Grief Support

Unity Grief and Education Center is staffed by Unity’s experienced Grief Services team which consists of licensed counselors, social workers, a child life specialist, and trained volunteers who are compassionately skilled in offering individual and family grief support, grief groups and grief resources for all ages. 

Unity Grief and Education Center, the first-of-its-kind facility in Northeast Wisconsin, opened in Fall of 2021. Located at 2079 Lawrence Drive in De Pere, just one mile east of Highway 41. It features over 6,000 square feet of dedicated counseling rooms to accommodate adults, children, and families in need of grief support, as well as a large room for education and public outreach. 

Unity’s mission to bring the best end-of-life experience led us on a journey to assess and evaluate the changing needs of those grieving on our communities. Thanks to funding from a generous New York Life grant, combined with pro bono work provided by Karma Group, Unity undertook in depth research with 21 focus groups and 174 people throughout 2018 and 2019.

Research findings showed an increasing need for grief support programming in addition to public perception that no other organization in the region offers the level of comprehensive services and professional grief expertise compared to Unity. To meet the growing and evolving needs of those grieving in our communities, planning began immediately and Unity Grief and Education Center opened its doors in November 2021. The new facility was created so no one in our community must grieve alone.  

Unity offers resources geared toward adults, children and teens to help understand and navigate grief. A lending library is housed at Unity Grief and Education Center. For downloadable Unity quarterly newsletters, Unity age specific grief information for children and teens and additional resources, please see Grief Support Resources page.

Gathering of Remembrance is a way to remember those who have died through reflection, inspirational music, and candle lighting. Gathering of Remembrance is open to families and friends served by Unity and are held in Spring and Fall.

Honor a Life Holiday Gathering is held in Decemeber at the National Railroad Museum and is an evening of reflection, music and spirit to honor loved ones and find peace with family and friends during the holiday season.

Luminary Walk is held the Friday of Mother’s Day weekend at Heritage Hill State Park. Gather friends and family and join us for the 1.5 mile Luminary Walk. This annual fundraiser provides a meaningful way to honor a loved one while financially supporting Unity Grief and Education Center.

Forget Me Not Ornament - Honor your loved-one in a lasting way with a ceramic Forget Me Not Keepsake Ornament. To place an order, complete the online order form or mail/deliver your payment of $20 per ornament along with the completed form. Please allow 2 weeks for delivery.

Filled with Love - Unity’s volunteers will transform cherished fabric or garment into a keepsake teddy bear or pillow that will serve as a lasting tribute to a family member or friend. Filled With Love is a unique program offered exclusively to Unity patients and families. 

Tree of Hope - Gifts to Unity can be made in memory or honor of a loved one. Naming opportunities include birds, leaves and stones on our one-of-a-kind Tree of Hope sculpture that greets those entering Unity Grief and Education Center.

Memorial Brick or Bench - The gardens at Unity offer beautiful outdoor spaces for meditation and reflection. When you dedicate an engraved brick, a garden element or a bench as a tribute to a loved one, you are helping us create an atmosphere of care and healing.

NAVIGATING GRIEF

Held Tuesday afternoon and evenings at Unity Grief and Education Center, this six-week group for adults covers topics including common reactions to grief, memories, coping and adjusting to new roles, self-care and finding hope.

VIRTUAL GRIEF CONNECT

Held on the first and third Thursday evenings (6 – 7:30 PM) of the month on Zoom, this group provides an opportunity for adults to share their grief journey and find hope through connection. Participation in Navigating Grief is recommended prior to Grief Connect.

UNDERSTANDING GRIEF – STURGEON BAY

Held the last Wednesday afternoon (1:00 – 2:30 PM) of the month, this group for adults offers a safe place for those who are grieving a death to connect with others as well as gain tools and insights into their grief journey.

HEALING THRU THE ARTS

Held the second Wednesday of the month in the afternoon (1:30 – 3:30 PM) and evening (6- 8 PM) at Unity Grief and Education Center, this hands-on creative workshop for adults guides participants to process their grief and incorporate memories. Prior art experience not required.

GENERATIONS

Held the second and fourth Thursday evenings of each month at Unity Grief and Education Center (only the second Thursday in summer), this group provides support to grieving families. Activities and topics are tailored to children and teens ages 4 - 18, while adults share their own grief experience. Complimentary dinner is provided.

HOPE AND THE HOLIDAYS

Held five consecutive Tuesday afternoons or evenings beginning in November at Unity Grief and Education Center or virtually, this group for adults covers topics including grief during the holiday season, holiday traditions, self-care and finding hope.

• Tuesday, November 14 – December 12, 1:30 – 3:00 PM OR 6:00 – 7:30 PM 

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Held at Unity Grief and Education Center on Saturday, December 9 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, this open house for all ages will include grief resources, tours, ornament making and holiday treats. Create a personalized holiday ornaments in honor of your loved one to take home and make another to be displayed on the Unity tree at the 2024 National Railroad Festival of Trees.

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS

Held throughout Unity’s service area, this interactive workshop provides the opportunity to connect with others who are grieving and learn about planning and coping with grief during the holidays.

• Oconto Falls, Friday, November 17, 1:00-3:00 PM
• Unity Grief and Education Center, Wednesday, November 29, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
• Marinette, Thursday, November 30, 1:00-3:00 PM
• Unity Grief and Education Center, Monday, December 11, 1:00-3:00 PM

To register for a grief group group, call 800-990-9249 or 920-339-6700 during regular business hours to speak with a Grief Counselor. Registration is required for all grief groups. 

Yes, you can use our services. Our services are open to anyone in the community who has experienced a death. 

There are many types of grief. Our mission is to support those who are grieving the death of a person. 

There is no charge for the services offered to individuals and families. Donations are welcomed.