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Ventura County CA
Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
IF I GO TO A MEETING, WILL I HAVE TO TALK?
No one is required to talk at any meetings. We understand how difficult that can
be when our grief is so fresh. We do ask that you listen to who ever is
speaking.
MY CHILD WAS AN ADULT AND DIDN'T LIVE AT HOME. CAN I STILL GO TO A MEETING?
Chapter meetings are open to all families who have experienced the death of a
child, at any age, from any cause. Regardless of age, we in The Compassionate
Friends believe our children will always be thought of a just that .... our
children.
IS THERE A CHARGE TO ATTEND?
There is never a charge to attend a The Compassionate Friends meeting. Our
chapters rely on voluntary donations from members, friends and the community at
large. This helps in printing & mailing our newsletter to all who have attended
our meetings.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A MEETING?
Some meetings are simply introducing ourselves and sharing our thoughts and
feelings. At other times, chapters have short programs before the sharing time.
The programs may include a brief guest speaker, viewing a video tape, or
listening to an audio tape.
CAN I BRING A FRIEND WITH ME?
Of course, you can bring a friend, but we ask that they, as well as members,
respect each other's privacy. It is important for us to be able to share freely
within our group and be sure confidences will be respected.
MY HUSBAND SAYS HE WON'T COME WITH ME, CAN I COME ALONE?
Yes. We all grieve differently and he may not be ready to take part just yet
.... or ever. And, likewise, many husbands attend metings without their wives.
MY CHILD DIED FROM AIDS. WILL I STILL BE WELCOMED?
Yes. All families who have experienced the death of a child at any age, from any
cause, are very much welcome.
RELIGION DOESN'T MATTER TO ME ANY MORE. CAN PEOPLE AT A MEETING ACCEPT THAT?
I think you will find The Compassionate Friends members are very tolerant of any
views. After the death of a child, many priorities, as well as values, change.
I NOTICE THE MEETING IS IN A CHURCH. DO I HAVE TO BELONG TO A CHURCH TO ATTEND?
The Compassionate Friends has no religious affiliation at all. Chapter meetings
are held in a wide variety of locations depending upon what is available in our
communities.
I HAVE A BABY-SITTING PROBLEM. WOULD IT BE ALL RIGHT TO BRING MY FIVE YEAR OLD
WITH ME?
While we understand the difficulties of finding child care, we must ask that any
children attending with you be able enough to understand the meeting discussions
and not be upset by them. Some chapters have sibling groups for children twelve
or older; check with your local chapter about this.
DO I NEED A RESERVATION BEFORE I COME TO A MEETING?
No reservations are needed. Just come whenever you feel up to it.
MY CHILD DIED SEVEN YEARS AGO, AND I POSTPONED MY GRIEF WORK. NOW IT'S CATCHING
UP WITH ME. IS IT TOO LATE TO COME NOW?
We all grieve differently. Many parents don't feel the need of a support group
until years after the death of a child. It is all right to come whenever you are
ready, whether it's soon after your child's death, months later or years later.
IS THERE A CHARGE TO ATTEND?
There is never a charge to attend a T.C.F. meeting. Our chapter relies on
voluntary donations from members, friends and the community at large. This helps
in printing & mailing our newsletter to all who have attended our meetings.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A MEETING?
Some meetings are simply introducing ourselves and sharing our thoughts and
feelings. At other times, chapters have short programs before the sharing time.
The programs may include a brief guest speaker, viewing a video tape, or
listening to an audio tape.
ORDERING PAMPHLETS:
The Compassionate Friends
P.O. Box 3696
Oak Brook IL. 60522-3696
or
http://www.compassionatefriends.org
(there is a slight charge for pamphlets)
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