About BFO
"Sharing my death experience with other dads was very
beneficial.
It helped to know that I wasn't alone in this journey".
Bereaved Dad
Mission statement
The bereaved helping the bereaved to live with grief. We can help the healing
begin.
Watch our VIDEO
Purpose
Bereaved Families of Ontario is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to
provide well organized, and professionally supervised, self-help/mutual support
programs for bereaved families who have lost a member through death.
History
Bereaved Families of Ontario (BFO) began when four parents came together at
the Hospital for Sick Children to share the pain of the death of their children.
BFO was created out of a need for a very special kind of support; support that
was not available for these parents, so they supported themselves and each
other.
Locally, BFO Hamilton/Burlington has been providing bereavement support
programs since 1988. Since opening, BFO has helped mothers, fathers, adolescents
and children explore the reality of their loss by providing safe, non-judgmental
environments that encourage healing and self-empowerment for healthy living.
Through our programs and services, Bereaved Families provides a caring
support system designed to help families to explore the painful reality of their
loss, lend support to them as they attempt to restore balance to their lives and
return to the mainstream of life.
Values
Mutual support: Building relationships
with other bereaved individuals can help the healing process begin
Individuality: Each person is unique and
will deal with the death of a loved one in their own personal way
Compassion: Providing a caring and
accepting environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing
Education: Providing the availability of
resources through the lending library and providing key information about grief
and possible reactions to death
Insight: Associating with professional
advisors who are skilled in grief and group dynamics
