Community Program

Grief is one of the most universal experiences we share—yet it can feel like the loneliest place in the world.

Grief matters. It deserves to be acknowledged, expressed, and heard. At Heart of the Cumberland, we understand how isolating loss can feel. That’s why we offer Christ-centered, free peer support focus groups. You will find caring volunteer facilitators and peers walking together, providing understanding, encouragement, and hope.

Community Groups

Heart of the Cumberland’s groups are open to anyone struggling with the loss of a loved one due to death. In a safe, compassionate environment participants are invited to share their stories, process their grief, and find encouragement alongside others who understand.

Group Details:

  • Heart of the Cumberland offers both focus groups and open groups throughout the year.

    • Focus Groups
      Our focus groups are for individuals who share a specific type of loss or life circumstance (such as widows, parents who have lost a child, men, etc.). These groups create space for participants to connect with others who understand their unique grief experience.

    • Open Groups
      An open group is available to anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one, regardless of the type of loss. These groups provide a welcoming environment where individuals from different grief journeys can find support, encouragement, and community together.

  • We currently offer 10 peer support focus grief groups: Brave Moms, Caregivers (for those actively caring for a loved one), Children, Men, Pregnancy & Infant Loss, Survivors of Suicide Loss, Women, Widowers, Widows, and Youth.

  • Most groups meet in person (Caregivers group is the exception). We'll email registered members the location after registration, based on group size.

  • Sessions last about 1 hour in a private room for each group.

  • Typical group size: 8–10 people.

  • Childcare available for select sessions (check the schedule).

  • Register for any group—upcoming or already in session. You're welcome to join anytime! While sessions build week by week, you'll find comfort and connection whenever you start.

Group Sessions Throughout the Year:

  • Session 1: January - March, 11-week journal-based focus group sessions

  • Session 2: April - May, 6–8 week devotional-style open group gatherings

  • Session 3: August - October, 11-week journal-based focus group sessions

  • Session 4: December, 6–8 week devotional-style gatherings (holiday grief open group)

Through these gatherings, group members form strong connections, learn coping skills, and find comfort while navigating the many aspects of grief.

Register for a Group

Community Events

Throughout the year, Heart of the Cumberland hosts special events designed to provide meaningful space for remembrance, reflection, and healing through creativity and community. Check our Upcoming Events list of schedules for specific dates and times.

Grief Art Expression

Pebble Art Event

A gentle, creative experience to design a meaningful piece of art using pebbles to represent loved ones, family members, or special memories. This hands-on event offers a simple yet powerful way to express grief, love, and remembrance through visual storytelling.

Keepsake Ornament Event

This free gathering invites participants to paint and personalize a memorial keepsake ornament in honor of their loved one. This meaningful event provides a tangible reminder of love and connection during the holiday season and beyond.

Memorial

Candlelight Memorial Event

A heartfelt memorial service during the holiday season where individuals and families gather to honor and remember loved ones. During this special time, participants light a candle in memory of someone they cherish, creating a beautiful moment of reflection, hope, and shared support.

Register for an Event

Upcoming Events

See the Upcoming Events page for current and upcoming Community Program schedules, including specific meeting dates, times, and more informaiton.

Upcoming Events
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Spring 23 Focus Group Graphic (8.5 × 11 in) (9 x 10.5 in) (11 x 8.5 in) (11.2 x 5.9 in).png

Groups Guided by Care & Compassion

Every group is led by trained and compassionate volunteer facilitators who are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment. They listen, encourage, and pray with group members, helping everyone feel heard and understood.

Beyond weekly meetings, we offer special events throughout the year, such as art workshops, social gatherings, and our annual Memorial Candlelight Ceremony. These moments help group members build community, get through difficult anniversaries, process emotions, and experience hope together.

Volunteers play a vital role in making these safe spaces possible. If you feel called to serve, we invite you to explore ways to get involved.

Volunteer Opportunities

Testimonials from Our Community

  • Brave Moms

    “Sitting here I feel like I can finally breathe.”

    “This is a club I didn’t want to join but I am glad it exists.”

    “I knew I was in the right place by the looks on their faces.”

  • Caregivers

    “I feel seen, heard, and understood.”

    “I can share my struggles with people who understand.”

    “When will we be able to start again?”

  • Children & Youth

    “Dealing with life is hard and other people also go through hard things.”

    “Men can share their feelings.”

    “If you have problems, talk it out.”

    “I learned I can help others, no matter what.”

  • Facilitators

    “Facilitator is another word for friend. The training equips you with the rest of what you need.”

    “I am able to give back to an organization that helped me in my darkest time.”

    “The connections are almost immediate. Sometimes you give support and sometimes you receive support.”

  • Men

    “I didn’t realize how much I needed to talk.”

    “In here I feel comfortable expressing myself.”

    “I am thankful to hear from other bereaved dads.”

  • Survivors of Suicide Loss

    “Suicide loss is different than any other kind of loss.”

    “These are the only people who can relate.”

    “I better understand there was nothing I could have done.”

  • Pregnancy & Infant Loss

    “Hearing another mother admit she was angry at God gave me permission to be honest about my own anger.”

    “For the first time, I felt like my son’s short life mattered to people who truly understood.”

    “Losing a child can’t be understood until you’ve lived it. I’d never wish this loss on anyone, but knowing I’m not alone brings comfort. Peer support has given me a connection I didn’t know I needed.”

  • Women

    “I wish I could stand out front and invite everyone to come!”

    “It is ok not to be ok when your parent dies, even though it is supposed to happen.”

    “It helped me to say my father did the best he could.”

    “My sister would want me to find joy again.”

  • Widows

    “I will probably always come here.”

    “I have friends here.”

    “We were married for 54 years. I don’t feel alone here.”

Support Provided in the Community & in Schools

Heart of the Cumberland’s Christ-centered community peer support groups are open to all in the Upper Cumberland region. Heart of the Cumberland’s BEST Groups is a faith-neutral program, provided to children and youth through a partnership with Putnam County Schools.

We believe no one should grieve alone, which is why our peer support groups are available both in the community and through Putnam County Schools BEST Groups. This ensures that children and youth can access support even during the school day.

Learn About BEST Groups

Our Impact

Our community groups serve 150+ children, youth, and adults each year, and the need continues to grow. From 2020 to 2025, there has been a 141% increase in group members, driven by the expansion of specialized focus groups.

  • 36% group members return for additional seasons of support beyond their first 11-week session.

  • Based on 193 post-program surveys from 2020–2024, 82% reported increased hope, healthier decisions, and improved emotional expression.

  • 98.8% of group members would recommend the group to others.

  • Group members rated “feeling supported” and “program relevance” at 97.5% effectiveness.

Your generosity helps sustain these programs, ensuring more individuals and families can find comfort and healing.

Give Today

Getting Started is Simple

  1. Complete the Registration Form
    Tell us a little about yourself and which group you’d like to attend.

  2. Receive Your Confirmation & Follow-Up Call
    You’ll get a confirmation email with group details. Within 2–3 business days, a caring team member will call to review your registration and answer any questions.

  3. Attend Your Group
    Once confirmed, you’re ready to attend your first session—we look forward to welcoming you soon!

Register for a Group

Have Questions?

Email our Program Manager, Kim Mendoza, at kmendoza@heartofthecumberland.org or call us at (931) 525-2600.