Upcoming Support Groups and Events
We offer ongoing support groups for a variety of loss circumstances, all of which meet monthly. Currently all of our support groups meet virtually using the Zoom platform. Click through the calendar to see upcoming meetings and events for our community.
We know support groups are not for everyone. Visit our Individual Support page to learn about other ways we may be able to support you.
Not local to Massachusetts? Our TFMR Support groups, our LGBTQ+ Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Groups and our BIPOC Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Groups are the only support groups that include nation-wide participants. Our focus is on building actual, lived community in Western Mass, so we try to keep our groups Massachusetts-populated. We encourage you to visit the National Share Organization to look for your own local community-based support, or find an organization that is intended to be for a national audience.
Parenting After Loss Support Group; for those with older children at the time of loss
In this group we discuss the full gambit of raising children while also grieving the baby we cannot hold in our arms.
This group meets on the fourth Monday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Termination for Medical Reasons Support Group (Tuesday)
Our TFMR groups are open to all who have experienced the agonizing decision to end a pregnancy because of a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis, regardless of gestation. If you’re reading this, you know that this type of loss is particularly complicated. In addition to grief for the baby, many people struggle with additional guilt, fear of judgment, and trauma. Our facilitators create a space that is ultra safe, ultra accepting, and ultra compassionate. You and your story and your baby belong here.
This group meets the last Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
We offer 3 drop-in groups per month for you to choose from, the others occurring on the second Thursday of each month from 7-9 PM EST and on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST.
Stillbirth and Infant Loss Support Group
This group is open to people who have experienced later pregnancy loss after 20 weeks gestation through early infancy.
This group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Expecting your Next Baby Support Group
This group addresses the ways in which grief affects a family’s journey towards another baby. This group is open to people who are currently pregnant, people who are currently pregnant through surrogacy, or in an active adoption process.
*This group is intended for those who have participated in or are currently attending at least one of our support groups to process their loss. As this group focuses on next steps, there is less space to process loss in this group.
This group usually meets on the third Thursday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST, but this month will meet the evening of 2/26. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
In-Person Bereavement Support Group & Dinner
Join us for an in-person support group & dinner. This meeting will take place in the Empty Arms office, in the cozy circle of chairs that once hosted every Empty arms meeting each month. This group is open to anyone who has experienced pregnancy and/or infant loss — regardless of type of loss, gestation, etc. We’ve allowed an extra half an hour for this meeting so that we can include dinner and the necessary time for socializing that will come with an in person gathering. We hope you’ll join us! RSVP required.
RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHMUxtsdJkl77X4n58_ZdfF-q8sirQGikFfs3xPJ-ekW3Heg/viewform
SYRUP STAMPEDE 5K Run / 2K Walk
REGISTER & LEARN MORE: https://syrupstampede.com/
Syrup Stampede is a 5K run/walk to benefit Empty Arms Bereavement. Runners and walkers can register as teams or individuals - and have the option to fundraise as a team. You can also purchase a ticket for the pancake breakfast only if you will not be participating in the race.
The course will be timed and held at Look Memorial Park in Florence, MA.
The race begins at 10 AM. Race day bib pickup begins at 9:00 AM. Early bib pickup at Empty Arms Bereavement Support office: Friday, April 4 at 4-6 PM & Saturday, April 5 at 2-4 PM
Prizes will be awarded for top youth and age 18+ male, female, nonbinary runners, as well as top fundraising individual.
Termination for Medical Reasons Support Group (Wednesday)
Our TFMR groups are open to all who have experienced the agonizing decision to end a pregnancy because of a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis, regardless of gestation. If you’re reading this, you know that this type of loss is particularly complicated. In addition to grief for the baby, many people struggle with additional guilt, fear of judgment, and trauma. Our facilitators create a space that is ultra safe, ultra accepting, and ultra compassionate. You and your story and your baby belong here.
This group meets the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
We offer 3 drop-in groups per month for you to choose from, the others occurring on the second Thursday of each month from 7-9 PM EST and the last Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST.
Support Group for Dads
This is a space for male-identifying, non-gestational parents who have lost babies to explore their experience of grief in this culture.
This group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
BIPOC Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group
Our BIPOC group is open to non-white families nationwide who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. The express intent of this group is to provide a safe and affirming space for people of color to share their unique loss experiences.
