Good Grief of Kansas in the beginning

Good Grief of Kansas is a self help non-profit organization founded by Phyllis L. Gadaire in 1993. Phyllis became widowed at a young age and found it difficult to find support as she ventured through the grief process from the loss of her husband.  As she recognized the need for support to the newly widowed she established the foundation for Good Grief of Kansas support services. Phyllis served as Executive Director through the end of her own life. Good Grief continues on to provide support to those who suffer the loss of a loved one. The name Good Grief was formed using the initials of Phyllis Gadaire's late husband, Gary.

Good Grief of Kansas has been recognized with national awards presented by AARP Widowed Persons Service. The Governor of Kansas, has given special recognition to Good Grief for its many achievements on behalf widowed persons.

Good Grief of Kansas provides support services to bereaved men and women as they journey through grief into a new life without their loved one.  Good Grief support services are currently available in Wichita, Kansas and throughout the surrounding area. 

Good Grief of Kansas currently has nine general grief support groups, one Survivors of Suicide support group, and one Widowed and Young support group. All of our groups are held weekly and are on-going.  We also offer two weekly breakfast/lunch socials as well as monthly workshops with topics designed to help members deal with living without their loved one. There is never a waiting list and members are encouraged to attend as many meetings as they wish for as long as they wish. All of these groups are located in Sedgwick and Butler County. All of our services are free and open to any adult who is grieving.

Good Grief of Kansas Funding Sources 

Good Grief is made possible by a small grant from the Sedgwick County Department on Aging.  Over half of our budget is supported by the memorials and donations of current and past Good Grief of Kansas members.  Our staff consists of over twenty trained Volunteer Grief Support Group Facilitators, eight volunteer Board of Directors, and one part-time Program Coordinator.