Published on April 5, 2019
Community Services Expand
Alive completed a national search for a new Grief Center director in 2018 and is expanding its grief support services for the entire community. Alissa Drescher, MA, LPC, GC-C, was founder of the Grief Center of Middle Tennessee, and she previously served as director of Tristesse, a freestanding agency in Tulsa. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Fellow in Thanatology: Death, Dying, and Bereavement, and a Certified Grief Counselor.
“I consider it an honor to partner with families during one of the most difficult moments of life. To do so at Alive, alongside the most compassionate caregivers in this field, is a professional dream realized.”
Under Drescher’s leadership, Alive will roll out new group counseling programs and community collaborations throughout 2019. These include Grief 101 workshops to introduce Alive’s unique programs, a series of expressive arts workshops, and new partnerships with Metro Nashville Juvenile Court and MTSU to help young people recover from loss.
The Little Hearts Club for children ages 3-6 and their guardian(s) is another new offering. This age-appropriate group lets little grievers explore their experience through play while adults share strategies for parenting while grieving.
Thanks to our generous donors, Alive offers community services that extend far beyond standard hospice care. This includes grief support for the entire community, not just those who had a loved one in our hospice care. We are able to keep these services affordable through grants and donations.
For more information visit AliveHospice.org/griefsupport or call our Grief Support Line: 615-963-4732.
New Grief Workshops for 2019
(pre-registration required)
Each workshop provides participants with an opportunity to express their grief and remember their loved ones in a creative way while connecting with others experiencing grief in a casual setting. For just $5.00 attendees will leave with a special keepsake. Pre-registration is required for all events.
Expressive Arts Night
June 13, 6:00-8:00 p.m., all ages welcome.
No artistic talent is needed to participate in this creative workshop. Attendees will explore grief by choosing from a variety of artistic mediums for any skill level. Facilitators will assist grief with painting, knitting, collages, writing prompts, and bracelet making.
Memory Bear Workshop
September 14, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., all ages welcome.
During this very special day, participants work with volunteer seamstresses to create a treasured memory bear from their loved one’s clothing while sharing stories and hope. A light lunch will be served. Due to high demand for this workshop, participants are encouraged to register early.
Tinsel and Tears
December 10, 6:00-8:00 p.m., all ages welcome.
This holiday workshop is designed specifically for grieving families to remember loved ones while connecting with others who have experienced loss. Participants will enjoy our special hot chocolate bar while creating unique memory ornaments. Alive’s grief counselors will provide tips and strategies for incorporating loved ones into holiday traditions.