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Support Groups

Coping with Suicide Loss Support Group

A support group for those who have lost a loved one or friend to suicide meets the first Thursday of each month from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the GuideLink Center. These meetings offer a safe place to talk about memories, ongoing grief, and the stigma surrounding death by suicide. Participation is free and new members are encouraged to attend.

GuideLink Center Conference Room

300 Southgate Ave., Iowa City, IA 52240

For more information, contact Loni Parrott or Kitch Shatzer via email at llrp14@hotmail.com or revkitch@hotmail.com.

If you cannot participate in a support group meeting but would like help or information about grief, please call or text our crisis line at 1-855-325-4296 or chat with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people attend the group?

Attendance varies from month to month, but there are usually between 4-10 people that attend the support group each month.

How can I join?

People are welcome to join at any time. Simply attend the next meeting on the first Thursday of the month, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the GuideLink Center.

What happens at a typical meeting?

Facilitators read an opening statement welcoming participants. Introductions are made and people are asked to share (if they are able) the details of their loss. Some meetings are focused on a specific topic or have a special speaker, but most provide open time for sharing and supporting one another. Everyone is given time to talk, but it is okay to pass if you do not feel up to sharing.

Is there a fee?

There is no cost to join the group or attend meetings. Freewill donations are accepted and used to support the group.

Who facilitates the support group?

The group is co-facilitated by two CommUnity volunteers under the supervision of a licensed master social worker. Both of the current facilitators have over five years of experience leading meetings and both have suffered personal loss due to suicide.

Can my spouse and/or my friend come with me to the group?

Yes, sometimes it can be comforting to bring a support person with you, especially to your first few meetings. You are more than welcome to bring a family member or a friend.

Helplines

Call/Text 988

or

Mobile Crisis Response responds in-person in Johnson and Iowa counties. For clients in need of immediate support, please call the Your Life Iowa line at 1-855-581-8111 and ask for Mobile Crisis. Our Mobile Crisis Response team can provide referrals and additional follow up.

Other Helplines

211

When you’re not sure where to turn, 211 can provide guidance and resources to address most essential needs like housing, food, financial assistance, and more. Dial 211 or visit 211.org.

Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990

The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster.

Warm Line: 1-844-775-9276

The Warm Line is a peer run, telephone based, non-crisis, confidential, listening line for anyone struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues. The Warm Line is staffed by people who have been through a similar journey and are in recovery themselves.

Local Mental Health Organizations

NAMI Johnson County

NAMI Johnson County is the local affiliate of NAMI Iowa and NAMI National. NAMI, the acronym for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s leading grassroots, self help, education, support and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

NAMI Website

GuideLink Services

GuideLink Center offers a safe and welcoming space to get urgent care and counseling whether you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or struggling with substance abuse. They offer behavioral health crisis stabilization, sober assistance, and detoxification treatment ensuring you receive the necessary support.

GuideLink Website

Community & Family Resources

Community & Family Resources offers prevention services, substance abuse and addiction treatment, drug testing, family services, and more.

Community & Family Resources Website

Your Life Iowa Facility Locator Tool

Your Life Iowa is a resource system for help with alcohol, drugs, gambling, and mental health. The Facility Locator Tool identifies and provides the address and contact information for the nearest facility from your location.

Facility Locator Tool

Local Youth Services

Four Oaks

Four Oaks Family and Children Services provides residential and community-based programs across Iowa. We address challenges including poverty, homelessness, unemployment, behavioral health, mental health and more. Together, we can expect success.

Four Oaks Website

United Action for Youth

UAY offers youth services including a youth center, school programs, health education, a young parent program, transitional living program, counseling, and more.

UAY Website