Every morning someone wakes up in the Rogue Valley with an ache inside because a loved one has died. Sometimes people run from that ache. Sometimes they meet it heart first. People overwhelmed by loss often don’t believe healing is possible. But they don’t have to wait until the pain gets unbearable to call WinterSpring.
WinterSpring creates a safe and confidential environment for sharing, learning, and healing through grief. Through shared stories, connection to other grievers, and tools for healthy grieving, we can all find healing for our losses.
Our team offers compassionate phone support, assessment, group grief support, resources, and referrals. WinterSpring also offers grief education for organizations and individuals interested in creating understanding about and support for grief.
WinterSpring began in 1989 as a response to meet the unmet needs of those experiencing grief and not receiving support in Jackson County. It was started by four nurses who wanted to provide more for their patients. The aim was to provide a safe environment for children, teens, and adults to fully mourn their loss with compassionate and trained volunteers to guide and support them.
Today, as part of The Learning Well, the program provides:
Support Groups
Bereavement support groups typically run 6 to 8 weeks and guide participants through the shadowlands of grief to uncover their own inner resources and resilience. Support groups are designed to provide information about the natural trajectory of grief, as well as emotions that can seem chaotic and unrelenting. Facilitators provide tools to develop self-understanding in a sacred space for sharing, healing, and transformation to occur. Participants join groups as they start and can rejoin groups as often as they need. To register for groups, call 541-552-0620 or email winterspring@laclinicahealth.org. WinterSpring staff will call to answer questions, offer support, and complete group registration.
Youth Programs
WinterSpring offers facilitated peer support groups for children and teens in local schools. If you are an educator, school counselor, or school administrator and are interested in a WinterSpring group at your school, call 541-552-0620 or email winterspring@laclinicahealth.org. to learn more. If you are the parent or caregiver of a grieving child, please reach out and let us know what support you need.
Grief Education
WinterSpring offers:
Groups
Classes
This eight-week in-person group is for people facing the coming death of a loved one. An expected loss can be overwhelming and confusing. This group offers participants the opportunity to talk about their emotions in a safe and supportive place.
Schedule: Please call for dates and times.
Language: English
Format: In person at La Clinica Center for Learning and Innovation, 931 Chevy Way, Medford
Cost: Free
To register or for details: Call 541-552-0620 or email winterspring@laclinicahealth.org.
This group is for people grieving the death of a child of any age. It offers parents experiencing a devastating loss the opportunity to be supported and to have the chance to offer support. Groups are led by a facilitator and are an opportunity for participants to learn from each other.
Schedule: Please call for dates and times.
Language: English
Format: In person at La Clinica Center for Learning and Innovation, 931 Chevy Way, Medford
Cost: Free
To register or for details: Call 541-552-0620 or email winterspring@laclinicahealth.org.
The WinterSpring Children’s Program offers support and education to children ages 6-12 and their adults. Children meet every two weeks with our experienced team of companions to learn about the grieving process and share their grief with their peers. They will memorialize their loved ones and learn skills that will help them help themselves and others throughout their lives.
Adults have the option to meet in their own group to support each other in shared grief. They can learn about the grief processes of children and about healthy grieving practices. With these skills, they can support themselves and their children through the challenges that grief brings.
Schedule: Please call for dates and times.
Language: English
Format: In person at La Clinica Center for Learning and Innovation, 931 Chevy Way, Medford
Cost: Free
To register or for details: Call 541-552-0620 or email winterspring@laclinicahealth.org.
Circle of Grief is a general in-person support group for people who have lost a loved one. Groups are led by a facilitator and are an opportunity for participants to learn from each other. Call 541-552-0620 for more information. Depending on the type of loss you’ve experienced, we may recommend this or other groups for you.
Schedule: Please call for dates and times.
Language: English
Format: In person at La Clinica Center for Learning and Innovation, 931 Chevy Way, Medford
Cost: Free
To register or for details: Call 541-552-0620 or email winterspring@laclinicahealth.org.
Participants will write and share to help process emotions, bring clarity, and experience feelings. Writing experience or skill is not necessary.
Schedule:Please call for dates and times.
Language: English
Format: In person at La Clinica Center for Learning and Innovation, 931 Chevy Way, Medford
Cost: Free
To register or for details: Call 541-552-0620 or email winterspring@laclinicahealth.org.
This online group offers participants a chance to explore and understand the impact of physical, social, and emotional changes that can happen throughout life.
Schedule:Please call for dates and times.
Language: English
Format: Online
Cost: Free
To register or for details: Call 541-552-0620 or email winterspring@laclinicahealth.org.
This nine-week online class offers knowledge, wisdom, and practical tools to support your grief journey. In this class, you will:
Schedule: Please call for dates and times.
Language: English
Format: Online
Cost: Free
To register or for details: Call 541-552-0620 or email winterspring@laclinicahealth.org.
This group offers support and understanding for people struggling with grief around the holidays. Groups are led by a facilitator and are an opportunity for participants to learn from each other.
Schedule: Offered late fall every year. Please call for dates and times.
Language: English
Format: In person at La Clinica Center for Learning and Innovation, 931 Chevy Way, Medford
Cost: Free
To register or for details: Call 541-552-0620 or email winterspring@laclinicahealth.org.
Losing a spouse or life partner can bring financial challenges, social challenges, and loss of identity. This group offers help to people who feel alone in facing these changes. Participants say being part of support group with others who have experienced the loss of a spouse or partner is a life-giving way to face their loss and embrace life once again. This group provides a chance to be supported and to offer support, too. In-person and online groups are available; see details below. Groups are led by a facilitator and are an opportunity for participants to learn from each other.
In-person schedule: Please call for dates and times.
Language: English
Format: In person at La Clinica Center for Learning and Innovation, 931 Chevy Way, Medford.
Cost: Free
Online schedule: Please call for dates and times. Participants must join when the group starts.
Language: English
Format: Online
Cost: Free
To register or for details: Call 541-552-0620 or email winterspring@laclinicahealth.org.
While all grief is traumatic, WinterSpring recognizes that the suicide death of a loved one comes with different challenges. This ongoing group is for adults grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. Groups are led by a facilitator and are an opportunity for participants to learn from each other.
Schedule: Please call for dates and times.
Language: English
Format: In person at La Clinica Center for Learning and Innovation, 931 Chevy Way, Medford
Cost: Free
To register or for details: Call 541-552-0620 or email winterspring@laclinicahealth.org.
Trauma sensitive yoga uses breath and movement to help people feel safe and in charge of their bodies after trauma. The focus is on how stretching and moving feels to each person. This class guides people slowly and safely in noticing and building the connection between body and mind. It can help people release tension and manage emotions.
Schedule: Please call for dates and times.
Language: English
Format: In person at La Clinica Wellness Center, 730 Biddle Road, Medford
Cost: Free
To register or for details: Call 541-552-0620 or email winterspring@laclinicahealth.org.
Our collaborative project with Medford Parks and Recreation is at Donahue-Frohnmayer Park in Medford. Natural stones, inscribed with the names of deceased loved ones, form a curving Wall of Remembrance and are available by donation. Memorial benches and trees also are available. Call us at 541-552-0620 or email winterspring@laclinicahealth.org to learn more about placing a stone at the Memorial Grove.