Grief is a normal reaction to loss, and it is a unique experience for everyone, just as each relationship is special. Since 1982, Pathways of Hope℠ at Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio has provided a variety of bereavement and grief support services to the communities we have the privilege of serving.  

Today, the center offers one-on-one counseling sessions for all ages, education to the community, support groups, and children’s bereavement camp through the generous ongoing support of our community.  

“Since our founding, we have provided bereavement support services to anyone in the community, regardless of enrollment in hospice services,” said Maria Johnson, manager of patient and family support services at Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio. “Grief comes in many forms and needs are different for all ages. The Pathways of Hope Counseling Center provides education, support, and activities to show children how to express their emotions and to help adults begin to process their grief.” 

Pathways of Hope at Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio offers the following bereavement and grief support services:  

Camp HOCO
Through Pathways of Hope, Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio offers an in-person children’s grief camp, open to children, ages 6-12, who have lost a loved one. During the camp, bereavement counseling professionals use art, music, hikes, and activities to help children understand their emotions. For more information, contact Maria Johnson at MJohnson@HospiceofCentralOhio.org or 740.788.1474. 

Camp HOCO at Home
To provide greater access to grief support for children experiencing the loss of a loved one, Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio has expanded its children’s grief support services with Camp HOCO at Home, an innovative box version of the in-person camp. The Camp HOCO at Home box comes with instructions for parents and guardians to follow. The box includes information about how children grieve, common emotions, and coping skills that can be helpful, as well as activities for the family to do to explore common issues children experience when grieving. 

Support Groups
Grief Works is a support group designed to support adults who are grieving the loss of a loved one. These support groups are offered at various times throughout the month and provide a safe space for those grieving. Topics include myths about grief, normal grief reactions, secondary losses, factors that influence the grief journey, and self-care.  

School Support Groups 
In partnership with local school districts, Pathways of Hope provides this program to offer education and support to children who have faced a significant loss in their lives in a school setting. For more information, contact Sheri Weiner at SWeiner@HospiceofCentralOhio.org or 740.788.1482. 

Celebration of Life 
Annual services to honor and celebrate the lives of those lost are hosted by Pathways of Hope. For more information, contact Maria Johnson at MJohnson@HospiceofCentralOhio.org at 740.788.1474. 

 “As we prepare for our next 40 years of service, we look forward to supporting our patients and families,” Johnson said. “We’re grateful for our ongoing community support and look to continue expanding these services.” 

 The professional staff members at Pathways of Hope are ready to support you in your grief. For more information about Pathways to Hope, visit: https://www.ohioshospice.org/pathwaysofhope/