Support Group Schedule

2025 Counseling and Support Services 

Lifebanc offers comprehensive grief support services to all donor families. We honor you and the legacy your loved one created through the decision to donate. It is our privilege to companion you on this journey as you grieve this loss. Our services include supportive phone calls, letters, resource information, referrals to support in your area, individual counseling, peer support, support groups, one-time seminars, and the annual Donor Memorial Service. All our services are completely free of charge to our donor families.

Why Attend a Support Group?

A support group can be a very helpful experience for grievers. While most people are a little nervous when they attend a new group, they soon discover people who speak the same language of loss, and they find others who understand the experience of grief. All support groups and one-time seminars are free of charge to donor families

What donor family participants have said about Lifebanc Support Groups:

“This group was so impactful and meaningful – thank you for caring and support.” – Donor mom
“The group was tremendously helpful, and all the information provided was invaluable.” – Donor wife
“We wish the group could continue; it helped us not feel so alone, and it connected us to our son.” – Donor mom and dad

  • All support groups are ten weeks in duration.
  • All support groups are at Lifebanc, located at 4775 Richmond Rd. Cleveland, OH, 44128 and are from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
  • Support groups are for adults over the age of 18 and registration is required prior to each group.
  • For questions or to register, contact Elissa Berman at elissab@lifebanc.org or 216.820.4940

 

Support Groups

Child Loss (for adults who lost a child of any age)
Dates: January 14, 21, 28; and February 4, 18, 25; and March 4, 11, 18 and 25 (Tuesdays, 6:30 pm – 8:00pm)
Registration Deadline: January 7, 2025

Traumatic Loss, Heroic Decisions: A General Loss Group
Dates: April 1, 15, 22, 29; and May 6, 13, 20, 27; and June 3 and 10 (Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00 pm)
Registration Deadline: March 25, 2025

Spousal/Partner Loss
Dates: June 17 and 24; July 1, 15, 22, and 29; and August 5, 12, 19 and 26 (Tuesdays, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm)
Registration Deadline: June 10, 2025

Writing As a Means to Heal Loss – A Group for People at Least 2 Years Out from Loss (Tuesdays, 6:30- 8:00 pm)
Dates: September 2, 9, 16, and 30; October 7, 14, 21, and 28; and November 4, 11 and 18 (Tuesdays)
Registration Deadline: August 26, 2025

 

One-Time Grief Seminars

Can’t commit to multiple weeks? Consider a one-time grief seminar, where you will meet other donor families in a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment.

  • All one-time seminars are at Lifebanc, located at 4775 Richmond Rd. Cleveland, OH, 44128 and are from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. A light dinner is provided at each one-time seminar.

Grief 101
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Date: Monday, January 27, 2025
Registration Deadline: January 21, 2025

Overdose and Suicide Loss
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm (light dinner provided)
Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
Registration Deadline: March 17, 2024

Grief 101 (second opportunity)
Date: Monday, July 28, 2025
Registration Deadline: July 21, 2025

Grieving Through the Holidays
Date:Monday, November 10, 2025
Registration Deadline: November 3, 2025

Help Me Write to My Recipient/Donor Family
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Date: Monday, May 19, 2025
Registration Deadline: May 12, 2025

Grief Out of The Box – Creative One-Time Opportunities

Grief can be processed in a variety of creative and unique ways. Lifebanc has developed opportunities to explore grief in a casual, less structured setting, using different tools and mediums outside of more traditional methods. Just as you register for the groups and seminars, pre-registration is required for these programs.

There are 5 different evenings from which you can choose. You may choose more than one. Each will have its own art experience, and each will have its own registration deadline. All Grief out of the Box seminars (with the exception of Zootherapy) take place at Lifebanc, and a light meal is provided. No art experience is needed.

Healing through Art – An Art Therapy Experience
Often, words do not do justice to grief. Using different mediums can give our experience expression. Join Misty Ramos, a registered art therapist and counselor specializing in trauma and loss issues, for a therapeutic evening of artistic expression. 

Wednesday, January 15th 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Art Experience: Creating a Board Game of Grief and Connection
Registration Deadline: January 8, 2025

Wednesday, February 19th 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Art Experience: Love Note/Jewelry or Key Chain
Registration Deadline: February 12, 2025

Wednesday, May 14, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Art Experience: Sculpting Grief, Healing and Growth
Registration Deadline: May 7, 2025

Wednesday, August 13, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Art Experience: Nature Mandala – Crafting Healing in the Outdoors
Registration Deadline: August 6, 2025

Wednesday, October 22, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Art Experience: A Knapsack of Hope
Registration Deadline: October 15, 2025

Solea Project – Using Movement to Express Grief
Through flamenco movement, rhythm, & poetry paired with visual arts, textiles, and creative movement, participants have space to express grief, loneliness, and joy and heal through creative arts. No dance experience necessary.
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Light dinner provided)
Registration Deadline: February 19, 2025

