AdventHealth Castle Rock has launched a new support group this fall aimed at helping community members deal with the loss of loved ones. The GriefShare Group began meeting on October 6 and is open to anyone experiencing grief.
The initiative was created through a collaboration between Clarence Hughes, a volunteer at AdventHealth Castle Rock, and Matthew Mundall, Director of Mission Integration at the hospital. Hughes, who lost his wife last year, said he was motivated by his own experiences with similar programs.
“I had already gone through two GriefShare programs in Castle Rock and found them very helpful,” said Hughes. “During my volunteer onboarding, I asked if the hospital offered something similar. That question led to this and here we are today.”
GriefShare is a national curriculum designed to help individuals process grief through lessons, video sessions, and group discussions. While commonly offered in churches, AdventHealth Castle Rock is the first non-church location in Douglas County to host the program.
“Grief can feel incredibly isolating, but you don’t have to walk through it alone,” Hughes said. “While each journey is unique, there are common struggles, questions, and challenges. By coming together as a group, participants often find support, encouragement, and helpful suggestions from others who truly understand.”
Hughes emphasized that leading the group allows him to support others as he once was supported himself.
“We all face loss at different points in life, family, friends, coworkers,” he said. “I eventually realized that true healing requires embracing grief and facing it head-on. The loss of a loved one will always be with you, but you can learn to live with it, find comfort, and keep moving forward.”
Over its 13-week duration, participants are expected to gradually rediscover hope.
“I’ve seen people completely devastated and frozen by grief, unsure of how to move forward. Over time, many find ways to accept their loss and begin living again. It doesn’t erase the pain, but it helps them honor their loved one by leading a full, meaningful, and even joyful life,” Hughes added.
Mundall noted that Hughes’ personal experience makes him an empathetic facilitator for those attending.
“He has a heart for sharing his experience with others and walking with them through their own grief. His compassion and familiarity with the program help him lead in a truly caring way,” Mundall said.
Mundall also connected the support group’s purpose with AdventHealth’s broader mission.
“This program meets people where they are, right in the middle of grief,” he said. “That’s exactly what Christ did in His ministry, and through this program we seek to tangibly extend His empathy and love to all who enter the group.”
The cost for participants is $20 for course materials; meeting space and refreshments are included at no extra charge. There is no limit on attendance numbers.
Hughes encouraged anyone seeking support during bereavement to consider joining.
“This is a proven program that has helped thousands of people navigate grief,” he said. “We welcome anyone who feels they might benefit from it.”
Sessions take place weekly through December 29 at AdventHealth Castle Rock; attendees may join at any time during the program cycle.
AdventHealth Orlando—located in Orlando since 1908—is part of the same health system as AdventHealth Castle Rock. The Orlando campus includes pediatric services and serves as a training hospital under president Terry Shaw.
