The Beginning Experience offers age-appropriate, peer-facilitated programs for adults and children grieving the loss of a spouse or parent through death, divorce, or separation.

• In the Beginning… Coping with Life Alone: A one-day introductory program, in-person or online, that serves as an entry point into the ministry's support for those grieving a lost relationship.
• Moving Forward with Hope…Coping with Life Alone: During this multi-session, in-person or online program, participants explore the impact of their loss and how to handle the feelings that accompany it.
• The Beginning Experience® Weekend: This core Friday-to-Sunday afternoon program for adults creates the time and space to delve deeply into the emotional aftermath of the loss of a spousal relationship. Through listening, writing, and sharing, the participants explore the various aspects of the grief journey in a safe and caring environment. Participants are encouraged to look at their current circumstances in new ways, reevaluate themselves, and move forward with hope.
• Additional programs offer additional support to those who have attended the weekend program. Click here to learn more.
• Children's Beginning Experience: An overnight weekend program for children aged 8-12 who are dealing with the loss of a parent or intact family through death, separation, or divorce.
• Young People's Beginning Experience: A Friday-to-Sunday afternoon weekend program for teenagers aged 12-18 to help them process feelings of loss and build self-esteem.
• Young Adult Beginning Experience: A weekend program for young adults aged 18 and older, offering a supportive environment to work through the emotions of loss.

For information on all team locations, please look under Find a Program. There you will also find contact information for the teams.

Fees for programs like the Weekend program cover the cost of the program itself, program materials, housing, and meals. 

While not free, some programs offer payment plans or financial assistance to those who need it.