Centrica Care Navigators

Grief Support Group at Baxter Funeral Home in Battle Creek
2026-02-11 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-18 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-25 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | Baxter Funeral Home, 375 W Dickman Rd, Battle Creek, MI, 49037
This is a 6-week support group for any adult grieving the death of a loved one. We will meet over 6 weeks to discuss grief, loss, and coping strategies with one of our experienced grief counselors.

This group will be held on Wednesdays, January 21 through February 25, from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sign-up is required.
This is a 6-week series.

Centrica Grief Support holds different groups throughout the year. Please reach out if you have additional questions or are interested in learning more!
Attendees are required to sign up for the 6-week series.

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OutFront Grief Circle
2026-03-03 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-04-07 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-05-05 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-06-02 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-07-07 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-08-04 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-09-01 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-10-06 18:30 - 20:00 and 3 more dates | OutFront Kalamazoo, 1020 South Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
A drop-in grief support group serving both the specific needs of the LGBTQIA+ community and the common needs of grievers of all kinds. Each session explores a different topic related to grief, combining learning, discussion, and support.
The group will meet the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Registration is required. Please call 269-345-0273 or sign up below.

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Dinner with Friends
2026-03-15 18:00 - 20:00 | https://centricacare.org/event/dinner-with-friends/2026-03-15/
Dinner with Friends
Day: Every 3rd Sunday
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Varies within the Kalamazoo area.
Registration is required; please click the button below to RSVP. The location will be shared with you when you RSVP.
Description: Centrica Care Navigators offers a social group for individuals who have lost a loved one. If you are looking for opportunities to meet new people who have also experienced the loss, please join us! Expanding your social circle can help re-center the joy of connection, build community support, and give each of us something to look forward to. We look forward to seeing you there! Click here to RSVP

Spouse/Partner Loss
2026-04-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Portage Zhang Senior Center, 203 E Centre Ave, Portage, MI, 49002-5504, United States
Join us in this quarterly educational workshop for adults grieving the death of a spouse or partner. During this 2-hour workshop, we will discuss common grief responses, secondary losses, coping, self-care, and additional topics to guide the grief process.
The first workshop will be on April 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Pre-register at Portage Senior Center 269-329-4555.

Registration Required (call Senior Center)

Dinner with Friends
2026-04-19 18:00 - 20:00 | https://centricacare.org/event/dinner-with-friends/2026-04-19/

Butterfly Release Paw Paw
2026-05-16 09:30 - 11:00 | Maple Lake Amphitheatre Park, 112 W Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, United States
Celebrate the life of a loved one at our annual Butterfly Release. The event is open to the public, and free to attend. If you would like to release a butterfly you can purchase one online.
Learn more and become a sponsor by visiting the event page here.
Attendee registration here.

Dinner with Friends
2026-05-17 18:00 - 20:00 | https://centricacare.org/event/dinner-with-friends/2026-05-17/

Dinner with Friends
2026-06-21 18:00 - 20:00 | https://centricacare.org/event/dinner-with-friends/2026-06-21/

Journeys Camp Good Grief
2026-07-17 09:00 - 16:00 | Camp Merrie Woode, 12584 Burchette Rd, Plainwell, MI, 49080, United States
Camp Good Grief offers a supportive and fun-filled environment where children (ages 8-17) who have experienced the death of a loved one can connect with others who share similar experiences. Camp Good Grief blends traditional camp activities with grief education and emotional support.
Located at the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Camp Merrie Woode in Plainwell, MI., Camp Merrie Woode features acres of natural woodlands and exciting camp activities designed to bring joy, healing, and connection. All activities are facilitated by caring and qualified Centrica Care Navigators grief professionals, music therapists and volunteers. Join Us This Year Friday, July 17, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Camp Merrie Woode in Plainwell, MI. Register Now Register early, space is limited.
A Free One-Day Camp for Kids Ages 8-17 Who Have Experienced the Death of a Loved One For questions or more information, please contact Kimberly Courtney kcourtney@centricacare.org
269.303.3740 If you know someone who would benefit from Camp Good Grief, NorthStar Care Community offers this program statewide through Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice. Join Us for Camp Good Grief!
A Free One-Day Camp for Kids Ages 8-17 Who Have Experienced the Death of a Loved One

• Friday July 17, 2025 9am-4pm
• Camp Good Grief offers a supportive and fun-filled environment where children can connect with others who share similar experiences. Camp Good Grief blends traditional camp activities with grief education and emotional support. Camp Good Grief will be located at the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Camp Merrie Woode in Plainwell, MI.
• Camp Merrie Woode features acres of natural woodlands and exciting camp activities designed to bring joy, healing, and connection. All activities are facilitated by caring and qualified Centrica Care Navigators grief professionals, music therapists and volunteers.
• Dates & Registration Info:
For questions or more information, please contact:
• Kim Courtney at kcourtney@centricacare.org • 269.303.3740

Registration deadline: July 3, 2026.

