Bereaved Families of Ontario – Toronto

Bereaved Families of Ontario – Toronto (BFO-Toronto) is a Canadian nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to supporting individuals, families, and groups experiencing grief following the death of a loved one. Established in 1978, BFO-Toronto operates primarily in the Toronto area and has served thousands through its peer support model, which includes one-to-one sessions and peer support groups[1][3].

Mission and Activities

BFO-Toronto's mission centers on providing a compassionate environment where those grieving can find understanding and assistance in their healing journey. The organization adopts a peer support approach, encouraging mutual aid and shared experiences to help reduce the isolation often felt after bereavement. Their services are inclusive, offering support regardless of when, how, or whom the individual has lost[1][3].

Programs

• Peer Support Groups: BFO-Toronto facilitates various peer support groups, including those tailored to specific communities such as the Spousal Loss Group, which provides a gay-positive space for processing grief[1].

• Individual Support: One-to-one support sessions are available for those seeking personalized assistance.

• Adolescent Grief Project: In partnership with Carleton University and researcher Chris Davis, BFO-Toronto presents a video series featuring teenagers sharing their grief experiences. This project aims to comfort, educate, and support youth coping with loss through candid storytelling[5].

Approach and Impact

The organization emphasizes the normalization of the grief process, believing that mutual support can help bereaved individuals reintegrate into everyday life. Facilitators receive ongoing professional volunteer supervision to ensure quality support[5].

Participants have praised BFO-Toronto for providing hope, healthy perspectives, and coping strategies, highlighting the value of connecting with others on similar grief journeys[1].

Accessibility

BFO-Toronto offers its services without fees, making support accessible to all who have experienced a family member's death. Prospective participants undergo an intake process to be placed in appropriate support groups or recommended for individual sessions. Services are provided primarily in English[5].

Organization Details

• Business Registration Number: 106785397RR0001

Bereaved Families of Ontario – Toronto continues to play a vital role in the community by fostering healing through empathy, shared experience, and peer support for those navigating the challenges of grief[1][3][5].