Monthly Peer Support Group
Meeting the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6:30
“Support group was a place of refuge. For one night a month, I could talk about my son with people who acknowledged that he existed. I was allowed to be sad, angry, proud, jealous, or whatever else I wanted to feel. I could share pictures of him. I could talk about my experiences with people who actually understood because they had similiar experiences. By going to support group, I realized that even though I felt isolated in my regular life, I wasn’t alone.”
Attending Our Parent Support Group
We invite you to attend our peer led, adults-only support group that has been meeting for over 50 years. Only other parents who have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss are present. You are welcome wherever you are in your grief journey. There is no judgement, only connection and understanding.
No children allowed, parents only. NO RSVP is required, but if it would make your attendance easier, please feel free to connect with us: supportgroup@bereavedparentsofmadison.com, 920-643-0217 (call or text).
In Person Meeting Location
Goodman Community Center, Ironworks Building,
149 Waubesa St, Bolz Room B
(note: Not Brassworks Building)
Please visit us on Facebookor Instagram for most up to date meeting information, including weather related meeting changes. No RSVP is necessary.
Parking
Ironworks building parking lot, overflow parking at St. Bernard's parking lot, and street parking around Goodman (Corry, Waubesa, St. Paul, Lafollette, Talmadge).
Schedule
6:20 PM Doors Open
The facilitator will greet guests. There will be an opportunity to discuss and receive additional resources. We will provide beverages, snacks, Kleenex, and notepads/pens.
6:30-8:00 PM Support Group Meeting
Each parent will have the opportunity to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable. They can share their story or discuss their current challenges and coping skills. This group is a safe place for parents to share their feelings with other non judgemental parents who can relate. We maintain a safe space for all families who have experienced baby loss at any gestation including termination for medical reasons. Please feel free to bring pictures or any other items you would like to share.
8:00-8:30 PM Connection and Discussion
Connect with other parents individually and discuss timely topics that have come up. There is an opportunity to look at our library of books and community resources.
Our facilitator will offer to connect you to resources, gather your information to send you an invitation to our December Holiday Service, and get your email if you would like to subscribe to the monthly Bereaved Parents of Madison e-newsletter. Please share as much or as little information with them as you would like.
We do encourage parents to attend at least two times to determine if this type of support will be helpful for them in their grief. We encourage everyone to give it a try.
Facebook Support Group
We maintain a closed Facebook Group for bereaved parents who have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss. Facilitators review all new requests for membership. Please fill out the questionnaire or check your private messages folder. The Facebook group allows parents to connect and receive support from fellow loss parents between support group monthly meetings and any time day or night.
Questions
Please contact supportgroup@bereavedparentsofmadison.com or 920-643-0217 (call or text) with questions or concerns about attending our monthly support group.
Support Outside of Dane County
We do welcome families from the area surrounding Dane County and Southern Wisconsin.
Star Legacy can provide statewide resources.