Supportive Resources

  • Aging Resources of Central Iowa

    800-747-5352
    5835 Grand Avenue, Suite 106, Des Moines
    5838 Grand Avenue, Suite 106
    Des Moines, IA 50312-1439

    The Iowa Family Caregiver Support Program assists families in caring for an older or disabled adult, as well as grandparents/relatives caring for a child 18 years of younger.

  • Candles of Hope & Memorial Weekend Services

    515-964-4249
    Ankeny First United Methodist Church Chapel
    206 SW Walnut Street
    Ankeny, IA 50021

    An event held twice a year (Christmas and Memorial Day) to remember loved ones.

  • Care Initiatives Hospice

    515-223-3813

    Bereavement services available to assist families and individuals (anyone welcome) with the various emotions that accompany the death of a loved one.

    Locations:

    Albia - 877-577-8222

    Cedar Rapids - 877-577-2999

    Des Moines - 877-577-2888

    Sioux City - 877-577-3888

    Waterloo - 877-577-3999

    Greenfield - 877-577-8555

  • Center for Life Counseling - Catholic Charities

    515-244-3761
    Des Moines
    601 Grand Avenue
    Des Moines, IA 50309

    Providing services to individuals and families in the Des Moines metro area to help with grief and loss, anxiety and depression.

  • Children and Families of Iowa

    515-288-1981
    1111 University Ave, Des Moines
    1111 University Avenue
    Des Moines, IA 50314

    Providing caring and compassionate care to families as they walk through the journey of grief and loss. Service locations in Des Moines, Ankeny, Fort Dodge, Osceola and Ottumwa.

    Locations:

    Ankeny - 515-289-2272

    Fort Dodge - 515-573-2193

    North Des Moines - 515-697-7916

    Osceola - 641-342-3444

    Ottumwa - 641-682-3642

  • Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center

    515-274-4006
    8553 Urbandale Ave, Urbandale
    8553 Urbandale Avenue
    Urbandale, IA 50322

    Provide counseling for grief and loss and help healing from anxiety, depression, stress and spiritual matters. Satellite offices located in Lamoni, Leon, Mitchellville, Mt. Ayr and Osceola.

  • Grief Healers

    800-827-4521
    Iowa River Hospice - Marshalltown
    502 Plaza Heights Road
    Marshalltown, IA 50158

    A group open to any individual who has experienced the death of a loved one within the last year. First Thursday each month from 1-2PM.

  • Grieving with the Community

    515-276-1700
    Gloria Dei Lutheran Church - Urbandale
    8301 Aurora Avenue
    Urbandale, IA 50322

    A warm, encouraging and helpful event for those who have experienced the death of a loved one.

  • Grow Through Grief

    800-827-4521
    Iowa River Hospice Home - Marshalltown
    502 Plaza Heights Road
    Marshalltown, IA 50158

    A five week support group focused on helping those who have lost a loved one deal with their grief and loss. This class is facilitated by Iowa River Hospice and pre-registration is required.

  • Grundy Center 8 - Week Grief Support Group

    800-617-1972

    This is a support group open to anyone coping with the death of a loved one. Pre-registration is required and interested parties are encouraged to contact Robyn Plocher. This group is sponsored by Cedar Valley Hospice, in partnership with Abels & French Hand Funeral Homes.

  • Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospice

    (563) 422-3811
    West Union, Iowa
    112 Jefferson St
    West Union, Iowa 52175

    A grief Support Group for anyone in the community who has experienced the death of a loved one. The group offers support and provides education on ways to cope and grow through grief and is designed to bring individuals together to share thoughts, experiences and feelings regarding their loss. During an 8 week program, the support groups meets once a week for an hour and a half in a convenient location.

    For more information contact Janell McElree, LBSW at 563.422.3811 or jmmcelre@gundersenhealth.org.

  • HALOS Helping All Loved Ones Survive

    800-827-4521
    Iowa River Hospice - Toledo
    502 Plaza Heights Road
    Marshalltown, IA 50158

    A support group for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one which meets the first Monday of each month at the Trojan Inn in Toledo. 

  • Hamilton's Academy of Grief & Loss

    515-697-3666
    Hamiltons Funeral Home - Des Moines
    605 Lyon Street
    Des Moines, IA 50309

    Offers grief information, resources and literature to anyone (children & adults) in the community.

