Aftercare
Olson Funeral and Cremation Services is committed to your wellbeing. As a result, we’ve implemented an innovative Aftercare program, administered by a full-time staff member. It’s another example of how we go beyond the realm of traditional care to redefine the role of funeral care providers. Follow-up visits, phone calls, and the sponsorship of several support groups are just a few of the many ways that Olson Funeral and Cremation Services helps family members and friends manage their grief and lead productive, fulfilling lives.
Karon Pfile R.N.
Karon was raised in the Freeport area and graduated with her nursing degree from Kansas City General Hospital,
and Univ. of Kansas City. She was involved in nursing for 25 years, and with Northern Illinois Hospice Association
before joining the staff at Olsons in 1992. She and husband are active members of Westminster Presbyterian Church,
have 3 children, and 3 grandchildren. Hobbies are hiking, gourmet cooking, reading, and flower gardening.
Karon developed the Aftercare and Bereavement Support Services over the years, and is very aware of the fact that for
every person who dies, there are on average six grieving people left behind. Her priority is being available by phone
by personal visit, or by offering one of the support groups which are free of charge and ongoing. Many times, for each of these people, the
reality of the loss reveals itself only after weeks or months have passed since the funeral. It is at this time that
the continuing connection in this manner is so valued by surviving loved ones as they are given tools, and resources for
finding their way on this unfamiliar and painful journey to healing.
Resources For Healing
Rockford Area Support Groups
Support Group |
Contact |
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| ALPHA Widows and Widowers Support Group Sponsored by St. Anthony Medical Center Auxiliary Meets the last Saturday of each month - 6:00PM in St. Anthony medical Center Cafeteria |
Bob or Peggy -815-633-1642 OR Lois - 815-633-9530 |
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COPING WITH LOSS Special bereavement program at holiday time Call for information |
Swedish American hospital Julie Flori/Elizabeth Voorrhies 815-489-4174 |
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DEALING WITH LOSS SHARE GROUP For those dealing with the loss of an adult or child |
Alpine Lutheran Church - 815-399-5013 Jack or Nancy Wilcox - 815-398-4280 |
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ELIZABETH MINISTRY An outreach to women in special times of motherhood. The purpose of this ministry is to affirm, support, encourage and assist women in response to their needs during the childbearing years. |
Mari Goral - 815-398-4284 OR Holy Family Church - 815-398-4280 |
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GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP 1st Thursday of every month at 7:00pm Alpine Lutheran Church |
Alpine Lutheran Church - 815-399-5013 Jack & Nancy Wilcox - 815-398-8213 |
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GROUP HOME The Mental Health Association Rock River Valley, the three Hospitals, Janet Wattles Center of Rockford & Belvideere, Winnebago County Health Dept., many private counselors, Social workers, Ray of Hope Survivors Group, many interested residents and mood disorder veterans offer this community of support. www.grouphope.org and www.dbsalliance.org |
Charles Smith - 815-398-9628 |
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HEART TO HEART A support group for grieving parents of minor childeren, sponsored by Rockford Health System, offers a way to help you cope with the death of your child. An 8 week session be |
Alpine Lutheran Church - 815-399-5013 Jack & Nancy Wilcox - 815-398-8213 |
|
HEARTLAND HOSPICE 6885 Vistagreen Way Rockford, IL 61107 For information please contact Danette |
Danett Bean 815-282-2279 |
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HEALING HEARTS A support group for parents who have experienced the loss of a child through ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death. The Haven Network 124 N. Water Street, Suite 030 Rockford, IL 61107 On the third Monday of each month 7:00pm - 9:00pm |
The Haven Network 815-962-1512 |
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HOLY FAMILY CHURCH BEREAVEMENT Grief Recovery Program Second Sunday of each month, 2-4pm September thru April Second Wednesday of each month, 6:45-8:45pm may thru August |
Karen Volkman - 815-877-3377 Judy Johnson - 815-397-9395 |
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HOSPICE CARE OF AMERICA Open ended grief group meets every Wednesday at 1:00pm at Hospice Care of America 483 N. Mulford, Rdfd. No registration required TEAR SOUP Meets the fourth Thursday of each month at Medina Nursing Home in Durand at 6:30pm-8:30pm 402 S. Main St. Durand, IL GRIEF SHARE Christian base grief support groups offered in churches throughout the area, please call Barb or check the the website www.hospicecareofamerica.com to get times, dates and locations. Registration is required. |
Barb Martin - 815-316-2700 |
|
M.E.N.D. Making Every New Day second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 1:00-3:00pm St. Bernadette Curch, in the Multi Center on Fulton Ave. |
Josephine Benassi - 815-877-9341 OR Church - 815-968-0904 |
|
NEW HOPE Support group for those who are suffering from the death of a loved one. Six week session offered two times per year, March & September. Call for information and registration. Sponsored by St. Anthony Medical Auxiliary. |
Rev. Dean Parker - 815-395-5358 |
