Grief Buddies is a connection program designed to bring together individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Our goal is to pair each person with a peer who has gone through a similar type of loss and is further along in their grief journey—someone who can listen, share perspective, and offer understanding from a place of lived experience.

 

While we do our best to match people with similar experiences, we cannot guarantee a perfect pairing. Each connection, however, is made with care and intention.

 

The 1:1 Grief Buddy experience offers a personal complement to support groups—it allows space for deeper, more individualized conversation that may not always fit within a group setting. It can provide consistency, accountability, and a safe, private place to talk openly with someone who truly understands. Many participants find that combining both group gatherings and one-on-one connections creates a more balanced and supportive grief journey.

 

Whether you are newly grieving or ready to offer support to someone earlier in their journey, Grief Buddies provides a compassionate way to walk beside another person through the many seasons of loss.

 

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Grief Buddies Program Expectations

Grief Buddies is a peer-to-peer support program created to offer connection, understanding, and companionship through shared experience of loss. It is not therapy, counseling, or a crisis hotline. Support is offered by individuals who have personally experienced loss and are willing to walk alongside another person with empathy and care.

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General Program Expectations (For All Participants)

• Grief Buddies is a 1:1 peer connection, not a professional service.

• Each Grief Buddy connection is set up for an initial period of approximately 12 weeks.

• During this time, participants are encouraged to connect weekly, based on mutual preference and availability.

• At the end of the 12-week period, the connection may be extended if both individuals feel it is beneficial and if the Grief Buddy does not have another match waiting.

• Communication may occur by text, email, phone, or in person, depending on what both individuals prefer.

• Communication should be mutually respectful, flexible, and mindful of each person’s personal lives, schedules, and emotional capacity.

• Either participant may pause or end the connection at any time if it no longer feels supportive.

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Expectations for the Person Receiving Support

• Share at your own pace; there is no expectation to disclose more than you are comfortable with.

• Understand that your Grief Buddy is a peer, not a therapist, counselor, or emergency contact.

• Respect agreed-upon communication boundaries, including response times and availability.

• Recognize that support may include listening, shared experience, and validation rather than advice or solutions.

• Seek professional or emergency support if you are in crisis or feel unsafe.

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Expectations for the Person Providing Support (Grief Buddy)

• Offer support through listening, empathy, and shared experience, not professional guidance.

• Avoid providing medical, legal, or therapeutic advice.

• Communicate clearly about availability and maintain healthy boundaries.

• Understand that you are not responsible for fixing another person’s grief.

• Share your own experience thoughtfully while allowing space for the other person’s unique journey.

• Notify program leadership if concerns arise or if you are unable to continue the connection.

 

A Shared Understanding

Grief Buddies exists to provide a space for honest conversation, mutual respect, and connection with someone who understands loss firsthand. This program is meant to complement—rather than replace—support groups, counseling, or other professional supports.

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