Grief Support GroupCoping with Grief | Pre-Planning | Opioid Epidemic

PUBLIC RESOURCES

Welcome to the International Order of the Golden Rule's (OGR) online resources for families and members of the public. Whether you've just lost a loved one, are thinking about end-of-life plans or are interested in learning more about funeral service, the resources on this page are for you.

Finding a funeral home you can trust

When you're grieving the loss of a loved one, the last thing you want to worry about is whether the funeral home is trying to sneak in unnecessary charges. OGR's members are independently owned funeral homes across North America and overseas who pledge to adhere to a strict code of ethical conduct and service standards, including to disclose prices fully and clearly.

The men and women at Golden Rule Funeral Homes lead their businesses with compassion, dignity and the cornerstone philosophy of "Service measured not by gold, but by the Golden Rule" (to do unto others as you would have them do unto you).

You can search for a Golden Rule Funeral Home near you by using our interactive map.

Grief support group

OGR Member Resources Director Nancy Weil is a Certified Grief Management Specialist and hosts a grief support group via phone and Zoom called Hope After Heartache. This monthly group meeting is free of cost and open to the public.

Coping with grief

Grief is not a permanent state, but a process one goes through as a means of coping with loss. Everyone experiences grief differently, but it always hurts. From sadness to guilt, anger and/or fear, support services can give you the opportunity to share your feelings with a professional or with others who are also experiencing loss.

Funeral & memorial planning

It can be overwhelming to have to make the many decisions that come with funeral and memorial planning while also dealing with the grief of losing a loved one. Because of that, it has become increasingly common to pre-plan one's own final services including the type of service desired, people to involve, religious preferences and other details. You and your family will keep a copy of these preferences and the funeral home will also keep a copy.

Opioid epidemic

Opioid Epidemic: How Communities Can Respond is an OGR-written and published booklet addresses the growing opioid epidemic from the perspective of funeral professionals who have seen the devastating impact that addiction has on families. It offers information and tips on understanding opioid addiction and how it differs from other addictions; the challenges families face as loved ones struggle with opioid addiction and the complicated grief they often experience when loved ones lose their struggle; responses families can choose including funeral planning in cases where their loved ones die from overdoses; and ways that community members can work together to address this growing epidemic.