Grief Support
The following are some tools available to assist you in your healing journey. Contact us to discuss other resources and find a personalized solution to support you on the road to recovery.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or the Southeast Crisis Hot Line at (844) 274-7472 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.
Community Grief Support Network
Recurring Events
Compassionate Friends, Owatonna (Supporting Family After a Child of Any Age Dies)
Every 2nd Monday at 7:00 p.m.
Nazareth Hall at St. Joseph Church
512 South Elm Ave., Owatonna
No Fee.
Contact: Brenda Squires at (612) 242-1926; brenda.k.squires@gmail.com
Women's Dometic Violence Support Group
Every Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. via Zoom
Crisis Resource Center of Steele County
127 W. Pearl Street, Owatonna
No Fee.
Contact: Missy for Zoom invite at (507) 451-1202
Monthly Drop In Grief Support, Owatonna
Every 3rd Monday, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church
609 Lincoln Avenue, Owatonna
No Fee, No Sign-Up - Just Drop In!
Contact: Pastor Amanda Floy at (507) 451-4520
For more information: tlcowatonna.org/griefsupport
Groups, Workshops, and Events
Grief Support Group, Waseca County
Tuesday Evenings: April 29, May 6, May 13, and May 20, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
3rd and Elm (Grace Lutheran)
300 East Elm Avenue, Waseca
Contact: Pastor and Grief/End of Life Coach Jillene Gallatin at (507) 308-4283
Fostering a safe space to share, listen or simply be present with others who know loss.
No Fee, No Sign-Up, come for one or all four weeks
Whehter you're seeking comfort, connection, or simply a place to be, you are welcome to join
for the next four-week Grief Group series facilitated by Pastor and Grief/End of Life Coach,
Jillene Gallatin.
Grief is a journey best taveled wih support, and we are here for you.
Grief Support Day Camp for Kids Ages 5-10 (includes creation of a memory bear) -
Steele County
June 24th-26th, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church
609 Lincoln Avenue, Owatonna
Contact: Pastor Amanda Floy at (507) 451-4520
Transportation After Group Provided
Registration at: tlcowatonna.org/griefsupport
This day-camp is a place for children 5-10 years old who have experienced a profound loss to connect with other young people experiencing grief, and with adults who understand grief. Through music, stories, activities, and a memory bear project we aim to provide these amazing children with a fun and comfortable place to talk about their emotins and feel understood, as well as learn some tools to help manage the pain of loss while inspiring joy, a sense of belonging, and hope that comes from our faith.
Hospice Adult Grief Support Groups
(in-person or online Zoom)
Summer 2025: Week of July 21st - Week of August 25th (make up, September 8th)
Austin:
First Congregational Church
1910 3rd Ave NW
Austin, MN 55912
Tuesdays @ 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. (CST)
Rochester:
Mayo clinic Hospice Office
4115 W. Frontage Rd.
Rochester, MN 55901
Mondays @ 5:30-7:00 p.m (CST); Tuesdays @ 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. (CST)
Red Wing:
Seminary Professinal Building
906 College Ave.
Red Wing, MN 55066
Wednesdays @ 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. (CST)
Online Zoom*:
Mondays @ 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. (CST)
*To attend via Zoom you will need:
- Access to a computer with internet access, microphone, and camera
- A private place without other people present because the conversations during grief groups are to be kept confidential
- An email address for receiving materials and the Zoom link
To Register for a group, please contact at:
(507) 284-4002
(800) 679-9084 (toll-free)
rsthospicebereavement@mayo.edu
Registration closed June 13, 2025
The Compassionate Friends-Annual Butterfly Release
(Supporting Family After a Child of Any Age Dies)
Monday, August 11th, at 7:00 p.m.
Morehouse Park, Owatonna
No Fee.
Contact: Joan Spindler at (507) 676-0651
Local Grief/Therapy Services
Full Circle Counseling & Wellness
(Outpatient Clinic)
(507) 214-2016
admin@fullcirclecounselingandwellness.com
1880 Austin Road
Owatonna, MN 55060
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
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365 Days of Healing
With our daily emails of comfort and hope, you will feel supported knowing we’re here to walk with you through your journey of grief.
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Just One of Many
Here’s one example of our 365 Days of Healing emails, designed to offer advice, tell stories, and otherwise help you heal.
Grief & Healing Websites
GriefShare
GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences.
> Launch Site
Web Healing
Web Healing offers grief discussion boards where you can talk with others who are grieving or browse recommended books on grief.
> Launch Site
The Compassionate Friends
Whether your family has had a child die (at any age, from any cause), or you are helping those who have gone through this life-altering experience, The Compassionate Friends exists to provide friendship, understanding, and hope to those going through the grieving process as a parent.
> Launch Site
Children & Grief
When a loved one dies, it can be difficult to know how to help kids cope with the loss, particularly as you work through your own grief. By being open and honest, encouraging communication, and sharing your own feelings, you and your children can cope with painful times and begin your healing journey together.
The following links provide more detailed information on topics related to helping children and teens cope with loss.
When Families Grieve™
This guide was created by Sesame Workshop, the educational organization behind Sesame Street. It explores children's understanding of death and offers information about communicating, ideas for coping together, and ways to move forward with your children after a loss.
> Launch Site
Helpful Children's Books
This list from Allina Health recommends children’s books that deal with death and grief. There are suggestions for children of all ages, from preschool to age 12. They also have books for different types of losses, such as the loss of a parent, sibling, grandparent, friend, or pet. With these books, you can start a meaningful conversation with your child and help them understand their feelings
> Launch Site
More Advice
Here you'll find a Huffington Post article by Judith Acosta containing advice and guidance from her book Verbal First Aid, which counsels parents on ways to help kids heal from fear and pain in a variety of situations, including the death of a loved one. If you find the advice in the article helpful, you may want to read her book for even more insight.
> Launch Site
