Support Group Schedule
2026 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 bereavement@lifebanc.org or 216.820.4940
Support Groups
Traumatic Loss, Heroic Decisions: A General Loss Group
Dates: January 13, 20, 27; and February 3, 10, 17, 24; and March 3, 10, 17
Registration Deadline: January 6, 2026
Writing As a Means to Heal Loss – A Group for People at Least 2 Years Out from Loss
Dates: April 21, 28; and May 5, 12, 19, 26; and June 2, 9, 16, and 23
Registration Deadline: April 14, 2026
Child Loss (For parents/guardians who lost a child of any age)
Dates: June 30; July 14, 21, 28; and August 4, 11, 18 and 25; and September 1 and 8
Registration Deadline: June 23, 2026
Spousal/Partner Loss
Dates: September 15, 22, and 29; October 6, 13, 20, and 27; and November 3, 10 and 17<
Registration Deadline: September 8, 2026
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
Date: Monday, January 26, 2026
Registration Deadline: January 20, 2026
Overdose and Suicide Loss
Date: Monday, March 23, 2026
Registration Deadline: March 16, 2026
Help Me Write to My Recipient/Donor Family
Date: Monday, May 11, 2026
Registration Deadline: May 4, 2026
Grief 101 (second opportunity)
Date: Monday, July 20, 2026
Registration Deadline: July 13, 2026
Grieving Through the Holidays
Date:Monday, November 16, 2026
Registration Deadline: November 9, 2026
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. 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 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 21, 2026 – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Lifebanc
Registration Deadline: January 14, 2026
Art Experience: “Grief Doesn’t Play by the Rules” Creating a garden stone representing moving through grief, staying connected to their loved one.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Lifebanc
Registration Deadline: February 18, 2026
Art Experience: “Facing Grief” – A Mask Making Experience
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Lifebanc
Registration Deadline: April 15, 2026
Art Experience: “Pallet of Remembrance: A Tribute in Hues. Using melted crayons as a metaphor for the grief journey, we will explore how the colors of our loved ones continue to enrich our lives, ev
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 – 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Lifebanc
Registration Deadline: August 19, 2026
Art Experience: “A Day in My Grief Filled Shoes” Join us for a chance to express your grief journey literally and creatively.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 – 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Lifebanc
Registration Deadline: October 14, 2026
Art Experience: “Honoring traditions” Create a tree with leaves as memories depicted on them that can be added to by people who love your loved one.
Zootherapy – Pet the Newborn Babies at a 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 16, 2026, | 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd. (Rt.6), Kirtland, OH 44094 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Registration Deadline: March 9, 2026
Healing through Music
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.
Monday, June 22, 2026 – 6:00 PM– 8:00 PM (light dinner provided)
Registration Deadline: June 15, 2026
The Lifebanc Story Collective – Giving Your Story A Voice
Sharing your loved one’s story brings awareness to the need for donation, it creates a deeper connection with the community, and honors the legacy of your loved one. Please consider attending this workshop designed to help donor families craft your story and be prepared to share it in different venues.
Monday, June 8, 2026, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, RSVP by June 1st. (Light dinner provided)
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, RSVP by September 9th (snack provided)
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.
Virtual 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:
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- 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 FaceTime 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 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:
36th Annual Donor Memorial Service
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Connect with Lifebanc in Other Ways!
For all bereavement services, please contact Elissa Berman, Manager of Bereavement Services, at 216-820-4940 or elissab@lifebanc.org.
- Follow us on social media
- Lifebanc can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
- Sign up to receive emails and news blasts
- Email info@lifebanc.org to indicate your interest!
You are welcome anytime to opt out of the Lifebanc bereavement services program. Email us at bereavement@lifebanc.org or call 216.820.4940.
