Support Groups at Hope Floats

Our Support Services are offered free of charge; registration is required for all support groups. No walk-ins, please.

Please note, at this time due to COVID, our support groups for adults and teens are being conducted virtually until further notice. All groups are open to new members and registration is required. 

Mike’s Club bereavement groups for children and teens who are coping with the death of a parent, caregiver, or sibling

We offer separate groups for children, teens,  and parenting adults coping with death-related loss of a parent, caregiver, or sibling. The children process their grief through creative activities, arts and crafts, and games, with the help of our trained support staff. Families are able to connect with others who are dealing with similar circumstances in a safe and peaceful environment. Parents and caregivers meet to discuss common issues, concerns, and ways to help their children cope. Mike's Club is a free program for children 5-18 years old. Pizza and drinks provided. Groups meet every other week during the school year and are led by Hope Floats staff, clinicians and trained volunteer facilitators. 

Please note, at this time due to COVID, we are running virtual adult and teen groups, emailing video activities, and sending care packages to our Mike's Club families. In-person meetings are still on hold at this time.
We are taking new registrations for the fall sessions. To register contact us at  781-585-4221 ext.3.
  • Mike's Club Monday session for loss of a parent or caregiver for children, teens, and their families:  In-person meetings: Mondays, 6:00-7:30pm.
  • Mike's Club Tuesday session for loss of a parent, caregiver, or sibling for children, teens, and their families: In-person meetings: Tuesdays, 5:30-7pm.
  • Mike's Club Wednesday session for loss of a parent or caregiver for children, teens, and their families: In-person meetings: Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30pm.

COVID Loss Support Group

A free support group for adults experiencing the loss of a parent, partner/spouse, or child to COVID-19. This group provides an opportunity to share, grieve with others, and

break the isolation so often felt after the death of a significant person in our lives. The grief felt for a loved one who has died due to COVID-19 is even more complicated due to sheltering in place and social distancing. Our goal is to help you cope during this unprecedented time as you connect with others.

Wednesday, 6:30-8pm - 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14, & 10/21

Video conferencing support group via Zoom offered by Hope Floats. Facilitated by Deborah Rivlin and Heather Gray. Registration is required and space is limited. Contact us at Denise Brack at 781-585-4221 ext. 3

Healing for the Helpers: A support group is for nurses who help treat, care, and support patients and families impacted as a result of COVID-19

This virtual support group will provide a safe space for caregivers to manage stress, recognize, and navigate emotional responses related to moral and compassion fatigue. This is an opportunity for caregivers to receive and give guidance while supporting and empowering each other.

Thursdays, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24, & 10/1

Video conferencing support group via Zoom offer by Hope Floats. Facilitated by Vedna Lacombe-Heywood, RN and Ashlee Bates, LMHC with a private practice at Hope Floats.

Registration required. Contact Denise Brack at info@hopefloatswellness.org or at 781-585-4221 ext. 3.

Mike's Club: Support group for children, teens and their families who have member of the household dealing with cancer or a life-limiting illness.

This is a free monthly support group and educational program. Creative projects and activities are utilized to help children access their feelings and connect with others dealing with similar situations. We provide a safe space where the families feel supported. Parents meet in their own support group to discuss common issues, concerns, and ways to help their children cope.

Registration is required. Contact Denise Brack, 781-585-4221 ext. 3.

Child Loss: Bereavement Group for Parents

This group is open to any parent experiencing the loss of a child of any age. This is a peer-led support group. Peer facilitators are parents who have experienced the loss of a child and are trained by Hope Floats as volunteer peer facilitators

Registration is required. Contact Denise Brack, 781-585-4221 ext. 3. Mondays, 4-5:30 pm.

  • Group 1: 19/14, 9/28, 10,12, 10/26, 11,19, 11,23 and 12/7
  • Group 2: Next session TBA

Overdose & Substance Abuse Child Loss: Bereavement Group for Parents

This group is open to any parent experiencing the loss of a child of any age to an overdose or substance abuse. This is a peer-led support group. Peer facilitators are parents who have experienced the loss of a child and are trained by Hope Floats as volunteer peer facilitators

Tuesdays, 5:45-7:15pm: 9/15, 9/29, 10/13, 10/27, 11/10, 11/24 and 12/8.