  • HCI Care Services

    800-806-9934

    One-on-one support services and grief support groups available for adults and their families. Locations:

    • Centerville Hospice Team - Centerville (800) 500-2614 (Toll-Free) 
    • Council Bluffs Hospice Team – Council Bluffs (877) 325-6802 (Toll-Free) 
    • Knoxville Hospice Team - Knoxville (800) 350-9209 (Toll-Free) 
    • Metro Des Moines Hospice Team – Des Moines (800) 806-9934 (Toll-Free) 
    • Mount Pleasant Hospice Team – Mount Pleasant (888) 385-4472 (Toll-Free) 
    • Mount Ayr Hospice Team – Mount Ayr (888) 464-7222 (Toll-Free) 
    • Osceola Hospice Team - Osceola (877) 642-2888 (Toll-Free) 
    • Perry Hospice Team – Perry (888) 206-0080 (Toll-Free)
    • Bright Kavanagh House – Des Moines (515) 333-4500 (Primary) 
    • Greater Regional Hospice Home – Creston (888) 464-7222 (Toll-Free) 
    • Hospice With Heart Hospice House - Glenwood (712) 527-4660 (Primary) 
    • Kavanagh House on 56th Street – Des Moines (515) 255-0857 (Primary) 
    • Administrative Office-HCI Care Services & VNS of Iowa – West Des Moines (800) 806-9934 (Toll-Free) 
    • HCI Giving Tree thrift store-Urbandale (515) 270-2414 (Primary) 
    • HCI Giving Tree thrift store-East Village – Des Moines (515) 244-0051 (Primary) 
    • Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa – Des Moines (515) 288-1516 (Primary) 
    • VNS Home Care (515) 558-9591 (Primary) 
    • ExtraCare Services – Des Moines (855) 333-4275 (Toll-Free) 
    • Amanda the Panda – West Des Moines (515) 223-4847 (Primary)

  • Hope 4 Iowa Crisis Call Line

    844-673-4469

    The HOPE 4 IOWA Crisis Call Line connects individuals in crisis to a helping hand and the resources to address and improve mental wellness. Available 24/7 for residents of Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie and Shelby counties.

    Have a question? You can also email the Hope 4 Iowa Crisis Line at hope4iowa@boystown.org. One of our counselors will respond within 24 hours.

  • Hospice of Dubuque – Bereavement Support Group

    563-582-1220
    Dubuque
    1670 JFK Road
    Dubuque, IA 52002

    Hospice of Dubuque provides bereavement support to hospice family members and residents of the tri-state (Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois) who have experienced a loss through death. Contact: Jessica finkenauerj@hospiceofdubuque.org

  • Hospice of the Heartland

    (515) 295-4430
    Kossuth Regional Health Center, Algona
    1515 S Phillips St
    Algona, Iowa 50511

    A free, grief support group available for anyone in the community who has recently experienced the death of a loved one. Grief support is also provided on an individual and as needed basis. The group meets at 3pm on the first Tuesday of the month at Kossuth Regional Health Center in the Community Health Conference Room. For more information, please contact Kathy Dearchs at 515.295.4437 or Kathy.dearchs@mercyhealth.com.  

  • Mary Greeley Medical Center Hospice Home Care & Israel Family Hospice House

    515-956-6000
    Ames
    400 S Dakota Avenue
    Ames, IA 50014

    Offers one-on-one and group bereavement support and family counseling to anyone in the community.

  • Mercy Hospital Behavioral Health Services

    515-271-6111 or toll-free at 866-595-4959
    Des Moines
    1818 48th Street
    Des Moines, IA 50310

    Offers individuals of all ages and their families treatment to help with grief and loss, anger control, depression and stress management.

  • Monroe County Hospice

    641-932-1701
    Monroe County
    6580 165th Street
    Albia, IA 52531

    Offers a bereavement program (ages 5 and up) free of charge for anyone in the community.

  • Parkersburg Grief Support Group

    877-485-7081

    This support group is for individuals who are coping with the loss of a loved one. The group is sponsored by Cedar Valley Hospice but held at the Legend Trail Golf Course Clubhouse in Parkersburg. For more information contact Cheryl Elsbury at the Waverly office. 

  • Regional Medical Center

    563-927-7303
    Manchester, Iowa
    613 West Main Street
    Manchester, Iowa 52057

    Hospice of Comfort Hospice in Manchester, offers a free, non-denominational Grief Support Group for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one to help them in their healing process. The meetings are information and confidential. The group meets the first Wednesday of each month from 4pm - 6pm at Regional Medical Center.  For more information contact 563.927.3232.

  • Understanding Your Grief

    877-485-7081
    Waverly
    207 20th Street NW
    Waverly, IA 50677

    An eight week support group open to anyone that has experienced the death of a loved one. Pre-registration is required and interested parties should contact Cheryl Elsbury-Reiher. This group is sponsored by Cedar Valley Hospice. 

