Coping with loss? Where to find grief support in Charlotte and take positive action
Amid homicides and an ongoing pandemic, numerous families in and around Charlotte are coping with grief under a variety of circumstances.
There are groups and resources available for those dealing with loss, to help them get the assistance they need and connect with others going through similar circumstances. There are also groups that help those working through trauma channel their feelings into positive action.
Do you know of other support groups or resources available in the Charlotte area? Share those details with Observer reporter Mary Ramsey at mramsey@charlotteobserver.com, and we’ll continue to update this story.
If you or someone you know is struggling and in need of immediate assistance, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is open 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 or suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Grief support groups in Charlotte
North Carolina Victim Assistance Network: NCVAN offers and helps coordinate support groups for those who lost loved ones to crime. Find a group near you here.
CMPD Homicide Support Group: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police’s Victims Services Unit leads support groups for those impacted by homicides. Get more details here.
Mothers of Murdered Offspring: MOMO offers, among other services and program, grief support for families who’ve lost loved ones to crime. Learn more about their offerings here.
Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing: GRASP provides grief support specifically to those who’ve lost someone to substance abuse. You can find information on chapters and meetings in North Carolina here.
Faith-based support groups: Many religious organizations lead faith-based support groups for those mourning a loved one. One resource for finding one that works for you is GriefShare, a website that aggregates details on groups. Click here to see groups that meet in the Charlotte area.
National Alliance for Children’s Grief: NACG is an organization that works with local partners to provide support specifically to young people dealing with loss. Click here for details on affiliated groups and programs in North Carolina, including in the Charlotte area.
Violence prevention and intervention groups in Charlotte
CMPD Volunteer Family Advocates: CMPD offers opportunities for folks to volunteer to “work directly with families who have lost loved ones to homicide or traffic related deaths.” Volunteers having to go through special training. Find more details on how to get involved here.
Heal Charlotte: Heal Charlotte is a local organization that works to address a number of community issues, including violence prevention projects. Learn more about their work here.
Mothers of Murdered Offspring: MOMO also works on violence prevention endeavors, including projects to help address the root causes of crime. Get more information here.
Everytown for Gun Safety: Everytown, founded in 2013 as a partnership between Mayors Against Illegal Guns and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, works to address gun violence through lobbying and organizing. Learn more about their efforts in North Carolina and ways to get involved here.
