Amanda the Panda - West Des Moines

Amanda the Panda facilitators support group members by guiding meaningful discussions and providing a safe space for participants to share with others and remember their loved one. We recognize that sometimes grief begins before the loss of a loved one. Our Anticipatory Grief Support Group is a specific group for individuals who are anticipating the loss of a loved one. This type of grief can be common when you have a loved one who is living with a terminal illness, experiencing end of life changes, or dementia. In this group, individuals who are experiencing anticipatory grief can find peer support, share their stories, and explore ways of healing without judgement.

The goal of the Anticipatory Grief Support group is to provide a space where peers can process grief emotions like anger and guilt, learn healthy coping skills, and find connection with other members in the group. A volunteer facilitator along with an EveryStep staff member will utilize the book Expected Loss: Coping with Anticipatory Grief by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. to help guide their group discussions. Groups will meet one evening every month, and participation is on a rolling basis. Volunteers will be asked to commit to 4-6 consecutive months.

Volunteers are required to complete the Amanda the Panda Facilitator training and the Anticipatory Loss training provided by Amanda the Panda staff. Trainings are currently being held virtually.