BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS FOR THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE OR PARENT

LADOS, "Life After Death of Spouse":   For those experiencing the death of their spouse, sponsored by the Des Moines Area Religious Council, 515-277-6969.  Meetings are the second Sunday evening of each month at 7:00 p.m., in the Plymouth Congregational Church of Christ (use entrance West of building), located at 42nd and Ingersoll.  For more information, contact Joanne Patterson at 515-277-1171 or Eunice Hoffmeyer at 515-276-9242.

Widowed Persons of Central Iowa:  A social group to encourage widowed persons to meet new friends and enjoy activities together.  Meetings are the first Tuesday of each month.  Call Marge Wiggenbaugh for more information at 515-276-3400.

Sponsored by Hospice of Central Iowa:

	Touching Our Grief:  This ongoing educational grief and support group for adults meets monthly at The Bright Center, 401 Railroad Place in West Des Moines.  For more information, call Dee Malena at 515-241-1305.
	New Survivors Meet & Eats Groups:  For survivors who have experienced a recent loss, this group meets monthly at area restaurants and other locales for dining and support.  For more information, call Dee Malena at 515-241-1305.
	Grief Relief:  Formerly known as "TUFF", this three-hour workshop for young people in grades 7-12 is offered three times a year.  It meets at The Bright Center, 401 Railroad Place in West Des Moines.  For more information, call Dee Malena at 515-241-1305.
	Growing Through Grief:  This educational program helps facilitate the basic skills needed to use grief as an opportunity for growth.  The program meets weekly for five weeks at The Bright Center, 401 Railroad Place in West Des Moines.  For more information or to register, call David Manders at 515-274-3400.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS FOR THE LOSS OF A CHILD

The Compassionate Friends is a self-help organization offering friendship and understanding to bereaved adults and siblings.  The Central Iowa Chapter meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at New Hope United Methodist Church, 4525 Beaver in Des Moines.  For more information, contact Donnafred Hinman at 515-226-2141 in the evening.

Empty Arms is a self-help organization for parents who have lost a newborn baby.  They meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the New Hope United Methodist Church, 4525 Beaver in Des Moines.  For more information, contact Kristin Carlson at 515-271-9410 or Betsy Lundy at 515-277-7502.

The Iowa Sids Foundation is organized to provide support to families of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome victims.  The meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in the Kelly Room.  For more information, contact Ingrid Stukerjurgen at 515-279-6928 or Carol Thomas at 515-223-1600.  The SIDS hotline number is 866-480-4741.

Amanda Cares and Amanda the Panda Children & Family Grief Center sponsors Camp Amanda and other grieving programs at no fee for children, teens, and adults who are grieving a death.  For specific dates and registration forms contact the Amanda Cares office at 1000 73rd St., Suite 12, Des Moines, or call 515-223-4847.