Support for Dads (Indiana)

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.

Mornings With The Dads, Inc.- Men’s Group

“Mornings with the Dads is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, that is devoted to helping grieving fathers through the healing power of friendship. We are devoted to helping parents through the greatest loss they can imagine, to provide support, healing and hope to fathers who have lost children.”

In Person

Indianapolis, IN Northside Dads Group: Rick Larrison

  • Email:  rick_larrison@embarqmail.com
  • Phone: 317-440-5175
  • The Indianapolis, IN Northside Dads Group meets every Tuesday morning at 7am at LePeep’s Restaurant at 8255 Craig Street Suite# 102, Indianapolis, IN 46250.  **Due to COVID-19 crisis, please call contact above as locations and times may have changed temporarily**

The Greenwood, IN Dads Group: Henry Pawlik or David Cook

Online

“We have been having monthly ZOOM calls on either the first or second Wednesday of the month.  Calls start at 7PM EST, 6PM CST and 4PM PST.  Watch for emails a week or two before each call with the link and date of the call.  If you would like to be added to the email list please email me at chuck.findley11@gmail.com.  This has been a great way for dads all around the country to connect and get to know each other.”

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

Love Comma Dad

Provides fathers with an online, video-based care package resource as starting point to help in the healing process. “More than simply sharing our stories of loss, we teach practical ways to start understanding our pain, coping with our grief, and taking steps to grow beyond our loss. You will receive four emails sent over one week. Each email includes the videos and I share more of my story. They will be in your inbox when you’re ready to view them.”

Click on the organization name above to be sent to their main page where you can sign up to receive your digital care package immediately.

“The talks are catered to dads of miscarriage, stillbirth and infant loss, but I understand that dads of loss thrive with supportive family and friends. If you’re a partner, family member or friend, you’ll gain valuable insight into their grief and how to support them in their healing.” 

Partners Grieve, Too- RTZ Hope

Includes helpful information as to why partners often grieve differently or may have delayed grief. Also includes links to videos regarding Men and Perinatal Loss as well as one on A Conversation with Bereaved Fathers.

Books:

You can find a more comprehensive list of recommended books for grief for all members of the family on our Amazon lists (purchases do not support Amos’ Anchors) here in our Amos’ Anchors Library.

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.”

Grieving Dads: To the Brink and Back by: Kelly Farley & David DiCola

“Grieving Dads: To the Brink and Back is a collection of candid stories from grieving dads that were interviewed over a two year period. The book offers insight from fellow members of, in the haunting words of one dad, “this terrible, terrible club,” which consists of men who have experienced the death of a child. This book is a collection of survival stories by men who have survived the worst possible loss and lived to tell the tale. They are real stories that pull no punches and are told with brutal honesty. Men that have shared their deepest and darkest moments. Moments that included thoughts of suicide, self-medication and homelessness. Some of these men have found their way back from the brink while others are still standing there, stuck in their pain.The core message of Grieving Dads is “you’re not alone.” It is a message that desperately needs to be delivered to grieving dads who often grieve in silence due to society’s expectations.”