The Family Development Center welcomes individuals, couples, and families who are facing challenges at any life stage. Some of these challenges may include relationship issues, job worries, parenting concerns, emotional and behavioral difficulties in children, multigenerational family demands, work/life balance, addiction, empty nest adjustments, or end-of-life stresses.
Some parents find it helpful to read about grief. It helps them to understand their grief and connect with others through words. Most of the books in this list can be found in local libraries and book stores.
Download Children’s grief resources booklet, which includes information about adult grief and your children’s grief, making memory for children and teens, creating meaningful rituals and legacies, the first days following the death of a child, and how to know if you need counseling.
In Living with Grief, bereaved families have the opportunity to learn about and explore various aspects of grief with others who have also experienced the death of a child. These meetings will provide a safe space that is conducive to learning, discussing thoughts and asking questions about featured topics. families can share support for one another as they feel comfortable, however there is no pressure to talk. Adult sessions will be co-led by a Children’s staff member and a bereaved parent or family member. Each Living with Grief session is designed to provide information on a specific topic and families are invited to attend those sessions that fit their family’s grief experience or need. All sessions are offered free of charge.
Growing Through Loss (GTL) provides support for adults who have experienced loss, information about the grieving process, caring and support from others who are also grieving and sharing of memories and feelings in a confidential setting.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group
Allina Hospitals and Clinics
The Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group helps parents whose baby has died through ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, stillborn, or newborn death. The group is made up of parents and is led by a registered nurse and a social worker. It is not therapy, instead it’s a group of parent who find comfort and courage in talking with others who also walk this difficult path.
