Hospice Grief Services

Wave Riders - A weekly support group for grieving families.

The Community Hospice's Wave Riders program is a free weekly support group for grieving families with children or teens, aged 3-17 years old.  

An application and in-person meeting are required:
Online Application - Printable Application

The award winning Community Hospice Wave Riders Program helps children (aged 3-17 years old) who have experienced the death of someone significant in their lives, including a parent, grandparent, sibling or friend, learn to “ride the waves of grief” and work towards healing and growth.

Working in small groups facilitated by the professional bereavement staff of Community Hospice, children can recognize and express their feelings in a safe and caring environment, receive guidance and support as they adapt to changes in their lives and families, and build self-esteem by validating the normal feelings of grief.

Children feel less isolated as they meet peers their own age, who also are dealing with a loss, and through expressive art, music, games and discussion, they are able to work toward healing and growth.

The Wave Riders program is available at The Community Hospice locations, some local schools and community organizations.  Families may attend any site they wish, regardless of residence.

Sessions are held once a week for six weeks, approximately one hour per session. All of our participants:

• have experienced the death of a family member or friend
• lost their loved one from natural causes, illness, accidents, overdose, homicide, or suicide
• lost their loved one recently or years ago

Please call Dana Haugen, LMHC at 518-285-8137 for more information about Wave Riders.