  • Unity Point Hospice - Des Moines

    515-557-3169
    Des Moines
    11333 Aurora Avenue
    Urbandale, IA 50322

    Offers one-on-one grief counseling, support groups (including Stepping Stones of Grief & Seasons of Grief for adults), memorial services, community referrals and grief resources to families.

    Other locations:

    Fort Dodge:

    Paula J. Baber Hospice House 2630 Ninth Avenue South Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 515-574-6639

    Quad Cities:

    Butterworth Center 1105 Eighth Street Moline, IL 61265 309-207-0723

  • Community for Daughters

    712-276-7319
    Sioux City
    1801 Morningside Avenue
    Sioux City, IA 51106

    A four week support group for any woman that has experienced the death of her mother through illness, sudden death, accident or suicide. This group is sponsored by Christy-Smith Funeral Home, Inc.

  • Drop-In Support Group

    800-617-1972
    Waterloo
    2101 Kimball Avenue, Suite 401
    Waterloo, IA 50702

    A support group for adults dealing with the loss of a loved one. This group is sponsored by Cedar Valley Hospice, covers a wide range of topics and is open to the public. 

  • Eyerly-Ball Community Mental Health Services

    Providing counseling services to families and individuals 17 years and older.

    Service Locations:

    1301 Center Street

    Des Moines, IA 50309

    515-243-5181

     

    301 N Buxton, Suite 203

    Indianola, IA 50125

    515-961-1074

  • Genesis Grief Support Group

    563-421-7970
    Genesis Medical Center- Davenport
    1351 West Central Park
    Davenport, IA 52804

    A supportive and encouraging group for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Held in the West Campus Conference Center. Classes include "Companions in Grief’s Journey” and “Grief Recovery: An Action Program for Moving Beyond Grief”, as well as individual counseling.

     Support Resources

  • Grief and Growth

    712-233-4144 or toll-free at 800-383-4545
    Hospice of Siouxland- Sioux City
    4300 Hamilton Blvd.
    Sioux City, IA 51104

    An educational support program offered in the fall for adults that have endured the loss of a loved one.  This program offers participants the opportunity to share experiences and ideas with other grieving individuals.   

  • GriefShare - Multiple Locations

    A program/support group for adults offering information, resources and support to help individuals as they walk the journey of grief.

    Group Locations are located throughout the state.

  • Hamilton's Family Services Symposium: Coping with Grief

    515-697-3666
    Hamilton's Funeral Home - Des Moines
    605 Lyon Street
    Des Moines, IA 50309

    A symposium offering practical suggestions to adults who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

  • Hospice of North Iowa

    “Understanding Grief and Loss” is a six-week program offers support and education to individuals who have experienced the death of a family member or friend in Mason City.

  • Morning Comfort and Conversation/Evening Comfort and Conversation

    319-398-6735

    Support groups offering a comfortable environment where adults experiencing loss can connect and share with other grieving individuals. Sponsored by Mercy Cedar Rapids. 

  • Mother Loss: Grieving Daughters

    319-398-6735

    A multi-session grief education group designed especially for women who, as adults have experienced the death of their mother. Sponsored by Mercy Cedar Rapids.

  • The Grief Journey

    319-369-7744

    An 8 week support group for adults who have experienced the death of a loved one that is free of change and open to any member of the community. Sponsored by Unity Point Hospice- Cedar Rapids.

  • Touching Our Grief (TOG)

    An educational grief and support group for adults that meets at various locations throughout Iowa. Sponsored by HCI Care Services.

    Group locations:

    Adel- 515-465-4705

    Des Moines- 515-333-4500

    Centerville- 641-856-5502

    Osceola- 641-342-2888

    Indianola- 641-842-4312

    Mount Ayr- 641-464-2088

    Fairfield- 319-385-4472

    Knoxville- 641-842-4312

    Mount Pleasant- 319-385-4472

    Perry- 515-465-4705

  • Amanda the Panda Family Grief Center

    515-223-4847

    Youth ages 6-17 grieving the death of a loved one can receive peer support and grief education through participation in support groups and/or camps.

  • Camp Courage

    712-233-4144 or toll-free 800-383-4545
    Hospice of Siouxland
    4300 Hamilton Blvd.
    Sioux City, IA 51104

    A free, weekend-long program for children ages 6 to 17 who have experienced the loss of a family member or friend. This camp combines traditional camp activities and grief-related programming to help children productively cope with their grief. 

  • Camp Embracing Memories

    319-369-7744

    A free, overnight camp designed to help children (ages 7 to 16) effectively cope with the death of a friend of family member.

