Bereavement Department

Notes from our families

Support Group Fees

Dear Friend,

Care, comfort, compassion, and community are at the core of Calvary Bereavement Services. Sharing grief is a fundamental aspect of the healing process, and we are privileged to help people navigate the complex emotions associated with loss, embracing and walking with them on their journey toward acceptance and recovery.

Calvary’s freely accessible counseling, a tradition that began decades ago, has benefited thousands. During this time, Calvary has also promoted a more open and understanding environment around loss and mourning, which has helped make Calvary a vital resource throughout Greater New York.

Like other providers of care, we continue to respond to the stress, turmoil, and grief associated with the pandemic and the resulting demand for increased bereavement services. This, however, has come at a price: a shortage of mental healthcare professionals, increased administrative requirements, new costs associated with different treatment modalities, and changes in healthcare policies and regulations. Each factor has, and will continue to have, financial and operational implications here at Calvary (and among all providers).

As a result, and after careful consideration, we are introducing fees for Calvary Bereavement Group Services that were previously free.

Starting January 1, a six-week session for adults will cost $60; an eight-week session for children will cost $40. These fees will help Calvary:

• • Ensure the continued availability of quality services by establishing a more stable financial foundation for Calvary
  • Maintain and strengthen grief and bereavement services
  • Leverage external funding and grants that already support Calvary Bereavement Services
  • Address rising overhead expenses and personnel costs

We understand this change may impose financial hardships upon some members of our community. Please contact the Director of Bereavement Services, Edgardo Lugo to discuss your circumstances if this is the case. We want you to continue with your counseling sessions.

It is important that we communicate the need for these changes transparently and provide a clear rationale for the introduction of these fees. If you have any questions, please speak to your counselor or contact me, Edgardo Lugo, Director of Bereavement, at 347-963-7001.

Your experience of grief is unique and valid, and we remain committed to you. Coping with loss, navigating life changes, finding meaning and purpose – we are here to help you and members of our community process emotions, gain insights, and work towards healing and adjustment after the loss of a loved one. That mission will never change.

Thank you for your support,

Edgardo Lugo, MS, LCSW-R, RPT-S CGP
Director of Bereavement

Deborah Feldman, LCSW, JD
V.P. of Pastoral Care, Bereavement & Family Care Services

Calvary Hospital’s Bereavement
Group Fee Policy

Bereavement Group Fees:

Adults: $60.00 per cycle (6-week sessions)
Children: $40.00 per cycle (8- week sessions).
Please Note: All payments must be made prior to the start of each cycle.

Please make your check or money order out to:
Calvary Hospital

Please send payment to:

Edgardo Lugo, Director of Bereavement
Calvary Hospital
1740 Eastchester Avenue
Bronx, N.Y. 10461

If you prefer paying by credit card, please call:

Calvary Hospital’s Cashier at 718-518-2063.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

We accept: American Express, Visa and MasterCard.

Please inform the cashier whether you are paying for Adult or Children’s
Bereavement Sessions.

Cancellation and Reimbursement Policy

If you decide to leave the group within the first two sessions, you will be reimbursed 50% of the fee ($30.00 for adults and $20.00 for children).

No reimbursement for missed or canceled group sessions for any reason.

Bereavement Services for Hospice

Spring 2024 Calendar

Calvary Hospice provides informational and supportive sessions on Zoom to anyone who has experienced a loss on hospice. Sessions will cover a variety of topics about the grieving process and how to cope. Everyone is welcome to join any or all of the following sessions — no registration required.

New Weekly Zoom Sessions

Understanding the experience of Anticipatory Grief

Anticipatory Grief affects thoughts, feelings, social life, the body, and the spirit as you wait for the death of a loved one. Calvary offers information and supportive conversations for families with patients experiencing end-of-life care.

Every Tuesday
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Group members will be sent Zoom links and passwords from administrators.

Every Friday
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Group members will be sent Zoom links and passwords from administrators.