Providing professional caring and personal attention to a family after a loved one dies is very important to us. Because of this, our services do not end once the funeral is over. We believe so strongly in helping loved ones through the difficult time in the days, weeks, and months following a death, that we have dedicated a team of caring individuals, who personally support each family's needs. 

Since 1999, Erlewein Mortuaries has provided a family follow-up/aftercare program at no charge to those we serve. Our program includes a children's program, a bi-monthly grief support group, a Family Follow-up Visit, and grief support materials, as well as a Lending Library. More information follows on each of these programs.

• Bullfrogs & Butterflies Children’s Program

Our unique program is offered for children of families who have lost a loved one to death. In a simple, non-threatening way, this program informs children about the funeral and visitation. It helps them understand what may be going on around them at a very confusing time. A story, craft, and other age-appropriate activities are used throughout the program, which is offered at no charge to those families we serve.

• Widow to Widow / Erlewein Adventures

How can grief support be fun? We are proud to be able to offer monthly "support" opportunities for families who have experienced a loss. The events are designed to give families and individuals the opportunity to receive moral support from others who have experienced a loss.

We offer relaxed support in an enjoyable atmosphere. In order to accommodate various schedules, both day and evening events are offered. Monthly activity opportunities foster building relationships with others. We strive to keep expenses low and to offer handicap accessibility whenever possible.

Our greater Indianapolis area provides so many avenues for exploring, meeting friends, and building new support relationships. We'd love to have you join us - come alone or bring a friend. For more information on upcoming activities, please call Holly Johnson at (317)467-4918 or (317) 485-5138 or click here for an upcoming events schedule.

• Family Follow-up

Our Family Follow-up specialist calls on with families we've served about two weeks after the funeral to provide additional assistance, as well as helpful information. During this time, life begins to go back to "normal" for a grieving family's support network - leaving family members to deal with the intensity of the grief process on their own.

Caring for yourself after a loss is very important and is not a selfish act. No two people grieve exactly the same way or for the same period of time. Having support throughout your grieving will help you physically and emotionally.

Losing a loved one marks the beginning of a transitional period for friends and family. Being educated on the grief process will help family members and friends understand what they are experiencing and will also help them better understand what others may be experiencing.

Our Family Follow-up specialist provides important information to families, including contact information for various support organizations, pamphlets on loss, and grief materials designed to assist children, adolescents and adults. She also answers any outstanding questions and provides contact information for local and national grief support groups.

Our first priority at Erlewein Mortuaries is to assist the families we serve. Additionally, we provide educational information and tools to schools, churches, and senior citizen groups. Our staff is also able to support other grief groups through seminars, tours, and an extensive Lending Library, which contains books, videos and grief materials. See below for more information on the Lending Library.

• Our Lending Library

There are many books available on the subject of grief and transition. Because we care, we are providing you with a review of books that we may have or may be found in your local bookstore, on Amazon.com, or at the Hancock County Public Library.   Books in our Lending Library can be checked out for uo to two weeks at a time at no charge.  To inquire if we have a particular book, please call us at 467-4918 or 485-5138.  We also have several easy-to-read pamphlets on a variety of grief topics.

BOOKS AND VIDEOS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS:

THE FALL OF FREDDIE THE LEAF By Dr. Leo Buscaglia
A metaphorical story of life and death, and the changing seasons of life. Color photographs.

I HEARD YOUR MOMMY DIED By Mark Scrivani
Children ages two to six can relate to this book. Children know they can cry, be sad, play, and remember Mommy. Their love never dies.

I HEARD YOUR DADDY DIED By Mark Scrivani
Memories, keepsakes, and wearing Daddy's T-shirts for sleepshirts are all encouraged. Feelings are affirmed and children know they are loved.

LIFETIMES By Bryan Mellonie & Robert Ingpen
This book explains life and death in a beautiful and caring way, and is directed towards younger children. Lifetimes tells about beginnings, endings, and the living in between, and the fact that dying is a part of living. Beautiful illustrations.

