History

The Board

History of the Lower Mainland Grief Recovery Society

In 1984 hospice and palliative care programs were in their infancy. These programs supported those who were dying however there were virtually no resources to support those who were grieving. Lower Mainland Grief Recovery Programs began with a pilot project in Burquitlam in 1983. The initial project was very successful and well received. The Burquitlam program then formed a society. The dream was then to expand the program to other areas of greater Vancouver, so individuals could receive the bereavement support they need in their local community.

By the late '80s and early '90s the programs were expanded to the North Shore, Kerrisdale, the West End and then Richmond. The Lower Mainland Grief Recovery Society was formed under the Society's Act in 1990. The Society was constituted to be the supportive and fundraising organization for these community based programs. The Burquitlam Grief Recovery Society closed when the local hospice organizations developed their own bereavement components.

Early in the development of the programs the need for ongoing education and recruitment of facilitators was identified. The first of the educational workshops was held in 1986. The Lower Mainland Grief Recovery Society continues this commitment to the education of facilitators and the general public. Workshops are presently conducted every 2 - 3 years.

Lower Mainland Grief Recovery Society's programs were originally based on the content of Larry Yeagley's Grief Recovery Manual. The basis of the program is for the participants to be able to talk about what has happened, to write about what has happened, to create a safe environment in which they are able to express their feelings.

In the past the North Shore Program also conducted programs for children and their parents. This need is now filled by four other local organizations.

Lower Mainland Grief Recovery Society is committed to the communities they serve. The programs certainly impact the individuals who attend, but the impact doesn't stop there. It extends to their families, friends and neighbours. Our grief support programs are like dropping a pebble in the water. The ripples go out and we do not know where they will end and what will be the full impact on the larger community.

Lower Mainland Grief Recovery Society 2011 - 2012

Board of Directors

We are looking for new Board members. If you are interested, please contact us.