The Learning Center provides information and guidance on a variety of topics including planning and coordinating a funeral to expressing condolences. It is designed to answer questions relating to grief, coping and loss and help you navigate the sensitive time of loss depending circumstances, religious traditions and more.
We have worked with grief specialists, social workers, psychologists, theologists and members of clergy to provide helpful advice and alternative viewpoints, appropriate for both secular and religious based individuals during a time of loss. In the Learning Center, you will find information on all aspects of planning for loss, mourning, and expressing condolences, including a more comprehensive explanation of grief and coping, the protocol following a death in the workplace or academic environment, suggestions on what to bring or send to a funeral or memorial service, and additional articles about mourning.
Each topic in the Learning Center presents a series of articles containing objective information and perspectives.
Communicating condolences to those we care for can be a difficult task. In this section, learn how to express condolences and provide help to someone after the loss of a loved one. Find articles and guidance on how to act, and what to say or write.
Sympathy gifts are a kind gesture and considered a proper expression of condolences to those who are mourning. A tangible gift of condolence and sympathy offers support and encouragement during the difficult time. In this section, explore options, such as food baskets or donations, on how to express sincere sympathies through gifts of condolence.
Grief is the natural response to loss- and as we process through grief, we learn to cope. Understanding grief and what it means to cope are important first steps to recovery after the loss of a loved one. In this section, learn about the stages of grief and how to cope with special circumstances.
Bereavement is the immediate period of mourning experienced after a death. It is the state of having suffered a loss. The length of time that bereavement lasts varies, dependent upon many factors, including how close a relationship the bereaved has with the deceased and type of loss. In this section, learn about loss and bereavement, explore types of loss based on relationship or circumstance, and find ways to cope.
When a death occurs a variety of things impact the traditions, customs and practices observed that relate to the funeral, burial, memorial service, grieving process and honoring the departed. One of the strongest influences for the rituals of the funeral and the process of healing from grief is the religious background of the individual and respective level of observance. Practices of culture often affect the traditions and rituals that are involved in honoring the deceased but is not tied to a specific religion.
After the loss of a loved one knowing how to express your feelings and emotions to a friend, family member or co-worker is a very difficult. In this section find useful guides and suggested further reading, along with a glossary containing definitions of common words and rituals relating to sympathy.
Communicating condolences to those we care for can be a difficult task. In this section, learn how to express condolences and provide help to someone after the loss of a loved one. Find articles and guidance on how to act, and what to say or write. Read More
Sympathy gifts are a kind gesture and considered a proper expression of condolences to those who are mourning. A tangible gift of condolence and sympathy offers support and encouragement during the difficult time. In this section, explore options, such as food baskets or donations, on how to express sincere sympathies through gifts of condolence. Read More
Grief is the natural response to loss- and as we process through grief, we learn to cope. Understanding grief and what it means to cope are important first steps to recovery after the loss of a loved one. In this section, learn about the stages of grief and how to cope with special circumstances. Read More
Bereavement is the immediate period of mourning experienced after a death. It is the state of having suffered a loss. The length of time that bereavement lasts varies, dependent upon many factors, including how close a relationship the bereaved has with the deceased and type of loss. In this section, learn about loss and bereavement, explore types of loss based on relationship or circumstance, and find ways to cope. Read More
When a death occurs a variety of things impact the traditions, customs and practices observed that relate to the funeral, burial, memorial service, grieving process and honoring the departed. One of the strongest influences for the rituals of the funeral and the process of healing from grief is the religious background of the individual and respective level of observance. Practices of culture often affect the traditions and rituals that are involved in honoring the deceased but is not tied to a specific religion. Read More
After the loss of a loved one knowing how to express your feelings and emotions to a friend, family member or co-worker is a very difficult. In this section find useful guides and suggested further reading, along with a glossary containing definitions of common words and rituals relating to sympathy. Read More
Tools and resources to support and assist you with planning or contributing to a funeral.
Browse to find traditional foods, baked goods, and more to express appropriate condolences.