REBUILD: Grief Support

Have you experienced the death of a loved one, miscarriage, or stillbirth? At Willow Creek's grief workshops, you'll gain practical tools for navigating a significant loss—and find a community of people who've been through a loss similar to yours. Leaders include therapists, pastors, and teachers who've experienced loss. Explore REBUILD offerings at your preferred Willow Creek location below.  

Select a Willow Creek Location

South Barrington REBUILD: Finding life after loss 

When you're grieving the loss of a loved one, where can you turn?

REBUILD's core workshop offers comfort, hope, and practical tools for healing after the death of a loved one, infertility, stillbirth, or a miscarriage. REBUILD offers this nine-week workshop twice a year (winter/spring and fall), and also hosts topical events and classes on helpful grieving throughout the year. 

REBUILD for Teens: Students in grades 8–12 can attend REBUILD's core workshop as part of a group led by trained Elevate and Student Impact staff. Students hear the same large-group teaching as adult REBUILD participants, and their table leader then guides a discussion at age-targeted levels. Note: For students 17 and younger, registration must be submitted by a parent or guardian.

Fall 2018 REBUILD

7:30–9 p.m., Wednesdays, September 12–November 14

Registration for the fall semester of REBUILD opens in mid-July. To be notified as soon as registration goes live, click here.

What will you experience in REBUILD's core workshop?

  • Compelling, practical large-group teaching from a team of therapists, pastors, and teachers who have navigated their own seasons of loss.
  • Safe, confidential small-group conversations led by compassionate leaders—alongside fellow participants who have experienced a similar loss.
  • Practical tools for helpful grieving and spiritual guidance for understanding where God fits in your story.
  • REBUILD offers groups based on the type of of loss people have experienced: Parent, child, pregnancy (infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss), spouse, and relative/friend.

Questions?

To learn more about REBUILD or to volunteer, contact Leigh (224-512-1585).

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Fall 2018 Child Grief Support

Kids tend to grieve differently from adults. This ten-week program, offered at Willow South Barrington in conjunction with REBUILD, helps kids (kindergarten–grade 7) who are grieving the death of a parent, sibling, close relative, or friend.

What happens at Child Grief Support? Children engage in age-targeted activities that help them express and process their loss. Games, drama, art, journaling, storytelling, and imaginative play are led by compassionate leaders who understand kids and loss. 

Register your child.

Volunteer for Child Grief Support.

Contact: Kirsten Hitchcock 224-512-1791

Grief counseling for kids: Willow Creek’s Counselor Referral Network (CRN) includes a number of skilled, compassionate therapists who can help people process a significant loss. Ask for a therapist who specializes in child grief. Learn more.

 

Grief counseling

To find a licensed counselor who can help you in this season, call the church at 847-765-5000 (9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday––Friday) and ask to speak with a response pastor. Willow Creek’s Counselor Referral Network (CRN) includes a number of skilled, compassionate therapists who specialize in helping people process a significant loss. 

Meet the Staff

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    Leigh Carlson

    Leigh serves as Willow's staff manager of direct care and interim director of REBUILD. She oversees Willow's Response Pastors, hospital visitation team, and support groups. Well acquainted with grief, Leigh lost both parents, her father-in-law, and two extended family members within a 14-month period. She's passionate about serving people who are in seasons of loss, and looks forward to coming alongside them in REBUILD, as they learn to move through their grief in helpful ways. 
    Contact Leigh