    Sponsored by Unity Point Hospice- Cedar Rapids.

  • Camp Greentree

    800-297-4719

    A free camp for children ages 7-14, who have experienced the loss of a friend or family member. This camp is facilitated by Hospice of North Iowa staff and volunteers.

    Sponsored by Hospice of North Iowa.

  • Children Overcoming the Obstacles of Life (C.O.O.L.)

    515-274-4006

    A program provided by licensed counselors for children 2-20 years of age which offers tools and support to children coping with the loss of a loved one. 

  • Daddy's Little Angels

    515-962-0614

    A Des Moines area support group for children (ages 12 and under) who are grieving the loss of their dad.

    To learn more, contact Jana Nichols.

  • Grief Relief

    A free workshop for children (grades 7-12) who are experiencing the tuff stuff that comes after someone dies. 

    Sponsored by HCI Care Services.

    Program Locations:

    Boone- 888-206-0080

    Centerville- 800-500-2614

    Knoxville- 800-350-9209

    Des Moines Metro Area- 800-806-9934

    Mount Ayr- 888-464-7222

    Mount Pleasant- 888-385-4472

    Osceola- 877-642-2888

    Perry- 888-206-0080

  • Healing Hearts

    515-697-3666
    Hamilton's Academy of Grief and Loss - Des Moines
    605 Lyon Street
    Des Moines, IA 50309

    A program for children (grades 1st-6th) who have experienced the loss of a loved one that utilizes music, stories, art and games to help children express their thoughts and feelings.

  • Healing Hearts in Marshalltown Schools

    800-827-4521
    Marshalltown
    502 Plaza Heights Road
    Marshalltown, IA 50158

    Group support for children attending Marshalltown Schools based on need and at the request of school counselors. This service is sponsored by Vogel Family Funeral Homes. For more information contact: Iowa River Hospice

  • Hearts and Hooves

    319-363-0454

    A bereavement camp sponsored by Iowa Hospice for children ages 7-17 who have lost a loved one. There is no cost or requirement for participation and camps are offered at several locations throughout the state at different times of year. For more information regarding this opportunity, contact Wyatt Dagit. 

  • Little Hands at Hamilton's

    515-697-3666
    Hamilton's Academy of Grief and Loss - Des Moines
    605 Lyon Street
    Des Moines, IA 50309

    A group for children (age 3 ½ to Kindergarten) which utilizes age appropriate activities and discussions to help children cope with the death of a loved one.

  • Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services (PCCAS)

    515-286-3600
    Polk County
    Polk County River Place / 2309 Euclid Avenue
    Des Moines, IA 50310

    Art therapy services for children that have been victimized or have had a loved one victimized by homicide or vehicular homicide. 

  • Rick's House of Hope (RHOH): Center for Grieving and Traumatized Children

    563-324-9580
    Davenport
    5022 Northwest Blvd.
    Davenport, IA 52806

    Sessions offered year round for children of all ages that are coping with grief and loss. For more information contact Emily. 

  • Stepping Stones

    515-276-1700
    Gloria Dei Lutheran Church - Urbandale
    8301 Aurora Avenue
    Urbandale, IA 50322

    A faith based, six week program for children (ages 3-5 and 6-10) offering children the opportunity to express and understand their feelings of grief and loss. This program is held in conjunction with the GriefShare program which meets at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

  • Teens Together Grief Support

    515-276-1700
    Gloria Dei Lutheran Church - Urbandale
    8301 Aurora Avenue
    Urbandale, IA 50322

    A discussion based program offering teens the opportunity to share the emotions they are experiencing at the loss of a loved one with other teens.

  • Beginning Experience

    515-619-8410

    A weekend program that helps grieving, single-again persons deal with the natural grief process and offers the opportunity to move into the future with renewed hope. Programs offered in Des Moines and Northwest Iowa. 

  • Life After Death of a Spouse (LADOS)

    515-277-6969

    A Des Moines based program (supported by the Des Moines Area Religious Council) for widowed men and women that encourages participants to embrace their own grief journey. The focus is on helping participants redefine the future and embrace a new way of being.

  • Picking up the Pieces: Young Widow's Support Group

    712-276-7319
    Sioux City
    1801 Morningside Avenue
    Sioux City, IA 51106

    A 5 week support group for women up to 60 years of age.

  • What Now?!

    800-617-1972
    Waterloo
    2101 Kimball Avenue, Suite 401
    Waterloo, IA 50702

    A support group sponsored by Cedar Valley Hospice for individuals between the ages of 30-60 who have lost a spouse. The group's focus is on how to move forward now that a spouse has died. 

