Bereaved Families of Ontario

Bereaved Families of Ontario (BFO) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing peer support and mutual aid for individuals and families coping with the loss of a loved one. Operating across Ontario, BFO offers a network of grief support programs designed to foster healing through shared experiences and empathetic listening rather than clinical therapy or crisis intervention.

History and Mission

Since its establishment, Bereaved Families of Ontario has committed to supporting bereaved individuals by creating a compassionate environment where peer support is central. The organization emphasizes assistance from those who have personally experienced loss, enabling them to help others through the grieving process. This approach is grounded in the belief that shared understanding and mutual aid facilitate emotional recovery.

Services and Programs

BFO provides a range of free grief support services based on the peer support model. Trained volunteers and staff, many of whom have endured their own bereavements, offer individualized and group support. Services include:

• One-to-One Peer Support: Personalized support sessions with trained peer facilitators who provide empathetic listening and coping strategies for adults aged 18 and over.

• Peer Support Groups: Various group support options are available, often tailored to specific types of loss, including:

  • Sudden Child Loss Peer Support Group: This group supports those who have lost a baby, child, teenager, or adult child unexpectedly, providing a safe, empathetic space to share experiences.
  • Partner/Spousal Loss Group: Open to anyone grieving the loss of a partner or spouse, this group fosters connection and mutual understanding.
  • Adult Sibling Loss Group: A virtual format group for adults grieving the loss of a sibling.
  • Pregnancy/Infant Loss Group: For individuals grieving miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death under one year.
  • Living with Loss Group: A virtual support space for anyone who has lost someone significant regardless of the relation.
  • Mourning Break: An informal in-person gathering for casual conversation amongst bereaved individuals.

These programs are often offered both in-person and virtually to accommodate diverse needs and accessibility. Participants benefit from sharing with others who comprehend the complexities of grief, thereby fostering hope and healing.

Operational Model

BFO operates through a network of local chapters, including those in Toronto, Kingston, and Southwestern Ontario, each offering tailored programs responsive to their communities. The organization does not provide clinical counseling or crisis intervention but focuses on peer-to-peer support delivered by trained volunteers and staff.

All grief services are provided free of charge, reflecting BFO’s commitment to accessible bereavement support for all Ontarians.

Philosophy

The core philosophy of Bereaved Families of Ontario centers on peer support as a powerful tool for healing. By enabling the bereaved to help one another, the organization cultivates empathy, shared understanding, and practical coping mechanisms. BFO encourages individuals to join at their own readiness, recognizing that grief unfolds uniquely for each person.

Registration and Legal Status

Bereaved Families of Ontario operates as a registered Canadian nonprofit organization with the Business Registration Number 118803659RR0001.

This overview reflects the organization’s dedication to guiding individuals through grief journeys together, offering hope and community in times of loss.