Mission Statement
The mission of the Edina Coalition for Grief Support is to offer support and education for those grieving the death of a loved one. The Coalition provides a safe, non-threatening environment where people may share and understand feelings of grief and subsequently move on with their lives.

Major Objectives
    * DEVELOP a program that enables the participants to focus on processing the grief caused by the death of a loved one.
    * PROVIDE an atmosphere of comfort and communication for participants.
    * RECOGNIZE that some individuals may require professional or additional help. The Coalition has resources to provide recommendations to those participants in need of additional help.

Groups for Adults
Groups for spouse loss, child loss, and other losses from death meet Thursdays from 4:30pm to 6:00pm every week at a host church in Edina. For more information, check the church website for directions or call the coordinator listed for the series.

Donations
Coordinators and facilitators serve on a volunteer basis. The Coalition does pay for professional speakers, written materials, facilitator training and minimal operating expenses. These expenses are covered by contributions from our supporting churches and organizations and participant donations. A $3/week donation is suggested. The Coalition also welcomes donations in honor or in memory of loved ones.

Education
Participants learn about the grief process and their reaction to loss by sharing personal experiences with others who have had a similar loss. Speakers focus on the grief process from either a professional perspective or by sharing what they have learned in their individual grief journey.

Small Group Sharing
Following a speaker, small groups are formed to share concerns and feelings. Individuals who understand grief from personal experience have been trained to facilitate these groups. Sessions are designed to complement but not replace professional care.

Supporting Members
The supporting members of the Edina Coalition for Grief Support are:

    * Christ Presbyterian Church
    * Church of St. Patrick
    * Colonial Church of Edina
    * Edina Community Lutheran Church
    * Good Samaritan Methodist Church
    * Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
    * Normandale Evangelical Lutheran Church
    * Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church