Registration is required. Contact Denise Brack, 781-585-4221 ext. 3.

Ongoing Suicide Loss: Bereavement Group

This group is for anyone who is experiencing the loss of a loved one to suicide. This is a peer-led support group. Peer facilitators  have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide and are trained by Hope Floats as volunteer peer facilitators.

Mondays,6:30-8:00 pm. (No Group on 9/7) 9/14, 9/28. 10/12, 10/26, 11/9, 11/23, and 12/7

Registration is required. Contact Denise Brack, 781-585-4221 ext. 3.

Just for Dads: Support Group for Dads who have Lost a Child

This group is just for dads  who are experiencing the loss of a child of any age. This is a peer-led support group. Peer facilitators are dads who have experienced the loss of a child and are trained by Hope Floats as volunteer peer facilitator.

Thursdays, 6:30-8:00 pm. 9/10, 9/24, 10/8, 10/22, 11/5, 11/19, 12/3 and 12/17

Registration is required. Contact Denise Brack, 781-585-4221 ext. 3.

Sibling Loss for Young Adults

This support group is geared towards younger adults (ages 18-45) experiencing the loss of a sibling at any age or time. This group led by trained Hope Floats clinician.

Monthly group: Wednesday, 6:30-8pm.

Registration is required. Contact Denise Brack, 781-585-4221 ext. 3.

Pregnancy, Infant and Toddler Loss: Bereavement Group for Parents

This group is open to any parent experiencing the loss of a child at any stage of pregnancy or the death of an infant or toddler. This is a peer-led support group. Peer facilitators are parents who have experienced the loss of a child and are trained by Hope Floats as volunteer peer facilitators.

Tuesdays, 7:30-9:00 p.m.  Next session TBA.

Registration is required. Contact Denise Brack, 781-585-4221 ext. 3.

LGBTQ Partner/Spouse Bereavement Support Group

It’s not unusual for grievers to feel disconnected from the world around them, but for LGBTQ grief and loss, a lack of disconnect can result in increased seclusion and isolation.While the issues faced in grief can be different for everyone, what every grieving person needs is the feeling of validation, acceptance and support. This group is designed to focus not only on the importance of support, but of finding the RIGHT support. Connecting with others who understand who we are and where we’ve been can help heal the pain of loss.

The group is open to any lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individuals who have experienced the loss of a partner/spouse. This is a peer-led support group. Peer facilitators have experienced the loss of a  partner or spouse and are trained by Hope Floats as volunteer peer facilitators

Next session TBA. Registration is required. Contact Denise Brack, 781-585-4221 ext. 3.

Family Nights: A family group for children and their families who have experienced the loss of a sibling, parent/caregiver or grandparent

Join us at Hope Floats for our family night. A pizza dinner will be served. All families are invited to work together on a fun family art project. Family nights are led by trained Hope Floats staff, clinicians, and volunteer facilitators. Registration is required. Contact Denise Brack at 781-585-4221 ext. 3.

Beyond Five Years Child Loss Support Group

Beyond Five Years Child Loss Support group. For those are experiencing the loss of  a child and are further along on their grief journey. This is a peer-led support group. Peer facilitators are parents who have experienced the loss of a child and are trained by Hope Floats as volunteer peer facilitators. Next session TBA.

Registration is required. Contact Denise Brack, 781-585-4221 ext. 3.

What Can I Do? Supporting a bereaved family member or friend

Anyone who has had a family member or friend experience a significant loss has asked this question. This support group will help offer guidance around what you can do or say to help them as well as offer a space for you to share your own feelings. This is a peer-led support group. Peer facilitators have experienced the significant loss of a loved one and are trained by Hope Floats as volunteer peer facilitators.

Next session TBA.

Registration is required. Contact Denise Brack, 781-585-4221 ext. 3.

