AdventHealth Castle Rock offers new path to healing with GriefShare Program

This fall, AdventHealth Castle Rock is introducing a new way for community members to find comfort and connection during one of life’s most difficult journeys. The hospital’s new GriefShare Group, which launched on Monday, October 6, will provide a welcoming space for anyone navigating the loss of a loved one.

The program came to life through a partnership between Clarence Hughes, a volunteer at AdventHealth Castle Rock, and AdventHealth Castle Rock Director of Mission Integration, Matthew Mundall.

Hughes, who lost his wife last fall, felt a calling to help others through their grief.

“I had already gone through two GriefShare programs in Castle Rock and found them very helpful,” he said. “During my volunteer onboarding, I asked if the hospital offered something similar. That question led to this and here we are today.”

The program, known as GriefShare, is a well-established national curriculum that helps people process grief through structured lessons, video sessions, and small group discussions. While GriefShare is often offered in churches, AdventHealth Castle Rock is the first non-church location in Douglas County approved to host the program.

Hughes says the heart of the program is simple: connection.

“Grief can feel incredibly isolating, but you don’t have to walk through it alone,” he said. “While each journey is unique, there are common struggles, questions, and challenges. By coming together as a group, participants often find support, encouragement, and helpful suggestions from others who truly understand.”

For Hughes, facilitating this group is a meaningful way to give back and help others find the healing he once sought.

“We all face loss at different points in life, family, friends, coworkers,” he said. “I eventually realized that true healing requires embracing grief and facing it head-on. The loss of a loved one will always be with you, but you can learn to live with it, find comfort, and keep moving forward.”

Over the 13-week program, Hughes says participants often begin to rediscover hope.

“I’ve seen people completely devastated and frozen by grief, unsure of how to move forward. Over time, many find ways to accept their loss and begin living again. It doesn’t erase the pain, but it helps them honor their loved one by leading a full, meaningful, and even joyful life.”

Matthew added that Hughes’ background makes him an especially empathetic facilitator.

“He has a heart for sharing his experience with others and walking with them through their own grief. His compassion and familiarity with the program help him lead in a truly caring way.”

For Matthew, the new support group is a reflection of AdventHealth’s mission to Extend the Healing Ministry of Christ.

“This program meets people where they are, right in the middle of grief,” he said. “That’s exactly what Christ did in His ministry, and through this program we seek to tangibly extend His empathy and love to all who enter the group.”

The cost of the program for participants is $20, which covers course materials. Meeting space, videos, refreshments, and drinks are all provided at no additional charge. There is no cap on attendance, and all are welcome to join.

Hughes hopes word will spread so that anyone in need of support can join.

“This is a proven program that has helped thousands of people navigate grief,” he said. “We welcome anyone who feels they might benefit from it.”

The group will meet weekly through December 29 at AdventHealth Castle Rock, with each session lasting up to two hours. The timing is intentional, as the holiday season can be especially challenging for those experiencing grief. Participants can join at any time, and previous sessions are available on video to help them catch up.

If you are interested in attending a session, click here and look for the AdventHealth Castle Rock group.