Grief and loss are unfortunately parts of life that most people deal with. But the beauty of it all is that we do not need to go through it alone.
The Maplewood Family YMCA is doing its part, providing a space to improve mental health with its weekly grieving group meetings. Each Saturday from 11:30 am to 1 pm, the group is led by one of our members, Pastor Anthony Saxton, in sessions that span topics including losing loved ones to experiencing difficulties with physical health.
Pastor Saxton’s inspiration for the group comes from seeing the violence that has plagued the City of Rochester in recent years. Although there were very few situations that he had experienced that he needed to lean on the program for, he knew how beneficial it could be for himself and others.
“I was really burdened about an outlet to comfort people who have suffered the loss of a loved one,” said Saxton.
“As I started thinking about that, I was pointed to this program from my church called Grief Share. It’s a ministry, it’s a support group and it counsels people on how to deal with their specific losses. I was glad that the Maplewood Y opened up its Lily Cafe for this. It helped me to really appreciate they are very community-minded and want to help in many different areas.”
This faith-based program has a mix of video trainings, and workshop exercises in I was glad that the Maplewood Y opened up its Lily Cafe for this. It helped me to really appreciate they are very community-minded and want to help in many different areas.”
This faith-based program has a mix of video trainings, and workshop exercises in a book that goes along with it, which is then intended to lead to discussions among the group depending on what the topic is each week.
One member who has benefited from being in the program is Kevin Hanley. He said that he feels that the program has helped him in not getting angry at God when dealing with the loss of a loved one. He also said he hopes others find other groups like these because of how important it is to maintain your mental health even amid a loss.
A staff member who has also taken part in the program is Tamara Schove. Schove, the Maplewood Family YMCA’s Wellness Coordinator, said the best thing about the group is being able to connect with others who may also be going through a tough time with grief. She also said the physical health benefits she has taken from this program have been profound too as she has learned new ways to mitigate the stress the grief in her life has caused.
“I don’t have to explain everything of how I feel, I don’t have to be a certain way,” said Schove. “They accept me even on the days where I’m sad or the days that I feel like crying or if I’m overwhelmed. They accept that.”
As a staff member with over a decade of experience, Schove understands how important this group is to helping carry out the YMCA of Greater Rochester’s mission.
“The Y’s mission is not just doing the fitness. The Y’s mission is not only social; it’s also spiritual,” said Schove.
“When you grieve, you can go through some severe changes — from heart issues and breathing issues to extreme grief, sadness and loneliness. Talking about things, coming into grief groups to socialize, helps with that barrier of loneliness and helps to resolve issues that might be physically causing problems. Because traumas do cause problems. And it’s good to seek health in many different ways.”
Improving the mind, body and spirit is important to us at the Y. And this grieving group is vital to checking off at least two of those boxes.
