YWP Group Logistics & Guidelines

ARROW Grief Groups

Peer Support Group for

YOUNG WIDOWED PARENTS

of dependent-aged children

GROUP LOGISTICS & GUIDELINES

PLEASE READ ALL THE WAY TO BOTTOM

The purpose of this program is to:

To connect young widowed parents/guardians of dependent-aged children in the WNY community;
To reduce the isolation and emotional distress caused by the loss of a spouse/partner and coparent;
To increase sources of social support and build an understanding community;
To introduce beneficial resources for families; and
To begin the process of healing for parent/guardian and child(ren).

Being a member of this group means that you agree to the following:

CONFIDENTIALITY. What we discuss in this group must remain in this group. Share with others outside the group only what you have learned about yourself. Exceptions to confidentiality: if a member is in immediate danger to themselves or is endangering another who cannot protect themselves, as in the case of a child, a person with a disability, or an elderly person.
Respect. It is important to respect your own grief as well as others. Every person, relationship, circumstances, and loss is different and therefore people will respond differently. It is important to respect everyone's right to grieve in their own way. We can compare, but cannot judge.
Be on time. Please respectful of everyone’s time. We have 90 minutes from start to finish, and every minute together is valuable.
Take turns. Let everyone have a chance to speak and do not dominate discussions. While some of us might have a great deal they want to share, please be considerate of others who have things they would like to say, too. Those who choose not to talk may occasionally pass, but one of the biggest benefits of a group setting is the opportunity to share with your peers, and sharing is encouraged. Please refrain from side conversations (unless we split up specifically for them).
Keep cell phone ringers on vibrate. Understanding that this is a group of parents/guardians with young children, it is important to be available in case of emergencies, but please do not take calls during group time if it is not absolutely necessary.
Advice or religious solicitation. Members agree that they will not try to fix anyone else’s problem or push religious beliefs onto others; just be honest about their own circumstances and what has worked for them. In addition, group members are not to distribute any handouts to the group members without prior approval from facilitator.
This is a judgment-free zone. This makes it safe for us to share our truths, and your truths might be different than someone else’s.
Inclusivity. Discrimination or prejudices of any kind will not be tolerated. This group values diversity, equity and inclusion.
Safety. If the facilitator has any reason to believe that a member has hurt or has the potential to hurt any of the other members in any way (emotionally, psychologically, or physically), that member will be removed from the group. No one is obligated to share any details they are not comfortable sharing.
Leaving early. A member may leave the group early if they wish; if possible, they should say goodbye to the other group members before doing so, or get the facilitator to say goodbye for them.

LOGISTICS:

Population: Parents/guardians who are raising dependent-aged children alone after the loss of their significant other, whether together or no longer in a relationship at the time of their death.

Facilitator Credentials & Contact Info: Program created and facilitated by Andrea Row, certified grief specialist, peer, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling intern with over fourteen years of volunteer service with the widowed community.

Email: andrearowwebsite@gmail.com

Phone: (716) 336-8637

Website: www.andrearow.com

Time/Date/Duration: Four scheduled meetings in 2024:

Mondays from 6:30pm-8pm on June 3 & 17, and July 1 & 15.

Location: In-person at Alden Mental Health Counseling Wellness, 11901 Broadway, Alden, NY.

Cost: A $5 donation is appreciated to help cover the cost of snacks and drinks.

Group Format: The group will meet in-person. It is an open group; however, participants are required to register with the facilitator prior to attending for the safety of the group. At this time, the group is limited to adults only.

Session Format: Each session includes some education, group discussions. and sharing of resources.

* Please indicate your agreement by checking box on Registration Form at time of registration.