Zootherapy – Pet the Newborn Babies at park in Lake County
Did you know that the presence of an animal can release the hormones that generate relaxation and stress-reducing responses? Simply petting animals can lower the symptoms of depression, sadness and help support good mental health. Come join us at park in Lake County for a unique opportunity to meet and pet the newborn animals to ease the pain of your grief.
Monday, March 17, 2025 | 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd. (Rt.6), Kirtland, Oh. 44094 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Registration Deadline: March 10, 2025

Grief into Action
Have you wondered how to honor your loved one by turning your grief into action? Perhaps you want to start a scholarship, run a golf outing, or create a strong team for the Gift of Life Walk and Run. Maybe you want to know how to get a bench in your favorite park or raise money for your local library because your loved one loved to read. Come listen to a panel of donor families who have turned their grief into action and walk away with tips and ideas for you to do the same.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (light dinner provided)
Registration Deadline: June 11, 2025

Healing through Music – A Music Therapy Experience
Music therapy provides a wide variety of coping skills including breathing techniques, relaxation, and can be an avenue for emotional expression. Join us for a unique and creative experience to help process grief with a licensed music therapist and the Bereavement Team.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 6:00 – 8:00 PM (light dinner provided)
Registration Deadline: June 18, 2025

 

Counseling

Lifebanc serves 20 counties throughout Northeast Ohio. We want to ensure accessibility for all who are interested in our services, so consider the following counseling options to support your grief journey.

Individual Grief Counseling
Individual grief counseling is offered year-round by a licensed clinical counselor and a social worker at Lifebanc in Warrensville Heights. All counseling is free of charge for donor families. We welcome you to our building to experience the warmth and caring that we provide all families.

Zoom Counseling
If you cannot come into the office, we can engage in counseling via Zoom. All you need is a phone, tablet, or computer with a working camera and microphone, and your session can be conducted in a quiet and private space of your choosing. New to Zoom and hesitant about using it? Feel free to contact Elissa Berman at 216-820-4940, and she will be glad to answer your questions.

Rides Available
Do you live within 20 miles of Lifebanc? Do you want to come in for counseling, a support group, or a one-time seminar, but you don’t have transportation or don’t like to drive at night? Lifebanc can arrange and pay for Lyft,so you can come to the office when you cannot get here on your own. Just ask!

Peer Grief Support

  • Are you interested in connecting with a fellow donor family for a supportive conversation?
  • Are you in counseling and would like to meet with someone who has had a similar loss?
  • Do you live far from Lifebanc but would still like to engage with another donor family?

If any those statements apply to you, this new program is designed to connect newer donor families with those who are 5 to 30+ years out from their loss. Those donor families who are further out from their loss have gone through training designed to help them companion you through simple, informal conversations.

These experienced donor families – called Peer Grief Companions – are not counselors or social workers but they have gone through a multi-session training track that equips them to:

    • Be present for the pain of grief, not take away the pain.
    • Listen with their heart.
    • Bear witness to your struggle without judgment
    • Walk alongside you, not lead you.
    • Respect the disorder and confusion you may feel.
    • Understand that you are the expert in your grief.
    • Be curious about your experience.
    • Know that there is no need to fix you.

You can connect via email, phone, or via face time or ZOOM. You and your Peer Grief Companion decide together on the best mode of communication.

Please complete this online form: www.lifebanc.org/pgc or call Elissa Berman at 216.820.4940 to complete a brief assessment over the phone. If you are unsure if this program is the right fit for you, please contact us for more information.

SAVE THE DATE:

35th Annual Donor Memorial Service
Sunday, October 12, 2025

Connect with Lifebanc in Other Ways!

  • Check out our podcast.
    With new episodes released bi-weekly on various topics, you’re sure to enjoy “Let’s Talk About Life!”  New and previous episodes are available.
  • Follow us on social media
    • Lifebanc can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
  • Sign up to receive emails and news blasts

You are welcome anytime to opt out of the Lifebanc bereavement services program. Email us at bereavement@lifebanc.org or call 216.820.4940.

Stories

The stories of our donor and recipient families are powerful, moving celebrations of life, hope, and love that get to the heart of why we do what we do, and the difference we can all make. Lifebanc believes that anyone can be a hero – and we see it every day in the generous decisions of people and families who choose and support organ and tissue donation. We’d like you to meet some of these heroes, and some of the Northeast Ohio neighbors they are helping.

See All Stories

Tessa

A little girl who overcame more than most grown-ups. See Tessa's Story
Ryan

Ryan

Donating to a stranger ensured his mom received a lifesaving transplant. See Ryan's Story

Jalene

A tragedy took a young life but as a donor hero, he saved others. See Jalene's Story

Our mission is to heal & save lives, and despite the circumstances, our team continues to make every effort to ensure fulfillment of our mission.

All donation and transplantation work will continue as usual.

Programming, in-person meetings and external events are on-hold until further notice.

We are closely monitoring the situation and will deliver updates via social media, our website, and email communications as things progress.

Thank you for your continued support of Lifebanc and our community.