WHAT ON EARTH DO YOU DO WHEN SOMEONE DIES?
By Trevor Romain
When Trevor Romain's father died, he didn't know what to do, say, or feel. He began writing about his experiences and feelings, and he talks directly to kids about death and how to cope. Full of concrete advice, comfort, and reassurance.

STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT DEATH FOR TEENAGERS:
How to Cope with Losing Someone You Love By Earl A. Grollman
Earl Grollman speaks directly to the hearts and minds of teenagers who are coping with the death of a family member or friend. Excellent advice and worldly wisdom from an author who understands both grief and teenagers.

WHEN A FRIEND DIES By Marilyn E.Gootman, Ed.D.
Directed towards teens, this book focuses on the specific emotions and turmoil they feel after losing a friend. Also, ideal for parents and teachers of grieving teens.

AARVY AARDVARK FINDS HOPE (Video)
Aarvy's family has all been taken far, far away, and Aarvy is full of despair and hopelessness. Ralphie Rabbit befriends Aarvy and helps him learn about the strengths within himself. Provides loving validation and helps a child heal and grow.

STANDING TALL (Video)
Seven teenagers share their stories of dealing with a loved one's death. They tell how they heard the news, how they felt, and how they coped and moved on. Included in their stories: deaths of a grandfather, father, mother, brother, sister, cousin, and aunt.

BOOKS AND VIDEOS FOR ADULTS:

LIVING WHEN A LOVED ONE HAS DIED By Earl A. Grollman
In this best-selling guide to coping with grief, easy-to-read meditations help us cope with denial, anger, loss, letting go, and moving on.

REMEMBERING WITH LOVE By E. Levang and S. Lise
These messages of hope are short, readable pages that affirm, support, and teach about loss and love.

HELPING THE GRIEVING STUDENT: A Guide for Teachers
By The Dougy Center
Discusses the grieving process that occurs in every age group from toddlers to teens. Each section lists common behaviors to expect and gives advice on helping each age group cope. Special focus is placed on helping school-aged children cope with death.

HOW CAN I HELP? By June Cerza Kolf
Author June Cerza Kolf offers expert advice on the grieving process. A hospice coordinator and bereavement director, Kolf shares real-life stories and walks readers through the grieving process, step-by-step.

WHEN PARENTS DIE: A Guide for Adults By Edward Myers
Explores in detail the emotional impact such as depression, sibling conflict, guilt, even physical distress that a parent's death may cause.

WHY ARE THE CASSEROLES ALWAYS TUNA? By Darcie D. Sims
A loving look at the lighter side of grief that affirms the normalcy of grief again and again through laughter as well as tears.

HELP, COMFORT, AND HOPE AFTER LOSING YOUR BABY IN PREGNANCY OR THE FIRST YEAR
By Hannah Lothrop
Part One speaks to those who have lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, sudden infant death, or termination of pregnancy, and guides parents through the experience of bereavement. Part Two provides information for caregivers who are helping parents through this difficult time, such as funeral directors, ministers, hospital staff, and support group members. Insightful and warmly written.

EMPTY CRADLE, BROKEN HEART By Deborah L. Davis
Comprehensive and sensitive book showing a wide range of experiences following the death of a baby and offering ways to cope.

AFTER YOU SAY GOODBYE: When someone you love dies of AIDS
By Paul Kent Froman, PH.D.
Focuses on the unique problems and emotions that affect those left behind after someone has died of AIDS. Separate sections are devoted to dealing with the individual problems of parents, lovers, and friends as they deal with fear, anger, and discrimination.

SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE By Rita Robinson
No one is ever prepared for suicide, but this book can help both survivors and the general public acknowledge and cope with it.

HOW WILL I GET THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS? By James E. Miller
This book helps bereaved people get through the emotionally charged holiday season while coping with the death of a loved one. Offers twelve ideas for navigating through such periods with many specific suggestions, and includes several thoughtful, time-honored quotations.

HEAVEN'S NOT A CRYING PLACE (Book & video available)
By Joey O'Connor
This book answers some tough questions that push parents out of their comfort zones. If our children are to develop a healthy understanding of life and death, we must be willing to answer their innocent questions about eternal matters.