Dinner with Friends
2026-07-19 18:00 - 20:00 | https://centricacare.org/event/dinner-with-friends/2026-07-19/

Butterfly Release Battle Creek
2026-08-01 09:30 - 11:00 | Leila Arboretum Society, 928 W Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI, 49037, United States
Celebrate the life of a loved one at our annual Butterfly Release. The event is open to the public, and free to attend. If you would like to release a butterfly, you can purchase one online.
Learn more and become a sponsor by visiting the event page here.
Attendee registration here.

Dinner with Friends
2026-08-16 18:00 - 20:00 | https://centricacare.org/event/dinner-with-friends/2026-08-16/

Dinner with Friends
2026-09-20 18:00 - 20:00 | https://centricacare.org/event/dinner-with-friends/2026-09-20/

Dinner with Friends
2026-10-18 18:00 - 20:00 | https://centricacare.org/event/dinner-with-friends/2026-10-18/

Seasoning Grief: A retreat to savor and soften your grief story, one year and beyond
2026-10-27 - 2026-10-29 | GilChrist Retreat Center, Three Rivers, MI, United States
Grief is a changeling, morphing in form, intensity, and expression as we adapt to living with loss. Seasoning Grief is a retreat for those whose grief has shifted from its initial intensity yet continues to quietly shape their lives. If you find yourself reflecting on how grief continues to ripple through your days and you seek space to slow down and notice its quieter whispers, this retreat is for you.
Through reflection, movement, creative expression, ritual, and community, retreat leaders will guide you in exploring how grief continues to flavor your experiences. You’ll gain renewed insight into grief’s presence in your life, along with practical and creative tools to engage with it more intentionally, carrying forward a sense of peace and companionship.
Learn more about GilChrist on their website: GilChristRetreatCenter.org

Cost of Retreat

Participants contribute $175 toward the cost of lodging and meals for the retreat. The majority of the retreat costs are covered by Centrica Care Navigators’ generous donors and funders.

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Cancellations made before September 28 will be eligible for a full refund. We are unable to offer refunds for cancellations received after September 28.

Jill Terwilliger, M.Div., CPCC is a grief support counselor with Centrica Care Navigators. She embodies a compassionate and grounding presence as she works with individuals, small groups, and organizations to process and integrate the many layers of grief. In 2024, Jill gave her TEDx Kalamazoo talk, Befriending Grief, exploring how loss—when welcomed—can deepen connection and meaning.
Jill’s approach is shaped by a wide range of roles: mental health advocate, parish minister, hospice chaplain, restorative justice facilitator, and artist. Jill’s personal experience with grief began at 19 with the death of her father, a loss that continues to shape her work. Though her family jokes that she can find the dark side of any topic, Jill believes grief—when befriended—can become the root of joy, strength, and surprising connection.

Jill will be assisted by a team of volunteers:

Kim Critz is the creator of Healing HeArtwork, a workshop series that invites people to explore creativity as a gentle companion through grief and life’s many transitions. Kim also serves as Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications for NorthStar Care Community, including Centrica Care Navigators, where she shares the same compassionate care that once supported her own family, with the communities around her.

Mary Beckley-Clark, MSW is a Grief Support Counselor with Centrica. Mary brings 14 years of experience supporting individuals and families throughout the grief process. Navigating her own grief journey following the death of her mother has had a strong influence in her life and career. Mary has a special interest in exploring the impact of grief on the brain and using expressive arts to process loss. She will be available for 1:1 support throughout the retreat.

Matt Carl, MSW is a Grief Support Counselor with Centrica. The death of Matt’s mother when he was 21 years old greatly affected his life and career trajectory. Matt specialized in trauma-informed care and has experience working with veterans and people with substance-use disorders. Matt has a passion for integrating mindfulness and meditation into navigating one’s grief journey.

Katie Paauwe has been a volunteer with Centrica’s Journeys program for grieving children for 13 years. She is constantly nudging us to create the programs she wishes she had when she lost her father at the age of 12. It was her wild dream of a “grief camp for grownups” that birthed this retreat.

Carissma Jackson completes an internship for her Masters of Counseling degree from WMU with Centrica in May, 2026. She is passionate about working with older populations and brings a wealth of skill in facilitating groups and creative interventions.

Pre-register below:
JTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwdHlwZSUzRCUyMnRleHQlMkZqYXZhc2NyaXB0JTIyJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZmb3JtLmpvdGZvcm0uY29tJTJGanNmb3JtJTJGMjUzNDQ0ODQxNDI5MTU4JTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF Frequently Asked Questions

What is the retreat center like?