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NORTHERN ILLINOIS HOSPICE & GRIEF CENTER Support groups vary throughout the year, please call or check the website to get updtaed groups and times. All groups are held at Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center 4215 newberg Road, Rockford, unless otherwise specified. www.northernillinoishospice.org |
815-398-0500 |
|
PARENTS WHO HAVE LOST A CHILD Understanding about how loss & grief may be affecting your life; options to make changes; moving forward in healing your grief in your own time. Meet third Wednesday of Every Month (Begins, July 15) from 5:00-6:30pm at Behavioral medicine & Neuropsychological Associates, 6973 Redansa Drive, Rockford, IL 61108 www.bmnaonline.com |
Barbara Hallstrom - 815-397-2224 Licensed Clinical Social Worker |
|
RAINBOWS Assists children & adults thru grief when death or divorce occurs. Meet Monday evenings for 6 weeks in the fall & 6 weeks in the winter at Holy Family Church |
Judy - 815-398-4280 |
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RAY OF HOPE - AFTER SUICIDE Support Group for all survivors of suicide. Meets on the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 7:00 to 8:45pm at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 4700 Augustana Drive, East Wing Sponsored by Fred C. Olson funeral Chapels |
Karon Pfile - 815-636-4750 |
|
SAFE HARBOR Support Group for Grieving Parents Third Wednesday of each month, 6:30pm Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 4700 Augustana Drive, East Wing sponsored by Fred C. Olson Funeral Chapels |
Karon Pfile - 815-636-4750 |
|
SPRING CREEK UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Retired Widow & Widower (over age of 70) Support Group Two groups each meeting every other Wednesday 10-11:30am Please call for appropriate dates |
Karon Pfile - 815-636-4750 |
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ST. PATRICKS''S GRIEF MINISTRY Meets second Thursday of each month at 6:00pm Parish Center at Church |
Pat Stroup - 815-964-5711 |
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THE HAVEN NETWORK THE NORTHERN ILLINOIS PERINATAL HOSPICE & BEREAVEMENT NETWORK Perinatal hospice outreach for families experiencing the death of their pre-born or newly born baby. 124 N. Water Street, Suite030 Rockford, IL 61107 www.thehavennetwork.org |
Kathy Way - 815-962-1512 |
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VISITING NURSES ASSOCIATION HOSPICE Call for bereavement support for information |
Contact -815-971-3550 |
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WIDOWED TOO SOON Support group for Widows & Widowers under the age of 65. Meets first and third Tuesday of the month from 7-8:30pm at Our Saviour''s Lutheran Church Call for information. Sponsored by Fred C.Olson Funeral Chapels |
Karon Pfile - 815-636-4750 |
Suicide is the cruelest death of all for those who remain
RAY OF HOPE
|
When suicide happens our grief is compounded by many things: Shock & Disbelief Denial Shame Embarrassment Anger Self Blame Physical Distress Relief |
Come Together To: Seek support & direction Receive helpful resources Break the Stigma Find a Common Ground Discover Understanding Learn Tools to Survive Help Body, Mind and Soul To Mend |
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
4700 Augustana Drive (behind Edgebrook Center) 7:00 to 8:30p.m. Fireside Room East Wing Door of Church
There is no charge for this group
Facilitator: Karon Pfile 636-4750
The following catalogs offer healing music CD''s; narrow focus books and booklets:
|
Loss of spouse Loss of sibling Loss of parent Loss of infant Loss of child Adolescent grief Loss by suicide/homicide Facing serious illness Caregiving & professional reading |
Miscarriage & Stillbirth Loss of grandparent Loss of grandchild Explaining death & grief to children Young children''s grief Memory workbooks for children Separation & divorce for children Help for the holidays |
Compassion Books - www.compassionbooks.com
-Fall Lighting of Luminarias-along the Rock River Bike Path at dusk, in memory of those who have died of suicide, followed by a gathering of friends and families in the Log Lodge and candle lighting service.
-Survivors of Suicide Day-a telecast by satellite from The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, New York City. Held locally the Saturday before Thanksgiving in cooporation with the Ray of Hope Support Group, Olsons'' and Beloit Regional Hospice (location of satellite)
www.afsp.org
-Getting Through the Holidays-held at Olsons'' North Chapel, 2811 N. Main 1st Sunday afternoon of December for Olson families.
-Worldwide Candle Lighting- 2nd Sunday in December in memory of children who have died. At 7:00 p.m. beginning in Sydney, Australia and across the time zones, candles are lighted by friends and families at 7:00 p.m. creating a virtual 24 hour circle of light around the globe. Families are encouraged to gather in reflection.
www.compassionatefriends.org
-Joyful Again-For Widows & Widowers who want to find joy in living again. A two day retreat through the Office of Family Life Diocese of Rockford- twice a year-399-4300 Ext. 370. Usually held at Bishop Lane Retreat Center.
-Out of Darkness Community Walks-for raising awareness about clinical depression, mood disorders and suicide. Walks are in the fall in the Freeport and Rockford Area.
www.afsp.org
For information about the above events, please call Aftercare and Grief Support Services, Olsons'',
Contact Us:
Toll Free: 1-800-332-3574
Rockford - 1001 2nd Ave.
Rockford - 2811 N. Main St.
Sycamore - 1245 Somonauk St.
Kirkland - 309 S. Fifth St.
Genoa - 202 E. Main St.
Rockford - 2811 N. Main St.
Sycamore - 1245 Somonauk St.
Kirkland - 309 S. Fifth St.
Genoa - 202 E. Main St.
- 815-963-6521
- 815-963-6521
- 815-895-6589
- 815-522-3563
- 815-784-2518
- 815-963-6521
- 815-895-6589
- 815-522-3563
- 815-784-2518