This group meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Trying for Another Baby Support Group
When you are thinking about having another baby, the emotions can be complicated and may change from day to day. This support group offers a safe space to explore the idea of next steps. It is intended for people who are thinking about becoming pregnant or who are considering a surrogacy or adoption process. This group is open to residents of Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont.
This group meets on the third Monday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
LGBTQ+ Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group
This group is for people who identify under the umbrella as queer (LGBTQ+) and have also experienced pregnancy and/or infant loss.
This group usually meets on the second Friday of each month from 12:00-1:30 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Termination for Medical Reasons Support Group (Thursday)
Our TFMR groups are open to all who have experienced the agonizing decision to end a pregnancy because of a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis, regardless of gestation. If you’re reading this, you know that this type of loss is particularly complicated. In addition to grief for the baby, many people struggle with additional guilt, fear of judgment, and trauma. Our facilitators create a space that is ultra safe, ultra accepting, and ultra compassionate. You and your story and your baby belong here.
This group meets the second Thursday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
We offer 3 drop-in groups per month for you to choose from, the other occurring on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST and the last Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST.
Parenting After Loss Support Group; for those with a new baby born after loss
This group is for navigating the complexities of welcoming a new baby while grieving the child who is no longer here.
This group meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Infertility & Loss Support Group
This group is for people who have struggled with the double challenge of infertility and loss. If you have suffered any kind of pregnancy or infant loss following an infertility journey, this group is designed with you in mind.
This group meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Twin Loss; Parenting a Surviving Twin Support Group
This group is open to anyone who has experienced a loss with multiples while parenting their survivor(s). This group addresses the unique experience of holding ecstatic joy and crushing grief simultaneously.
This group meets bimonthly on the second Monday of the month from 7:30-9 PM EST. In 2025, this group will meet in February, April, June, August, October, and December. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Miscarriage & Early Pregnancy Loss Support Group
This group is open to anyone who has experienced early pregnancy loss including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or termination for medical reasons early in pregnancy.
This group meets on the second Thursday of each month from 7:00-9 PM EST, but this month will meet on the evening of 2/6. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Yoga & Grief Writing Workshop
This month, Empty Arms is the Community Spotlight organization for Sanctuary, a center for personal healing and collective wellbeing owned and operated by Empty Arms' own Lindsay Pope and Jonathan Gregory, parents of Rowan.
As part of this collaboration, we will be holding an event at Sanctuary on Friday, January 31st. Lauren Singer and Carol McMurrich will co-lead an evening of grief writing from 7-9 pm. We invite you to this warm, safe space to come together and share about your grief journey with others.
Pre-registered participants are also offered a complimentary pass to the Restorative Yoga class from 5:30–6:30pm that meets just before our writing group begins.
All proceeds of this workshop benefit Empty Arms.
Termination for Medical Reasons Support Group (Tuesday)
Our TFMR groups are open to all who have experienced the agonizing decision to end a pregnancy because of a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis, regardless of gestation. If you’re reading this, you know that this type of loss is particularly complicated. In addition to grief for the baby, many people struggle with additional guilt, fear of judgment, and trauma. Our facilitators create a space that is ultra safe, ultra accepting, and ultra compassionate. You and your story and your baby belong here.
This group meets the last Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
We offer 3 drop-in groups per month for you to choose from, the others occurring on the second Thursday of each month from 7-9 PM EST and on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST.
Parenting After Loss Support Group; for those with older children at the time of loss
In this group we discuss the full gambit of raising children while also grieving the baby we cannot hold in our arms.
This group meets on the fourth Monday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
BIPOC Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group
Our BIPOC group is open to non-white families nationwide who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. The express intent of this group is to provide a safe and affirming space for people of color to share their unique loss experiences.
This group meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Stillbirth and Infant Loss Support Group
This group is open to people who have experienced later pregnancy loss after 20 weeks gestation through early infancy.
This group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Trying for Another Baby Support Group
When you are thinking about having another baby, the emotions can be complicated and may change from day to day. This support group offers a safe space to explore the idea of next steps. It is intended for people who are thinking about becoming pregnant or who are considering a surrogacy or adoption process. This group is open to residents of Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont.
