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 Wilson Support 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.

Upon calling our team, a team member can provide telephone support by answering questions, linking with programs and providing guidance when appropriate. It can be invaluable to speak with a counselor to receive individualized, one-on-one support.

It can be invaluable to speak with a counselor to receive individualized, one-on-one support. 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 and connect with others in similar circumstances. We offer a variety of support groups through our center.

Early experiences of grief present unique challenges, but can also present the opportunity to ensure young ones learn healthy outlets for their emotions. We hold youth-specific programs and provide developmentally appropriate resources to support children and their caregivers.

It is important to understand not only the multifaceted grief experience, but healthy grief and how to take care of those emotions. We have a library of resources -- such as handouts, books, and videos -- that can help you make sense of what you’re feeling and further determine what you need.

If your workplace would benefit from grief and loss education, we can present contemporary information that is customized to your setting.

Hospice Bereavement Services

When an individual dies under the care of Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo, 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.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, our services have been amended to include the following:

  • Individual counseling via phone or virtual sessions
  • Virtual support groups - call 716-836-6460 to register
  • Supportive telephone contact
  • Grief Journal mailings
  • Virtual memorial events
  • Location-specific bereavement referral for individuals residing outside of Erie County
  • Reciprocal bereavement benefits for individuals residing in Erie County served by a hospice in another county

Healing Together
as a Community

Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo’s Wilson Support Center extends its embrace to our community. We are here to offer guidance and resources as we navigate our shared grief and pain. Contact us at (716) 836-6460 or GriefSupport@palliativecare.org

Crisis Services and Mental Health Counseling

Free Mental Health & Trauma Counseling


Free drop-in counseling events are held at 
Johnnie B. Wiley Pavilion located at 1100 Jefferson Avenue.
No appointment needed.
Contact Latesha Wiley at 716-390-0005 for details.

 

Services provided through Erie County in partnership with:

Best Self Behavioral Health
Endeavor Health Services
Crisis Services and Spectrum Health & Human Services
Say Yes Buffalo

 

The Community Health Center of Buffalo: Counselors are currently available.

Anyone seeking services can call (716) 986-9199 ext 8021.​​​​​​​

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to:
https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/resources/buffalo-supermarket-mass-shooting-resources.html

For anyone in crisis or needing to speak with a mental health practitioner immediately, please contact: 

Crisis Services 24-Hour hotline (716) 834-3131

Crisis Services Text hotline (716) 300-2338 (available Mon-Friday, 6-11pm)

Kid’s Helpline (716) 834-1144

Buffalo & Erie County Addiction Hotline (716) 831-7007

 

Additional information and resources as well as distinct materials for children and youth,
coping and self-care can be found at,

https://www.wbfo.org/community-resources

https://www.wbfo.org/resources-for-educators-parents-and-caregivers

Caring for Impending Loss and Rebuilding After Loss

quote
"My significant other passed away in hospice care. Based on this experience, I highly recommend seeking the care and support of hospice if you or a loved one are faced with serious illness. Like many others, I did not realize that the hospice benefit covers grief and loss support to loved ones for 13 months. I have never been to counseling before and did not know what to expect. Talking to friends and family was challenging and at times, I would feel worse after doing so. After all, everyone has problems, so I did not want to become a burden. Establishing a relationship with a grief counselor allowed me to share how I was feeling. I explained that I was overwhelmed and unsure how to manage the loss of the person I spent all of my time with for over 20 years. Talking with my counselor, I understood there is no single solution to dealing with grief, made me realize that many of my feelings were a "normal" reaction to loss. Though I cannot say I have found peace, I can say that I was fully supported during this difficult transition. I am sincerely grateful to Hospice Buffalo."
– James