GilChrist Retreat Center is located on 67 acres of forest and rolling prairie in rural Three Rivers, Michigan. The property includes private guest cabins, a stone chapel, an outdoor labyrinth, walking paths, a fire circle, and a large gathering building called WindHill. The majority of our retreat will take place in WindHill.
Please note: Cell reception is spotty in the cabins. WiFi is available at WindHill.

What if I can’t be there the whole time?

For both your experience and the group’s, we ask that all participants commit to attending the full retreat.

What will the food be like?

All meals will be catered by Of the Land, a farm, venue, and caterer based in Battle Creek. Their food is fresh, seasonal, organic, and delicious! They will work with us to meet any dietary needs you share on your registration form. A snack and beverage station will be available at all times, with tea, coffee, fruit, chocolate, and a variety of sweet, salty, and protein-rich options.

What is the total cost to attend?

$175.00 is the total amount due to attend this retreat.

Is there wifi and cellular service?

Wifi is available at the main house. There is no wifi service at any of the other locations, and cell phone service is patchy in the area.

Where will we be staying?

GilChrist shares a border with The Hermitage Community and participants will be staying at both locations.
We will make all lodging arrangements and notify you of your assignment based on needs expressed in the registration form. Please do not contact the retreat centers directly about lodging.
GilChrist offers 8 one-bedroom and 2 two-bedroom cabins. One cabin has a ramp for easier access. Each cabin includes a kitchenette, full bathroom, a couch or a comfortable chair, and a writing desk. Cabins are arranged around a large meadow, about a 5–7 minute walk from WindHill. Upon arrival, you’ll park in a central lot, and staff will transport you and your belongings to your cabin by golf cart. The same assistance will be available at check-out.
Learn more about GilChrist
The Hermitage lies just northeast of GilChrist. Participants staying here will be housed in a renovated barn building with private rooms, each containing a bed, chair, and writing table. Bathrooms and a hot beverage station are shared. A mowed trail connects the Hermitage to WindHill—a 5-minute walk. Parking is near the building, and you’ll carry your own bags. Stair-free access is available, as is the option to drive to WindHill. The Hermitage will also host other guests during our retreat.

What if I’m not artistic?

No art experience is needed! Our focus is on process, not product. Working with materials like watercolor, colored pencils, and collage engages different parts of the brain and can help access feelings and insights that words alone may not reach. You may surprise yourself with what emerges through creative play.

What is the schedule, and will there be unscheduled time?

The retreat begins at 5:30pm, Tuesday, Oct 27 and ends at noon on Thursday, Oct 29. We encourage you to arrive at your lodging by 4:30 at the latest so you can get settled before joining the group. Each day includes a balance of full-group sessions, small group conversations, individual reflection time, shared meals, and unscheduled space to rest or explore the grounds.
We’ll gather for three main program blocks (morning, afternoon, and evening), each lasting 2 to 2.5 hours. Programs will begin at 9:00am and conclude by 9:00pm daily.

I need to cancel. Can I get a refund?

Cancellations made before September 28 will be eligible for a full refund. We are unable to offer refunds for cancellations received after October 1.
Please contact Jill for a refund.

Is this retreat faith-based?

While the retreat takes place at centers with spiritual roots, the retreat itself is not faith-based. Our approach is grounded in evidence-based psychological practices and theory. That said, we recognize that grieving and healing often touch on spiritual dimensions—connecting us to meaning both within and beyond ourselves. Participants will be gently invited to engage with elements from both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions that support the processing of grief. Everyone is welcome to bring their own faith background—or none at all—into the experience.

What should I bring?

All lodging options provide bedding and towels. You should bring:

Comfortable clothing, including layers to adjust for temperature
Shoes for walking outdoors
Slippers or indoor shoes (workshop spaces are no-shoe spaces)
Raincoat or umbrella
Strong flashlight (trails to lodging are NOT lit at night)
Personal toiletries and medications
A journal and pen (though these will also be provided)
Any personal comfort items (a favorite pillow, book, blanket, etc.)

Can I commute from home?

Staying on site will deepen your experience and connection to the group. That said, we understand that accessibility needs may make commuting the better option. Please reach out to discuss what would work best for you.

What if I get overwhelmed—can I take a break?

Absolutely. We understand that grief work can bring forward strong emotions. We aim to create a space that welcomes your whole experience. WindHill has several small spaces for quiet reflection and you are welcome to step away when you need to. In addition, one of our grief counselors will be available for 1:1 support throughout the retreat.

Submit a question about the retreat

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Dinner with Friends
2026-11-15 18:00 - 20:00 | https://centricacare.org/event/dinner-with-friends/2026-11-15/

Dinner with Friends
2026-12-20 18:00 - 20:00 | https://centricacare.org/event/dinner-with-friends/2026-12-20/

Dinner with Friends
2027-01-17 18:00 - 20:00 | https://centricacare.org/event/dinner-with-friends/2027-01-17/