This group meets on the third Monday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Expecting your Next Baby Support Group
This group addresses the ways in which grief affects a family’s journey towards another baby. This group is open to people who are currently pregnant, people who are currently pregnant through surrogacy, or in an active adoption process.
*This group is intended for those who have participated in or are currently attending at least one of our support groups to process their loss. As this group focuses on next steps, there is less space to process loss in this group.
This group meets on the third Thursday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Termination for Medical Reasons Support Group (Wednesday)
Our TFMR groups are open to all who have experienced the agonizing decision to end a pregnancy because of a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis, regardless of gestation. If you’re reading this, you know that this type of loss is particularly complicated. In addition to grief for the baby, many people struggle with additional guilt, fear of judgment, and trauma. Our facilitators create a space that is ultra safe, ultra accepting, and ultra compassionate. You and your story and your baby belong here.
This group meets the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
We offer 3 drop-in groups per month for you to choose from, the others occurring on the second Thursday of each month from 7-9 PM EST and the last Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST.
Support Group for Dads
This is a space for male-identifying, non-gestational parents who have lost babies to explore their experience of grief in this culture.
This group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Infertility & Loss Support Group
This group is for people who have struggled with the double challenge of infertility and loss. If you have suffered any kind of pregnancy or infant loss following an infertility journey, this group is designed with you in mind.
This group meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
LGBTQ+ Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group
This group is for people who identify under the umbrella as queer (LGBTQ+) and have also experienced pregnancy and/or infant loss.
This group usually meets on the second Friday of each month from 12:00-1:30 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Miscarriage & Early Pregnancy Loss Support Group
This group is open to anyone who has experienced early pregnancy loss including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or termination for medical reasons early in pregnancy.
This group meets on the second Thursday of each month from 7:00-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Termination for Medical Reasons Support Group (Thursday)
Our TFMR groups are open to all who have experienced the agonizing decision to end a pregnancy because of a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis, regardless of gestation. If you’re reading this, you know that this type of loss is particularly complicated. In addition to grief for the baby, many people struggle with additional guilt, fear of judgment, and trauma. Our facilitators create a space that is ultra safe, ultra accepting, and ultra compassionate. You and your story and your baby belong here.
This group meets the second Thursday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
We offer 3 drop-in groups per month for you to choose from, the other occurring on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST and the last Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST.
Parenting After Loss Support Group; for those with a new baby born after loss
This group is for navigating the complexities of welcoming a new baby while grieving the child who is no longer here.
This group meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Parenting After Loss Support Group; for those with older children at the time of loss
In this group we discuss the full gambit of raising children while also grieving the baby we cannot hold in our arms.
This group meets on the fourth Monday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Expecting your Next Baby Support Group
This group addresses the ways in which grief affects a family’s journey towards another baby. This group is open to people who are currently pregnant, people who are currently pregnant through surrogacy, or in an active adoption process.
*This group is intended for those who have participated in or are currently attending at least one of our support groups to process their loss. As this group focuses on next steps, there is less space to process loss in this group.
This group meets on the third Thursday of each month from 7:30-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Stillbirth & Early Infant Loss Support Group
This group is open to people who have experienced later pregnancy loss after 20 weeks gestation through early infancy.
This group usually meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST, but will meet on the 19th in December due to the holiday. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Support Group for Dads
This is a space for male-identifying, non-gestational parents who have lost babies to explore their experience of grief in this culture.
This group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
Termination for Medical Reasons Support Group (Wednesday)
Our TFMR groups are open to all who have experienced the agonizing decision to end a pregnancy because of a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis, regardless of gestation. If you’re reading this, you know that this type of loss is particularly complicated. In addition to grief for the baby, many people struggle with additional guilt, fear of judgment, and trauma. Our facilitators create a space that is ultra safe, ultra accepting, and ultra compassionate. You and your story and your baby belong here.
This group meets the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.
We offer 3 drop-in groups per month for you to choose from, the others occurring on the second Thursday of each month from 7-9 PM EST and the last Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. (No Tuesday group in December 2024)
BIPOC Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group
Our BIPOC group is open to non-white families nationwide who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. The express intent of this group is to provide a safe and affirming space for people of color to share their unique loss experiences.
This group meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 7-9 PM EST. If you’re interested in joining this support group, please fill out our contact form.