org/
Laurel's Grief Center is committed to supporting children, adults, and families compassionately as they navigate their personal grief journey. Laurel's Grief Center is a nondenominational, free, and safe space for adults, children, and families to grieve. As a not-for-profit, they offer a range of programs and resources to help you on your personal grief journey. https://laurelsgriefcenter.org/
Crisis Services and Mental Health Counseling
For anyone in crisis or needing to speak with a mental health practitioner immediately, please contact:
National Lifeline: Call 988
Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
Crisis Services 24hr Hotline: Call 716-834-3131
Kid’s Helpline: 716-834-1144
Buffalo & Erie County Addiction Hotline: 716-831-7007
We are here as a resource for you, available to discuss any questions or concerns that you may have regarding the grieving process. We encourage you to contact us for more information or to sign up for services.