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Bereavement Support

FOCUS offers bereavement support for parents of children with disabilities, providing a safe place to learn to reconstruct our lives.

Children who have extra-special needs often require constant care giving. When the child passes away, parents suffer the loss of the child and the scheduled ‘way of life.’ They find themselves with empty arms and a lot of time on their hands. They might also feel anger and guilt, along with overwhelming sadness.

FOCUS has staff who have experienced the loss of a child with disabilities.

Parent Support

Private Facebook Group for FOCUS Parents
The Compassionate Friends of Atlanta – Local Atlanta Support Groups
Loss of a Child with Special Needs TCF – Facebook Group
Open to Hope is a non-profit with the mission of helping people find hope after loss. We invite you to read, listen and share your stories of hope and compassion.
GriefShare – Local Atlanta Support Groups: is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone.
A Bed for My Heart – Grief Blogger Angela Miller
Letters to Zachary – FOCUS Dad and Blogger Jason Tuttle
Books & Poems for Parents

Retreats

Emery’s Kisses for Hearts – Parent’s retreat
Camp Stars – Weekend Family Bereavement Support at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia
Selah House & Carefarm– The Selah Carefarm just outside of Sedona, AZ is the first carefarm for the traumatically bereaved in the U.S. It’s a very special place on 10 acres of beautiful farmland where bereaved family members can come to both give and receive connection, compassion, and understanding. All the animals on the carefarm have been rescued from abuse, neglect, and torture. Our grieving families know what it means to suffer, and so do these animals. Located in Arizona
Hayden’s House of Healing– The mission behind Hayden’s House of Healing is to provide a safe, tranquil space for bereaved mothers, fathers, couples, children and families to heal and connect together through a variety of methods and activities offered to assist in the healing process. Special retreats for moms, dads, and couples. Located in New Jersey.
Hope Family Retreat– Different locations across the US
While We’re Waiting Retreat– Our retreats are uplifting experiences where hurting parents can form connections with other moms and dads who truly understand the experience of losing a child and who share their faith in God. Retreats in Arkansas, Oregon, Maryland, Alabama, Nevada, Arizona, Illinois, Minnesota, and Tennessee.
Faith’s Lodge– Grief is your own personal journey. We provide a serene stop along the way. A place where those coping with the death or medically complex condition of a child can find hope and strength for the future. Not to forget; but to reflect. We warmly invite you to take a leap of faith. Located in Minnesota & Wisconsin.
Nancy Guthrie Retreat-Respite is a weekend for married couples to spend unhurried time with other couples who understand the devastation of losing a child. Located in Tennessee.

Sibling Support

The Link – Local Atlanta Support Groups
Camp Braveheart is a day camp for children and youth who have experienced the death of a loved one.
Rainbows – Supporting all youth through grief: resources, events and local meetings
Kate’s Club – Retreat and Programs for siblings
Camp Cocoon is a camp for children ages 5 and up and their families who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
Eluna Experience Camps are free one-week camps for kids who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver.
The Compassionate Friends Atlanta – Local Sibling Support Groups: ages 12+
The Compassionate Friends Siblings – Facebook Group
CHOA Scottish Rite – Chaplain’s provide sibling bereavement support. Traditionally, it has been the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:15 pm. Please call 404-785-2160 for more information.
Books and Activities for Siblings