Community Peer Support Groups
Grief is one of the most universal experiences we share—yet it can feel like the loneliest place in the world.
Find Comfort and Support in Your Grief Journey
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.
We currently offer nine peer support grief groups:
Brave Moms, Caregivers (for those actively caring for a loved one), Children, Men, Pregnancy & Infant Loss, Survivors of Suicide Loss, Women, Widows, and Youth.
Group Details:
One hour group meetings, depending on the group and session.
Average group size: 8 – 10
Childcare available for select sessions— see Community Program Schedule on the Upcoming Events page.
Group Sessions Throughout the Year:
Session 1: January - March, 11-week journal-based sessions
Session 2: April - May, 6–8 week devotional-style gatherings
Session 3: August - October, 11-week journal-based sessions
Session 4: December, 6–8 week devotional-style gatherings (holiday grief group)
Through these gatherings, group members form strong connections, learn coping skills, and find comfort while navigating the many aspects of grief.
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.
Support in Schools & the Community
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.
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 participants would recommend the group to others.
Participants 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.
Getting Started is Simple
Complete the Registration Form
Tell us a little about yourself and which group you’d like to attend.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.Attend Your Group
Once confirmed, you’re ready to attend your first session—we look forward to welcoming you soon!
Have Questions?
Email our Program Manager, Kim Mendoza, at kmendoza@heartofthecumberland.org or call us at (931) 525-2600.