Grief Support

Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home offers a book library and brochures for those suffering from grief and loss. We also are able to help direct you to organizations which may be helpful to you. Below are a list of a few of the local organizations. If we can be of any help in finding a specific group for you, please call us at 419-363-3981.

State of the Heart Hospice, Coldwater, Ohio
State of the Heart Hospice is located in Coldwater, Ohio, at 230 W. Main Street. They also have offices in Greenville, Ohio and in Portland, Indiana. They not only offer hospice care, but have grief and loss services. Each year in July, they offer “Camp Bearable”. This camp is available to children who have lost a close friend or relative. This is offered free of charge. Grief Support Groups for adults and groups for children meet at the Coldwater office. Please check their website for schedules. The office also has brochures, a library of books and videos to help those through their feelings of grief.

The Compassionate Friends, Inc., Van Wert County Chapter
The Compassionate Friends is an international organization offering friendship and understanding to Bereaved Parents, Siblings, and Grandparents. The Van Wert County chapter is located at 26762 St. Rt. 224, Ft. Jennings, Ohio, 45844, phone # 419-453-3262.
Meetings are located at Trinity Friends Church, 605 N. Franklin St., Van Wert, Ohio, 45891. Check for times and programs.

Community Health Professionals of Van Wert
The Community Health Professionals offer three unique bereavement groups to support those grieving the loss of a loved one. Bereavement groups are an appropriate follow-up for loved ones who have been served by the hospice program, but are NOT limited only to those served by hospice. The office is located at 1159 Westwood Dr., Van Wert, Ohio, For information, phone 419-238-6200.

There are many national organizations that are available for help. The following are some that might be helpful to you:

Share National Organization
The services provided by SHARE are available, free of charge, to bereaved parents as well as to their family and friends. Services include bi-monthly newsletters, and support groups. Web site has listings and links for local SHARE groups in your area.