Grief Relief: You Have Options September 20, 2017

We all experience grief in our individual ways. Even when death is anticipated, the final realization can be overwhelming. At Fares J. Radel Funeral Homes, we fully understand the challenges of handling grief. Our caring staff is ready to help you with the tools and resources to assist you through your grief.

Meet Gus, our Grief Therapy Dog

Gus is an AKC registered German Shepard who was born September 25, 2015, in Crittenden, Kentucky. At just 7 weeks old, he was adopted by the Radel family and moved to the Cincinnati area. At just four months old, Gus began his training to become a therapy dog with the American Success-Dog Training Academy. He graduated from his training in January 2017 and is now a certified service dog/grief therapy dog. Gus is caring and affectionate and has been a wonderful addition to the Fares J. Radel staff. He enjoys coming into the office and greeting those who need his comfort most. Gus also loves to visit with sick children and provide comfort to people in nursing homes and hospice. Gus is available to meet with families and attend funeral services at your request. Ask how Gus may play a role in your family’s grieving process.

Local Grief Counseling Organizations

We are fortunate in that the Cincinnati area has some remarkable organizations that can help individuals deal with grief. Some organizations specialize in specific age groups or types of grief. Here are a few of them.

• Grief Support Group Sponsored by Hospice of Cincinnati – This group is open to anyone who has lost a friend or relative. The group is sponsored by Hospice of Cincinnati at the Goldstein Family Grief Center at 4360 Cooper Road in Cincinnati, OH. For dates, times, and meeting locations of both general and specialized groups, please call (513) 891-7700.
• Stars for Adults – This is a six-week grief group series for adults who have experienced the death of a spouse, parent, sibling or friend. The group meets on Thursday evenings, 6:30-8:00 pm, at Atria Summit Hills Senior Living facility in Crestview Hills, KY. Registration is required and you can call James Ellis (859) 301-4611 for more information.
• The Compassionate Friends, Cincinnati Chapter – This is a local chapter of a national, mutual assistance, self-help organization that offers friendship and understanding to bereaved parents, grandparents, and adult siblings of a child who has passed. This group meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month, 7:00 pm at St. Timothy Episcopal Church at 8101 Beechmont Avenue in Cincinnati. Contact Carol Terbrueggen at (513) 271-6809 for more information.
• Fernside Center for Grieving Children – This is a place of comfort and support for children and teens, ages 3-18, and their families who have had a significant death in the family. Fernside offers a variety of support groups for children, parents, and guardians. Register for attendance by attending an orientation meeting prior to participating.
• Companions on a Journey Grief Support: New Beginnings Widowed Group – This group is designed to help widowed persons in their initial stages of grief. This group meets on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month, 7:00-9:00 pm at Wesleyan University, 9286 Schultz Drive in West Chester, OH. For more information call (513) 870-9108.
• Survivors of Suicide – This is a peer led support group for people who have lost a loved one to suicide. This group meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 7:00 pm at the Centennial Barn at St. Claire Center at 100 Compton Road in Cincinnati. For more information, call Anita McKinney (513) 923-4375 or Bob Hasley (513) 793-7385.

You may find relief in the arms of family and friends. Sharing feelings with a group or talking to a professional may provide relief. Perhaps the comforting presence of Gus, our grief therapy dog may bring some solace. Grief can be a challenging path. Just know our caring and professional staff at Fares J. Radel Funeral Homes and Crematory are here to help in your time of need.