  • Widow/Widowers Support Group

    888-273-8957
    Independence
    801 1st Street East
    Independence, IA 50644

    A support group for men and women who have lost a spouse. This group sponsored by Cedar Valley Hospice is open to the public and does not require pre-registration.

  • Young Energetic Widowed Singles, Inc. (Y.E.W.S.)

    515-255-1950

    A social support group for adults in the Des Moines area that have experienced the loss of a spouse. Virginia Powers is the Group Organizer.

  • Younger Spouse Support Group

    319-398-6735

    A support group for women under the age of 65 who have lost a spouse or significant other. Sponsored by Mercy Cedar Rapids.

  • Children's Cancer Connection

    515-243-6239

    Provides support to parents/families that have lost a child to cancer.

  • Face 2 Face Des Moines Metro (DMM)

    347-306-1821

    An understanding and supportive group for women that have experienced the loss of a baby. Please email group leader, Michelle Pignatelli at face2facedm@gmail.com

  • Heartprints

    319-398-6331 or 319-398-6384

    One-on-one counseling and information for parents who have lost a baby. This service provided by Mercy Cedar Rapids.

  • Iowa SIDS Foundation

    515-965-7655

    A state wide organization that offers emotional support to SIDS and SUID families.

    Established support groups:

    Clarion- contact Cheryl at 1-800-944-1713

    Des Moines- contact the Iowa SIDS Foundation office at 515-965-7655

    Cedar Falls/Waterloo- contact Chaplain Mary Arnold at 319-272-7370

    Knoxville- contact Lori at 641-828-6515

    Quad Cities- contact Betsy at 563-332-6265

    Cedar Rapids/Iowa City- contact Rachel at 319-721-3273

    Washington- contact Tricia at 319-430-5618

    Waukon- contact Cheryl at 563-568-5486 

  • Steppingstones Towards Hope

    712-276-7319
    Sioux City
    1801 Morningside Avenue
    Sioux City, IA 51106

    A five-week support group for bereaved parents.

  • The Compassionate Friends

    An organization that provides friendship, understanding and hope to bereaved families after the death of a child. 

    Iowa Chapters:

    Algona- contact Cathy at 515-538-0572 or catkel49@yahoo.com

    Avoca- contact Natalie at 712-482-3037 or tcfofswiowa@gmail.com

    Carroll- contact Joan at 712-792-9507

    Dubuque- contact Ellen at 815-747-2198 or bigelowmebigelow@yahoo.com

    Marshalltown- contact Karen at 641-752-6983 or ship1@adiis.net

    Mason City- contact cfnorthiowa@gmail.com

    Muscatine- contact Linda at 563-260-3626 or linmac67@machlink.com

    Nevada- contact Nancy at 515-292-1204 or tcfstorycounty@hotmail.com

    North English- contact Sharon at 319-330-3984

    Sioux City- contact Patsy at 712-278-2089 or www.tcfsiouxcity.org

    Waverly- contact Sandy at 319-269-5385

    West Burlington- contact Marek at 319-753-5607 or greatrivertcf@yahoo.com

    West Des Moines- contact Merry at 515-277-6432 or hello@tcfdsm.org

  • Crisis Intervention Service

    641-423-0490
    Allamakee, Cerro Gordo, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Floyd, Hancock, Howard, Mitchell, Winnebago, Winneshiek and Worth counties
    206 Third NE
    Mason City, IA 50401

    Offers free, confidential services to survivors of homicide throughout a 14 county area.

  • Horizon's Survivors Program

    319-398-3943
    Eastern Iowa
    819 5th Street SE
    Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-0667

    With a service area of 23 counties in Eastern Iowa, Horizon’s provides support and advocacy to individuals who have lost a loved one to homicide and vehicular homicide. Support groups available in Cedar Rapids and Davenport. Agency Headquarters located in Cedar Rapids, IA.

  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

    800-GET-MADD

    Family support, counseling and advocacy provided to individuals and families impacted by drunk driving.

  • Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services (PCCAS)

    515-281-5044 or toll-free 800-373-5044
    Statewide
    Lucas State Office Building / 321 E 12th Street, Room 018
    Des Moines, IA 50319

    Provides financial assistance to victims/survivors of crime, including homicide and vehicular homicide.

  • State of Iowa Crime Victim Compensation Program

    515-281-5044 or toll-free 800-373-5044
    Statewide
    Lucas State Office Building / 321 E 12th Street, Room 018
    Des Moines, IA 50319

    Provides financial assistance to victims/survivors of crime, including homicide and vehicular homicide. 

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