“I didn’t realize how much support was available to me until I came to the Pathways Center.” ~ Donna A.

The Pathways Center for Grief & Loss is a free resource to our service area region, regardless of whether your loved one is or was a hospice patient. Its mission is to support and encourage peoples’ inherent ability to heal and discern new paths on one’s journey through grief. Everyone experiences grief when they lose something they care about. Grief is comprised of all the thoughts and feelings one experiences related to a loss. The Pathways Center for Grief & Loss specializes in helping people cope with serious illness or loss after death.

Professionally trained and Master’s-level counselors are available to:

• provide support to individuals of all ages.
• educate people about common grief responses.
• facilitate opportunities to interact with others who have had similar experiences.
• teach effective coping skills.
• help individuals realize the choices that they have on their grief journey.

What types of services are offered by the Pathways Center?

The Pathways Center for Grief & Loss is here to help meet the individual needs of anyone in our service area region who is coping with the serious illness or loss of a loved one. From support groups, individual counseling, online support, children’s support groups and more, we welcome the opportunity to support you.

“I was always able to come away from each group I attended with a newer appreciation of the grief process and helpful suggestions on how to make it easier to handle.” ~Paul K. Smith, Lancaster.

What do you mean by support for serious illness?

Grieving starts from the moment when a person or their loved one receives the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness. With a serious illness people grieve a variety of losses ranging from physical limitations to hopes and dreams for the future. Although it is a natural process, it can feel overwhelming at times. Sometimes adults don’t know how to explain matters to children and teens or their needs are overlooked or misunderstood.

We can:

• provide a safe place for you to share how you are feeling.
• help families navigate the changes that accompany the terminal illness of a loved one.
• offer opportunities to discover hope, meaning, and a sense of connection within the family.
• support the patient who is struggling with the impact of the diagnosis.
• offer strategies for self-care for patients and family members.

Does the Pathways Center provide training to groups on grief and loss issues?

Yes, the Pathways Center for Grief & Loss is often contacted by local businesses, schools and health care organizations to provide seminars and programs on grief and loss. Length and topic vary based on the specific request, with each program tailored to a group’s needs.

Are bereavement counselors available in times of crisis or unexpected loss?

Our staff has additional training in crisis and sudden loss to provide support and guidance following  a traumatic event. The Pathways Center has been involved in many school-related crisis situations and unexpected workplace deaths and our counselors are available as a resource to best handle grief after unexpected loss.

Can anyone refer individuals to the Pathways Center for bereavement support?

A professional referral is not required. Anyone coping with serious illness or loss of a loved one may contact the Pathways Center.

“I feel I have gained some hope and strength to carry on.” ~John G.

Are there fees for any of the services offered by the Pathways Center?

The generous support of the community allows Hospice & Community Care to offer most grief and bereavement programs and services at no cost. There is a nominal registration fee for camps and retreats. Specific workshops and seminars may have a separate fee schedule.

Is online grief support available?

The Pathways Center for Grief & Loss offers a video library that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Click here for Online Grief Videos. These educational support videos help you understand and cope with your grief after the loss of a loved one.

Virtual counseling is available and scheduled by appointment. You can use your computer, tablet or iPad, smartphone/iPhone to connect with a counselor from the convenience of your home, office or most anywhere.

Please call the Pathways Center to speak with someone about how we can help. Counselors are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Pathways Center for Grief & Loss
4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy, PA 17552
(717) 391-2413 or (888) 282-2177
En español: (717) 391-2440
pathways@hospicecommunity.org