Holding a funeral or memorial service for your loved one is a first step in the grieving process. During this time, family members and friends have an opportunity to say their goodbyes, share strong emotions, and comfort one another.

In the days, weeks and months following the service, people continue to need others to lean on for understanding, encouragement and guidance. Local and national support groups are available to help during this time of transition.

Grief Resources For Children

• The Dougy Center - the first center in the United States to provide peer support groups for grieving children. They provide support and training locally, nationally and internationally to individuals and organizations seeking to assist children in grief.

• Fernside Online - an online resource for grieving children.

Grief Resources For Parents

• National SIDS and Infant Death Program Support Center - provides research, education, and support for families dealing with SIDS.

• Bereaved Parents USA - a nationwide organization designed to aid and support bereaved parents and their families.

• The Compassionate Friends - supports families who have experienced the death of a child.

• SHARE Pregnancy & and Infant Loss Support - provides support to those whose lives are touched by the tragic death of a baby through early pregnancy loss, stillbirth or newborn death.

General Grief Resources

• AARP Grief & Loss - a collection of resources and an on-line support community.

• National Funeral Directors Association - Frequently Asked Questions about grief.

• American Cancer Society - Support to cancer patients, family and friends.

• Growth House - Discusses hospice care, dying with dignity, terminal illness, grief and bereavement.

• GROWW.org - message boards, resource listings and secure chat rooms for the grieving.

• WidowNet - an information and support resource for, and by, widows and widowers.