Grief Support Events
Free Grief Education Events with Dr. William Hoy
We are honored to host Dr. William Hoy, celebrated grief counselor and death educator, for three free educational events this July.
Each session includes a complimentary meal.
All sessions will take place at
The Billow Funeral Homes Fairlawn Chapel - 85 N Miller Rd, Akron, OH 44333
For Social Workers, Nurses and Chaplains
Session 1:
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2026
Contemporary Understandings of Grief: An Update on the Latest Thinking about Grief
2.0 CEU hours
CEU cost underwritten by The Billow Co. at no cost to attendees
If the last thing you learned about grief was Kubler-Ross’ five stages, we have great news! There are practical, evidence-based ideas about how grief works and how it affects individuals, families and communities. Knowing the latest about grief is especially important for hospice and other healthcare clinicians, educators, clergy and anyone else who regularly interacts with hurting people. In this workshop, we make the latest research findings intensely practical and fill the entire experience with challenging cases and ideas for positive interventions with bereaved people. This workshop addresses the emerging challenges of Prolonged Grief Disorder and what that might mean for typical bereavement support and clinical counseling.
8:00 - 8:30 am: Breakfast included
8:30 - 10:30 am: Seminar
10:30 am: Adjourn & optional Q&A with speaker and Billow Staff
Location: The Billow Funeral Homes Fairlawn Chapel - 85 N Miller Rd, Akron, OH 44333
Session 3:
FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2026
How Trauma Complicates the Loss Experience: Providing Support after an Unexpected Death
2.0 CEU hours
CEU cost underwritten by The Billow Co. at no cost to attendees
Motor vehicle crashes, homicides, and suicides have one important commonality—families must face their bereavement overshadowed by unanswered questions, police and coroner’s investigations, and often the criminal or civil judicial system. These factors can significantly complicate bereavement after trauma, and in this workshop, professionals are introduced to the complicating issues and shown practical strategies for helping families. This topic continues to be updated with judicious inclusion of Dr. Hoy’s own story following the 2017 car crash in which he was badly injured and two friends died.
8:00 - 8:30 am: Breakfast included
8:30 - 10:30 am: Seminar
10:30 am: Adjourn & optional Q&A with speaker and Billow Staff
Location: The Billow Funeral Homes Fairlawn Chapel - 85 N Miller Rd, Akron, OH 44333
CEUs are provided by Monarch Grief Center. Monarch Grief Center is approved by the State of Ohio CSWMFT Board to provide continuing education for Social Workers (RSX012301), Counselors (RCX012401), and Marriage and Family Therapists (RTX012511). This workshop is applicable for a wide diversity of caregiving professionals including nurses, chaplains, school counselors, and pastors. Participants in other professions should ascertain if this program is acceptable for CEU credit for their board or organization.
For Clergy, Faith Leaders & Chaplains
Session 2:
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2026
Shepherding People in Grief: A Framework for Grief and Bereavement Support Teams
One of the most compelling pictures of Jesus in the New Testament and of pastoral care as outlined there is the image of “shepherd.” Often as individuals in congregations face loss, they struggle like “sheep without a shepherd,” so pastoral caregivers and ministry teams provide vital and necessary support to individuals and families facing crises. This workshop will creatively weave together the nature of the shepherd’s work with practical tools for ministry among people facing serious illness and loss.
12:00 - 12:30 pm: Welcome, Introductions and Lunch
12:30 - 2:30 pm: Seminar
2:30 pm: Adjourn & optional Q&A with speaker and Billow Staff
Location: The Billow Funeral Homes Fairlawn Chapel - 85 N Miller Rd, Akron, OH 44333
