Hospice of Texarkana is extending its free bereavement support services beyond the city limits to better serve families across the ArkLaTex region. Starting next month, weekly grief groups will meet in Ashdown and Hope, Arkansas, as well as New Boston and Atlanta, Texas, giving residents a local, faith‑affirming environment to process loss.
Why the expansion matters
Rick Huntze, the hospice’s bereavement coordinator, explained that many families live more than 50 miles from Texarkana and face long drives to attend the existing Saturday‑morning and Thursday‑morning sessions. “It just wasn’t realistic to see someone from these towns drive into Texarkana for the group,” Huntze said. By bringing meetings closer to home, the hospice hopes to remove transportation barriers and ensure that grieving adults can receive timely emotional support.
New group locations and times
- Atlanta, Texas: Mondays, 11 a.m. – noon, at the Atlanta Public Library meeting room, 101 W. Hiram St. (no meeting the last Monday of each month).
- Hope, Arkansas: Mondays, 2 – 3 p.m., at Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center, 2001 S. Main St.
- New Boston, Texas: Wednesdays, 2 – 3 p.m., at Tapp Methodist Church, Friendship Classroom, 715 S. McCoy Blvd.
- Ashdown, Arkansas: Thursdays, 11 a.m. – noon, at United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall, 145 E. Commerce St.
All sessions are open to any adult who is grieving the loss of a loved one, regardless of whether the deceased received hospice care.
What participants can expect
Huntze emphasized that grief is a deeply personal journey and that there is no “right or wrong” way to mourn. The groups provide a safe space where members can share experiences, receive encouragement, and find practical coping tools. “Support groups, you’re going to be surrounded by people who get it,” Huntze said. “They do understand. They’re walking the same journey.”
He added, “You’re just trying to find the new normal. We’re going to all trudge on, find our own purpose, and keep that loved one’s memory alive.” The hospice’s approach aligns with traditional family values, recognizing the importance of community, shared faith, and mutual support during life’s most difficult moments.
How to join
Anyone interested can contact Hospice of Texarkana directly or visit their website at hospiceoftexarkana.org for more information about meeting locations, schedules, and registration details. The organization encourages families to spread the word to friends and neighbors who may benefit from the new groups.
About Hospice of Texarkana
Hospice of Texarkana has long provided end‑of‑life care, counseling, and support services throughout a 50‑mile radius of the city. In addition to its three existing weekly grief groups in Texarkana, the hospice offers spiritual care, volunteer opportunities, and educational resources aimed at strengthening families and preserving the dignity of the dying.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
