The COPING Story
COPING was founded in 1990 by Glenn and Roslyn Crichton eight years after the loss of their five year old daughter, Rachele.
Five days after being diagnosed with leukemia, Rachele died in the Children's Hospital in London, Ontario, Canada. As a result of their own grief journey the Crichtons quickly realized that support was needed for the whole family at such difficult times.
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A passion to companion grieving people grew in the Crichtons hearts and seven years after the death of Rachele, COPING Bereavement Support Groups of Ontario, Inc. was birthed. A Board of Directors was formed and the work, already begun, continued with vigor.
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COPING (Caring for Other People in Grief) is a registered, non profit, charitable organization, offering help and encouragement to everyone at no cost to the participants.
A Place for Healing
The COPING Centre offers a peaceful place for support, understanding, compassion and encouragement in the uniqueness of one’s grief journey.
Situated on a beautiful, century old estate nestled in 6 acres of beautiful gardens and mature trees, overlooking the Grand River. A non-profit charitable organization, COPING offers support programs, retreats & educational seminars by professionals and volunteers who have all experienced grief in their own lives. On-going follow-up programs after the initial COPING group sessions continue the relationship and offer support as you continue your grief journey.
We Believe in Companioning
Companioning is about walking alongside; it is not about leading.
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Companioning is about being still; it is not about frantic movement.
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Companioning is about discovering the gifts of sacred silence; it is not about filling every painful moment with talk.
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Companioning is about listening with the heart; it is not about analyzing with the head.
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Companioning is about bearing witness to the struggle of others; it is not about judging or directing those struggles.
Companioning is about being present to another person's pain; it is not about taking away or relieving the pain.
Companioning is about going to the wilderness of the soul with another human being; it is not about thinking you are responsible for finding the way out.
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- Dr. Alan Wolfelt
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