While much of the focus on healing after a loss is placed on the mother, dads hurt, too. Often, dads are forgotten or set aside when it comes to providing adequate support resources for grief. Here are a few local Indiana and online support groups dedicated to supporting dads. For additional resources, please see our Support for Dads under the National/International resources tab.
Please be aware that there have been a lot of changes in support group meeting locations (virtual vs. in person) as community transmission rates change with Covid-19. Please check with the group contact before attending an in-person meeting to be sure the information has not changed.
Hannah’s Wish- Men’s Group Meeting
Hannah’s Wish:
Peer led, individualized pregnancy loss support groups for moms, dads, & those parenting or pregnant after a loss located in Indianapolis on the southside. “Hannah’s Wish exists to provide those who have suffered infertility, pregnancy loss, and infant loss a safe place to come share and receive support.” Hannah’s Wish is a Christian non-denominational faith based group, but all are welcome!
Ministry: In addition to separate monthly support group meetings for moms, dads, and those parenting or pregnant after a loss, Hannah’s Wish provides a meal for families who are grieving from pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or infant loss. Simply send a text to 1-317-370-2327 and provide an email address for a member of the grieving family, and they will receive an emailed gift card to a place nearby where they can pick up a hot meal.
Men’s Group Meeting:
Location: Indy Therapy & Counseling 7550 S. Meridian St. Suite A Indianapolis, IN 46217
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Day: First Thursday of the month- every other month. Please contact Jenna for updated schedule.
Contact: Jenna Wright jenna@justwright.us (317) 370-2327
Donate: Help provide meals for grieving families by donating to Hannah’s Wish.
Beats for Bristol: Invisible Grief
Online Resources
Star Legacy Foundation: Dad’s Grief Discussion Group
Sign up online using the link above.
Meets online via webcam/audio only conferencing the 2nd Monday of each month.
7:15 pm EST
Books:
From Father to Father by: Emily R. Long
“This book is a simple book of letters written for you, a grieving loss dad, from other loss dads who are living and surviving after the death of their precious child. In the pages of this book, fathers from around the world share letters of love from their hearts to yours with the hope that, maybe, in the darkest, loneliest hours of grief, you will find a little bit of comfort in the words of another father who has been where you are now. Too often a father’s grief and experience of loss is overshadowed or unacknowledged after the death of their children. This book offers acknowledgement and gives voice to the experience of fathers grieving their children. The fathers speaking through these pages offer support and recognition to let you know that you are not alone. They are here with you.”
I Can’t Imagine by: Emilia Quinn Sears & Chris Sears
I Can’t Imagine is one of those “other” stories that will take readers through a powerful journey about a micro-preemie named Emilia Quinn Sears, who was born during a pandemic, at only 22-weeks-old, weighing just over 1 pound, with the odds of survival stacked against her. Inspired by her parents’ personal journals, passionately written to Baby Emilia, this book will take you on an epic journey of loss, love, and resilience. By the end, you will be able to imagine what it is like to fight for your child’s survival in the NICU, ultimately losing your battle and subsequently watching your world get destroyed. You will also experience the beautiful lessons and raw power of purpose that can arise from some of the worst things anyone can imagine.