Coping with Grief

Join Group Facilitator Gary Sturgis for this special workshop on Coping with Grief.
He will talk about grief, the challenges and opportunity for growth, grief responses and suggested coping defenses: Physical, Emotional, Cognitive, Social, Spiritual. He also incorporates and shares his own experiences with grief and loss while infusing a bit of humor to heal the broken heart. Gary will help you find your way from grief to healing in a very personal and meaningful way. Next session TBA.

Registration is required. Contact Denise Brack, 781-585-4221 ext. 3.

Day-long Support Retreats

These day long retreats are offered multiple times throughout the year. Retreats are specific to mothers/parents who have lost children, those affected by suicide loss, people dealing with cancer and other illness, and a retreat for caregivers. In the past we have also held special Mother's day retreats and retreats for military family members.

Offerings may include meditation, mindful stretching and breathing exercises, yoga,  group discussion and mini-healing treatments given by our certified and talented practitioners. Treatment offerings include Reiki, Healing Touch, chair massage and more. Participants also are able to explore the peaceful grounds and enjoy a wonderful lunch. This retreat is an opportunity for self-care and meet others who dealing with similar situations.

Holistic Cancer Retreat

If you have recently been impacted by a cancer diagnosis, please join us at Hope Floats for a day of rest and renewal created especially for you. Enjoy a gentle yoga class, group support, a nourishing noon meal as well as varied holistic treatments. Our gifted practitioners, facilitators and volunteers will offer you a nurturing space to find an oasis of comfort and ease as you navigate this challenging time. (As we want to make sure you are able to fully participate and enjoy this day of support, if you are currently undergoing treatment, please obtain a signed letter of permission from your doctor). This group led by trained Hope Floats peer volunteer facilitators. Registration is required. Contact Denise Brack, 781-585-4221 ext. 3.

Caregivers Retreat

If you are/have been the caretaker for a family member dealing with cancer or other life-limiting illness, please join us at Hope Floats for a day of rest and renewal created especially for you.Enjoy a gentle yoga class, group support, a nourishing noon meal as well as varied holistic treatments.  Our gifted practitioners, facilitators and volunteers will offer you a nurturing space to rest and rejuvenate a bit. There is no charge for this retreat.

Retreat for Parents who have Lost Children

Please join us for a relaxing and healing retreat just for parents who have lost children. Relax with meditation, stretching & breathing exercises and mini-healing treatments given by our certified and talented practitioners. There is also time for group discussions, exploring the peaceful grounds and labyrinth and a nourishing  lunch. This retreat is an opportunity to take care of yourself and meet other moms. We gain so much from sharing and being with others who understand the difficult road we are on. This group led by trained Hope Floats peer volunteer facilitators. Registration is required. Contact Denise Brack, 781-585-4221 ext. 3.

Daytime Partner/Spouse Loss Bereavement Group

This group is open to anyone dealing with the loss of a partner or spouse.A Cranberry Hospice & Palliative Care group held at Hope Floats. Registration required. Call 508-746-0215.

Evening Partner Spouse

This group is open to anyone dealing with the loss of a partner or spouse. Cranberry Hospice & Palliative Care group held at Hope Floats. Registration required. Call 508-746-0215.

Daytime Partner/Spouse Loss: "A Year Later" Bereavement Group

This group is open to anyone who is dealing with the loss of a partner or spouse and is further out on their grief journey. This group is open to anyone dealing with the loss of a partner or spouse.

Pet Loss Support Group

Our animals bring us so much joy and unconditional love. They are our companions, our friends, our family. When we lose a beloved pet, we lose a piece of our hearts. This support group gives all who are dealing with such a loss a safe place to share; to honor both the grief they feel and the memory of their beloved companion. Please call to register: 781-585-4221

Hope Floats Counseling Team

Rita Burpee, RN, LICSW

Tracey Denelle, LICSW

Maureen Walsh, RN, LICSW

Erin Hourahan, MSW, LICSW

Meaghan Hayes, LICSW

Ashlee Bates,  LICSW

Hope Floats is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity offering educational support & wellness services.

Hope Floats is an independent bereavement center and all funding comes from grants, fundraisers and private donations.