Lean On Me is a student-led grief support group partnered with the Wellness Center. They are entering their third year of bringing a safe space and support to grieving students on campus.

Every month, Lean On Me hosts a gathering for students dealing with grief and loss in the Center for Student Leadership and Development. The group was founded by Natalie Annunziato, a senior, and Kathleen Bennett, a Concordia alum ‘24.

“Many people feel that the support after losing someone goes away after a few weeks. We started this group because we wanted to keep the support going for each other, reminding one another that we are not alone in our grief process,” said Annunziato. 

“When Natalie and I first met, we connected really quickly over the experience of losing our dads in our freshman year of college. Grief is not exactly something commonly discussed amongst college campuses, and we wanted to change that narrative,” said Bennett. “Grief and loss isn’t something to be tip-toed around or hidden; it can be such a huge part of life that a lot of people struggle to cope with. ”

All students are welcome to gather in this comforting space, sharing their feelings and processing their grief with others who understand what they are going through. The group is open for anyone coping with the loss of a loved one, whether in the past or recent, or processing other types of grief.

“I think Lean On Me is a great group that is definitely needed on campus,” said Amanda Norris, Associate Dean for Student Life. She is also involved with Lean On Me. “I think there is something really powerful about peer support, and this group helps students know that they are not alone in their grief. Not only does this group help process grief, but it also helps students to remember their loved ones that passed and think of the good times too.”

Annunziato explained that every meet up includes a check-in, an activity and a snack. While the group currently meets monthly, she hopes that they can increase meetings as the year progresses. Past activities include making bracelets, keychains and ornaments. The group also provides worksheets with questions and activities that allow students to reflect on and process their grief, as well as learn different coping strategies.

They hosted their first meeting of the year on Sept. 24, where Insomnia Cookies and journals were provided. Everyone took turns introducing themselves and their story with grief. They took some time to answer questions regarding their grief and how they were feeling in their journals. Afterward, the group members took turns sharing some of the answers they felt comfortable talking about.

“By no means are we experts or have it all figured out! We are still working through our own grief and feelings, but the goal is to do it alongside each other. We want people to know they don’t have to be alone,” Bennett said.

“When you think of a grief group, you probably assume sad, emotional, and heavy talks with one another. While we hold space for those conversations, our groups are typically a lot less intimidating than people might think,” said Annunziato. “We make each other laugh, we catch up on other aspects of our lives, and we grieve together.” 

Madison Park, Clinical Supervisor at the Wellness Center, provided insight on how important support groups can be for college students who feel isolated in their grief process, especially those who are away from home and family. “As a society, we’re not really taught how to grieve, and oftentimes, we don’t know the language to express grief. Along with that, the people around you who want to support the person in mourning don’t exactly know how, and grief is a topic that most people uncomfortably tip-toe around.” 

“You may also start to find yourself retreating and needing space away from most people so as not to burden them or bring them down,” Park said. “Grief support groups become one of the only safe havens where you don’t need to worry about ‘bringing the mood down’ or having to explain how you’re doing or why you’re feeling a certain way.”

Annunziato encourages students to join Lean On Me. “This group has been such a big blessing in my life and so many others. We are grateful for the brave people who show up to our group month after month, and we can’t wait to see who else comes throughout the year. Be brave and come to our group! We want to meet you!” 

For more information and updates regarding the next meeting, check out @cui.leanonme on Instagram. 

Tags: community

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