10/03/2026
FINDING THE SUPPORT YOU NEED
All of us experience times when we need support and yet asking for help can be difficult, especially when we are at our most vulnerable. We don’t want to burden our loved ones and may feel like we should “tough it out”. Our problems may seem too personal to share or we may not even have the words to express what we are feeling. I encourage you, though, if you are suffering, to seek support. It can make all the difference in the world.
In response to recent requests, the Mullis Center will be hosting a new grief and loss support group called “Good Grief”. The group will be free and open to all community members. It will be a drop-in program welcoming folks to attend as many or as few sessions as they wish and will be available both in person or via Zoom. Professional Certified Coach and experienced facilitator Gretchen Krampf, MSOD, PCC, will lead our Fall/Winter 2026 support group.
“Good Grief” will meet on the first and third Tuesdays of October (10/6 and 10/20), November (11/3 and 11/17) and December (12/1 and 12/15). There are two options: The in-person group will meet at the Mullis Center from 5:00-6:30 pm. Drop-ins are welcome. The virtual group will meet on those same days from 3:00-4:30 pm via Zoom. Register for Zoom sessions at
mulliscenter.com. For more information, contact the Mullis Center at 360-370-4015 or [email protected]. The Mullis Center is a welcoming and safe environment to meet for quiet conversations while navigating grief or loss.
Besides this new support group, the Senior Signal newsletter, the official Senior Services Newsletter from San Juan County Health and Community Services, can be found on the Mullis Center website, mulliscenter.org/newsletter and lists a wealth of contact information for support resources. Mental health, assistance for veterans, substance abuse recovery, domestic violence and sexual assault services, crisis hotlines and more are listed. Food assistance, housing and utilities, and transportation help are also listed as well as medical resources and national hotlines.
Some years ago, the island’s Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center helped me out when I was facing a housing/financial crisis. They helped me figure out what programs were available to me and helped me create a path forward. Truth be told I didn’t seek help on my own, but a close friend checked it out on my behalf and encouraged me to make an appointment. Sometimes we need to be that friend for each other.
If you belong to a church or religious community, they will often provide counseling or other forms of support. Support is available. If you need help, if you are in a state of crisis or grief, you may feel isolated and alone. You are not alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out and find the help you need.
Resources:
National Su***de Prevention Lifeline - 988
24-hour Crisis Hotline - 800-584-3578
Mullis Community Senior Center - mulliscenter.org
Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center - jlsfrc.org
