This support group is open to anyone who has experienced grief and/or loss. Grief is the natural emotional response to the loss of someone close, such as a family member, friend, or pet. It can also occur as a result of a serious illness, divorce, or other significant loss. This open group provides a safe space for community members to connect, share their experiences, learn new coping skills, and support one another.

All are welcome. Free for members & community guests alike.

Co-facilitated by Jesse H. Geigle Funeral Home, Hetrick-Bitner Funeral Home, and Amedisys Hospice.

Schedule:

• First Monday of the Month from 1:00-2:00pm

Dates:

• November 2
• December 7

Ages: 18+

Location: Friendship YMCA Multipurpose Room

For more questions, please reach out to Linda Kerstetter at [email protected].

Holidays Around the World!

Different stations will be set up with different holiday activities that pertain to each country.

No cost to attend. Hot chocolate bar and snacks will be available.

Registration is preferred but not required.

Date: December 6, 2026

Schedule: Sunday evening from 4:00pm-6:00pm

Ages: 2+

Location: Northern Dauphin County YMCA Gymnasium

For more information: please reach out to Jasmine Rodriguez at [email protected]

A safe place for all caregivers, past and present, looking for support, practical information, and connection. You will never be pressured to share more than you feel comfortable sharing, and you can come as many times as you’d like. Facilitated by Pastor Brian Hennon and with presentations by various experts in a myriad of subjects relevant to caregivers, you will leave feeling uplifted and accompanied.

Reservations are encouraged but not required. Refreshments will be provided.

Free for members & community guests alike.

Schedule: 

• Every 4th Monday of the month, beginning January 26, 2026 *with the exception of May 2026*
• 6:30-8:00pm

Ages: 18+

Location: West Shore YMCA Chapel

For more questions, please reach out to Angelica Ried at [email protected].

• Friday, November 20, 2026

Schedule:

• 6:00pm-8:00pm

Location: West Shore YMCA Party Room

For additional questions or concerns, please reach out to Doug Markel at [email protected].

This support group is open to anyone who has experienced grief and/or loss. Grief is the natural emotional response to the loss of someone close, such as a family member, friend, or pet. It can also occur as a result of a serious illness, divorce, or other significant loss. This open group provides a safe space for community members to connect, share their experiences, learn new coping skills, and support one another.

All are welcome. Free for members & community guests alike.

Co-facilitated by Musselman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Starfish Counseling for Grief and Loss, and Amedisys Hospice.

Schedule:

• Second Thursday of the month from 6:00-7:15pm

Dates:

• November 12
• December 10

Ages: 18+

Location: West Shore YMCA Chapel

For more questions, please reach out to Angelica Ried at [email protected].

Enjoy lunch (provided) while learning about various topics and subjects that bring awareness and provide practical information for your and your loved ones, those around you, and our community at large. Topics range from physical, mental, and emotional health, social awareness and engagement, finances, and more!

No cost for YMCA members.

Register by the previous Friday.

Schedule:

• Every 4th Friday of the month (with the exception of November & December 2026) from 11:30am-12:30pm

Join us November 20 for Strong body, Grateful Heart with Ellie Mental Health – Presented by Robert Wilson, LPC, Ellie Mental Health Clinic Director

This month’s Lunch & Learn will explore:

• the mental health benefits of exercising during the holiday season
• the principles of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors (CBT), and how what we think influences how we feel, which influences what we do
• gratitude, connection, and holiday preparation.

Learn about the reality of the Holiday Blues and walk away with practical tips to navigate the season,  from gratitude to support mood and resilience, to simple ways to foster connection right here at the Y.

Ages: 18+

Location: West Shore YMCA Conference Room

For more information, please contact Angelica Ried at [email protected].

Date:

• November 14, 2026

Schedule:

• Saturday afternoon from 1:00pm-3:00pm

Ages: 18+

Location: West Shore YMCA

For more information: please reach out to Angelica Ried at [email protected].