Jamestown Area Grief Support Team to celebrate 10th anniversary

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The Jamestown Area Grief Support Team (JAGST) is hosting an open house to celebrate its 10th anniversary of serving Jamestown and the surrounding community. The open house is 9 to 11 a.m, Saturday at the Bunker, 1520 Third St. SE, Jamestown.

JAGST is a non-profit, all volunteer organization that was founded in 2002 by Wendy Hournbuckle, who was the director of Jamestown Hospice at that time, and Pastor Doug Opp, who was the hospice chaplain at that time. It recruited members who had experience or an interest in supporting others who had experienced the death of a loved one. The group achieved non-profit status, developed a strategic plan, articles of incorporation and by-laws.

The mission of the Jamestown Area Grief Support Team is “Growing Through Grief: Bringing Hope, Healing and Wholeness.” The group strives to companion others as they journey through the grief experience. Over the years the team has presented many educational programs such as: Grief and Faith; Holiday Time and Loss; Children’s Grief; What Do I Say: How to Support A Grieving Friend; Finding Comfort in Music, Caregivers; How Long Will This Last; Finding A New Normal; The Loss of a Child; Turning Grief Into Hope; Handling Multiple Losses; Grief: A Family Affair; Suicide; Loss of a Pet; Honoring Your Loved One with a Memory Garden; Grieving Through Crafts and Pregnancy and Infant Loss.

In addition, JAGST offers two grief support groups each year, an annual Widow’s Retreat, a Good Mourning Brunch and host a Memory Tent at the Stutsman County Relay for Life.

Several members of the team have received training with Dr. Alan Wolfelt internationally recognized expert on grief and loss, at the Center for Loss and Life Transitions in Fort Collins, Colo.

Current members of JAGST are: Brenda Peterson, president, Charlotte Freeberg, vice-president, Maren Radi, secretary, Kathy Vandeberghe, treasurer, Carol Arnold, Nita Dura, Lacey Enger, Wendy Hournbuckle, Mary Klundt, Eileen Lisko, Rita Williams and Diane Witzig. Trustees are Tracy Johnk, Deb Lee and Mike Williams.

The open house is free of charge and open to the public. All are invited to come and meet the members of the team, learn more about JAGST and enjoy refreshments.

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