CARRYING OUR GRIEF:
2024 End-of-Life Virtual Conference Series
Over the last three years, thousands of people have participated in our monthly virtual education offerings.
This year we invite you to join us in creating a community that is comfortable talking about grief and loss by attending sessions focused on teaching new skills to increase our support of those who are bereaved.
All sessions are free of charge. Join us now!
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Anonymous Family Foundation
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What is Good Support According to the Real Experts, Grievers! Thursday, January 25th, 2024 | 6-7:30pm (MST)
We know from empirical literature as well as common sense that good support during bereavement experiences is important. It’s particularly crucial where trauma and grief intersect. While the literature demonstrates the importance of good support in grief, few studies have explored the actions and actors of effective care for those mourning. This presentation will first examine the definitions of grief and where it intersects with trauma, illuminating varying dimensions on the effects of such loss. Then, we will explore the actions and actors of social support and discuss specific ways in which we, as a collective society, can provide the type of care that grievers, as the experts themselves, report as helpful.
Presenter: Dr. Joanne Cacciatore
Please note: Due to the stories being shared during this presentation, there will not be a recording made available after the session.
Speaking Grief: A Documentary Film Screening and Discussion Thursday, February 15th, 2024 | 6-7:30pm (MST)
Speaking Grief explores the transformative experience of losing a family member in a death and grief-avoidant society. The documentary features diverse representations of grief through candid interviews with seven families from across the country whose losses range from stillbirth to suicide. Moving away from the idea that grief is a problem that needs to be “fixed,” the documentary validates grief as a normal, healthy part of the human experience. Speaking Grief also addresses the role support from friends and family plays in a person’s grief experience, introducing ideas for how we can get better at showing up for people in their darkest moments.
Produced by WPSU Penn State with philanthropic support and outreach collaboration from The New York Life Foundation. https://speakinggrief.org
Grief: The Mind/Body Connection Thursday, March 21st, 2024 | 5:00-6:00 pm (MST)
In this presentation, we will explore the ways that grief physically affects bereaved individuals and then review the influence of grief on morbidity and mortality. During the session, we will look at the newest research on brain science reviewing the ways a loss impacts brain processes. In the conclusion of the program, consideration is given to the ways that bereaved individuals can be assisted in achieving resilience.
Presenter: Dr. Kenneth J. Doka
Ensuring No Child Grieves Alone Thursday, April 18th, 2024 | 5:00-6:00 pm (MST)
Tu Nidito is on a mission to create a community of acceptance and understanding for those grieving a serious medical condition or death. Our vision is that Southern Arizona becomes a compassionate grief informed community. Ensuring that No Child Grieves Alone.
Grief Education is a critical step in attaining our vision. We have developed a series of workshops designed to meet the needs of adults who support children, teens, young adults, and their caregivers on their grief journey.
This workshop presents an overview of the ways in which individual youth grieve and shares best practices and resources on how to support them in their lived experiences, including the classroom and other settings where their grief impacts their engagement. You will leave the workshop with the skills and tools you need to be present and supportive of grieving youth.
Presenter: Rachael Blackketter, Education and Engagement Manager at Tu Nidito Children and Family Services
“Where Words Fail, Music Speaks” Thursday, May 16th, 2024 | 5:00-6:00 pm (MST)
Music touches every aspect of our life—mind, body, and spirit, and promotes overall wellness. In a therapeutic setting music may help to alleviate the physical, emotional, and mental stress that accompanies serious illness.
This session will be led by four musicians who have spent years playing for hospice patients and their loved ones. The presenters will share insights from their training and work as to how music can benefit the grief patients experience as they near end-of-life and the grief journey their loved ones face. The musicians will play or share music that they have found beneficial to patients and families dealing with grief. We will also have the opportunity to share our own experiences and reflections during a brief small group breakout session. Please join us for this engaging evening of the healing power of music in grief and loss.
Using Creative Arts Expression as a Supportive Tool for Grief June 13th, 2024 | 6-7:30 pm (MST)
Art engagement and the creative process can be beneficial for everyone, at any age. Creativity, in its many forms, is an important way that all human beings express themselves, integrate elements of their lives, and make meaning of their experiences. In this session, participants will be introduced to expressive arts and art therapy and their potential as a resource to support each person’s unique grieving process.
Dr. Carlock will provide a brief overview of art therapy and some situations when seeking out a professional art therapist would be indicated. She will also cover some general ways individuals can utilize creativity and personal art expression on their own, as a therapeutic tool. This type of creative expression is accessible to anyone because there’s no training in fine arts needed. The focus is on self-expression and how the process of engaging in a creative activity helps the body and mind rather than striving for aesthetic goals. Several ideas for personal engagement to support grieving will be shared.
Effective and Enduring Suicide Bereavement Support September 19th, 2024 | 6-7:30 pm (MST)
It is said that for every suicide, 135 people are affected, creating a continuum of people affected whether long-term or simply by being exposed to the knowledge of the traumatic event. Grief and mourning for those impacted by suicide have unique reactions due to the coexistence of trauma, the increased stigmatization and risk factors that can arise, and other such nuances.
We invite you to come learn about these variables as well as what helpful and lasting actions you can take to support those bereaved by suicide.
Presenters: Chandel Beck, Jennifer Titley-Rubio
Carrying Our Connection to the Other Side October 17th, 2024 | 6-7:30 pm (MST)
Research from fields including end-of-life dreams and visions (ELDVs), near-death experiences (NDEs), and experiences of after death communication (ADCs) demonstrates that the love we shared with our human and animal loved ones continues past their deaths. In this session, Dr. Julie Beischel will review these research findings as well as suggest ways that you can feel your continued connections through the recognition of signs and through what she calls Co-Created Crafts.
Presenter: Dr. Julie Beischel
Dementia, Grief, and Caregiving November 21st, 2024 | 6-7:30 pm (MST)
Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia bring a unique and complex type of grief to families and communities. The uncertainty and lack of closure on what is often a very long road of slowly losing someone over time is an experience few are prepared to manage. In this session, we will discuss the concept of ambiguous loss and the challenges of caring for loved ones who are physically present and psychologically absent. We will explore the often-unrecognized role of being a family caregiver, the unique experiences of those who care for and love people who have dementia, and resources that are available to support this often difficult and emotional journey. Whether you are currently caring for someone, ever have, or ever will, you deserve support and care.
Ways to Give
Honor a special person in your life with a gift to Roots & Roads Community Hospice Foundation.
Family Stories
Read the stories of families who have been supported by Roots & Roads Community Hospice Foundation.