GREENVILLE — The loss of a friend or loved one can be extremely difficult for those left behind. Coping with the intense sorrow can be crippling.

That’s why State of the Heart is proud to offer its enCOURAGE program. One of the services provided within this program is grief support groups for adults. All sessions are free and open to the public.

These grief support meetings have proven to be extremely helpful to those trying to regain some normalcy in their lives and to heal some of the emotional pain they are feeling. During the group sessions, participants are encouraged to listen and share with others.

Often, people share how they are coping and how they are dealing with their own pain and feelings of loss. The grief specialist guides and serves as a “companion” for those receiving grief support services, focusing on helping the person learn to feel it is all right to grieve, realize they are like others who feel the raw pain and hurts, and that there is the definite chance they can confront their personal grief and loss issues.

State of the Heart will be providing several different grief support groups for adults in the Darke County Area. An Adult Support Group will meet from 1:30-3 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the State of the Heart Greenville Office (1350 N. Broadway).

A Widows’ Support Group will meet from 10-11:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, also at the agency’s Greenville office. There will also be an evening Widows’ Support group that will meet from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Brethren Retirement Community Meeting House. A Men’s Support Group will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month at the Versailles Library.

All are welcome, regardless of affiliation with hospice care. If there are any questions or for those wanting to register, contact the Bereavement Department at 800-417-7535. For more information about all of the services provided by State of the Heart Care, visit website at www.stateoftheheartcare.org