Grief and Loss Services

Grief is a normal and natural response to loss, a universal human experience. Hospice of the Piedmont has a variety of bereavement programs available to the community and is staffed by social workers, chaplains, counselors, and trained volunteers. Any member of the community who has experienced a loss can use the programs. While all of our programs are free to the community, we appreciate donations to assist us in providing these services.  

Bereavement & Grief Support

Bereavement Support Groups are offered continually throughout the year.  We know that people grieve in many different ways. For that reason, we offer a variety of formats, locations, groups and event.  Click here for a listing of all upcoming grief and loss events.

Our Bereavement Staff can provide referrals for Individual/Family Support and Counseling in the community to help specifically with your grief and loss issues. 

Horizon is a publication of the Hospice of the Piedmont dedicated to grief education and support, intended to give hope to those who are bereaved.  Click here for the latest edition.

Support for Children, Teens

Journeys is an art therapy bereavement program for children and teens who have experienced the loss of a significant person or are living with someone who is seriously ill. Children who grieve respond well to art therapy, a form of counseling that allows creative expression of feelings.

The Journeys Center , located at 2200 Old Ivy Road in Charlottesville, provides support gorups throughout the year for children and teens.  The groups are facilitated by registered and board-certified art therapists who use art and other creative means to help children express their inner feelings.  Art expression is a natural mode to express grief when words are not enough.  Under the leadership of a bereavement social worker, support is available to help parents and guardians live with their own loss as well as the loss of experiienced by their children.

Journeys Thru the Seasons camps provide group bereavement activities, including one overnight camp experience each year, for children and teens. The camps are held at various sites throughout the area and feature a seasonal theme. Through these camps and  the on-going support groups, children discover that they are not alone and their feelings are normal.  Seasonal camp activities may include art therapy, horseback riding, rope challenge courses, swimming, a petting zoo, hiking, games, a closing memorial ceremony, and more.  Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate in a support group and memorial creemony at each season al camp.  We are also available to bring our Journeys program to your school or campsite.  A Journeys Camp Application can be downloaded here. Give us a call at (434) 817-6900.

Grief Education for the Community  As part of Journeys commitment to the community, special services are available to schools, teachers' groups, community centers and the general public.  These services range from consultation to educational programs dealing with children and the grief process.

Funding of the Program  Journeys is provided by Hospice of the Piedmont as a public service.  The program is funded by donations from participating families and members of the community at large.

Referrals  Anyone in the community can refer a young person to the Journeys program.  Individuals, schools, community agencies and professionals who are aware of youth anticipating or experiencing the pain of losing a loved one are encouraged to contact Hospice of the Piedmont for information about groups at the Journeys Center or upcoming camps.  Parents or guardians of such young persons can contact Hospice of the Piedmont at (434) 817-6900 to schedule an intake interview or e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Journeys has been generously sponsored in the past by area service groups. If you would like to find out more about being a Journeys sponsor, we are available to speak to your group at any time.

Contact Us

For further information about our Bereavement Programs, contact Erin Webb, Manager of Grief and Loss, at 434-817-6900 or 1-800-975-5501 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .