Grief Education through Wings: Wings offers a variety of grief education opportunities. Nan is a Certified Grief Educator through the Center for Loss and Life Transition, Dr. Alan Wolfelt. Nan is a survivor of 7 sudden deaths in her family and a history of coping with complicated grief experiences that span 5 decades. Wings programs offer insight of how one grieves physically, emotionally, cognitively ,and spiritually as well as providing emotional support that extends beyond the textbook through personal life experiences. Each SERIES or SINGLE SESSION program is designed with a theme, content, and focus for the participants. Each program has a set begin and end date. The program is a facilitated, certified instructor-led group . The goal is to help bereaved understand the process of grief and teaches them how to deal with the challenges. Personal connections and bonds often develop during the series and continue . Wings offers in-person and virtual (ZOOMGRIEF) programs. Nan and her husband, Gary, began these programs in 1993 as professional volunteers offering a Ministry of Hope. Programs are generally free of charge unless noted. Tax deductible, charitable donations are appreciated to support this ministry.
Registration Forms Below for Current Classes—
ZOOMGRIEF and In-Person
not in any particular order. Scan through the list.
Note: All in-person groups are held at
The Landing, Wausau, WI YMCA-707 3rd Street
All groups are open to YMCA members and non-members.
Free of Charge (unless otherwise noted).
Refer to the Program Descriptions at the bottom of this page. Check back frequently as we add new classes and programs periodically.
New Program-2027
Give Grief A Rest
Your New Year Wake-Up Call
NEW single session program
In-Person: Tues, Jan. 19, 2027 The Landing, Wausau
3:30—4:30 p.m.
Virtual (Zoom): Jan. 21, 2027
6:00-7:00 p.m. CST
The holidays may be over, but the fatigue and emotional weight of entering a new year without your loved one can remain. Winter’s darker days can make it tempting to withdraw, yet you don’t have to navigate this season alone. Join us for a gentle, supportive wake-up call—a chance to honor the past year, connect with others who understand, and discover renewed hope for the months ahead. Together, we’ll explore four practical objectives for moving forward, focusing on what matters most, and making the best of each step. If you’re ready for encouragement, understanding, and a path toward living fully again, this group is here for you.”
New Program
Let Me Count The Ways
In-person: Tues, Feb 9, 2027***Note time change: 11:00 a.m.
Virtual: Thursday, Feb 11, 2027 | 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Valentine’s Day can feel different after someone you love has died, bringing both tender memories and a longing for the moments you once shared. Join us for a gentle, heartfelt gathering to honor that special person and remember the many ways their love continues to touch your life, whether they were a partner, parent, child, friend, or anyone dear to you.
Through guided reflection and conversation, you’ll capture meaningful memories on a keepsake sheet you can take home and continue adding to whenever another memory comes to mind. Share a story if you wish, or simply listen, with room for laughter, tears, and quiet reflection.
Together, we’ll explore ways to make Valentine’s Day a meaningful reminder of love that remains, while finding small ways to offer kindness to ourselves and others.
In-person group is invited to dine together at a local restaurant at Noon (or shortly thereafter). RSVP required. Meals at individual’s expense.
I Shouda, Coulda, Woulda…but I Didn’t
This is a single session program
In person- The Landing (Wausau-YMCA)
Tuesday,Nov. 17, 2026 | 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Virtual—Zoom-
Thursday , Nov. 19, 2026 | 6:00—7:00 p.m. CST
Gently caring for the What-if’s in grief’
After someone we love dies, it is natural for our minds to return to moments we wish had been different. Thoughts such as “If only I had…” or “I wish I would have…” can bring sadness, guilt, or regret, even when we were doing the best we could at the time. This gentle, supportive session offers a safe place to understand these common feelings without judgment. Together, we will
explore ways to soften self-blame, practice self-compassion, make peace with
what cannot be changed, and remember the love, care, and meaningful choices
that were present along the way.
New Program
How to Become a
Dream Catcher-after loss
Zoom-Virtual
PRESENTATION- Dream Catcher
Thursday, Dec. 10, 2026
6:00—7:00 p.m.
New this season… This program will also be offered at the Holiday Social Event
To register for the Social Event on Saturday, Dec. 5th, please use the section below this one. See the details abaout the Event on the Flyer on the Wings Home Page.
ZOOM-VIRTUAL PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Join us for a program designed to help individuals and families navigate the emotional complexities of the holidays after the loss of a loved one. Through personal insight and practical strategies, we will introduce the idea of becoming a Dream Catcher—someone who intentionally shapes holiday experiences to reduce stress, honor memories, and create meaningful traditions. The program will focus on three gentle but important parts of reimagining holidays that feel manageable and meaningful: making choices about which events` and traditions to keep or change, allowing for joint communication to share needs, hopes, and limits. This also shows that compromise may be necessary. Grief often changes “the way it was,” but it can also invite families to thoughtfully redesign favorite traditions so they better meet current needs. This program affirms that while the holidays may never feel exactly the same, it is possible to move forward with intention—honoring the past while creating space for comfort, new ideas, and even moments of joy.
Social Event
When The Holidays Hurt
In-Person SOCIAL EVENT
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026
1:00—3:30 p.m.
No Charge. Free Will Donation.
Location: St. Marks Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall
300 Stevens Drive, Wausau, WI (near Wausau West High School)
Please RSVP (register) to help us plan seating and refreshments.
LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED.
A SOCIAL GATHERING for those Grieving During the Holiday Season. Family and Friends who support someone greiving are also invited.
Holidays after loss of a loved one can be incredibly tender and challenging. You may feel intense grief triggered by memories of the way it was. We warmly invite you to join us for our When the Holidays Hurt casual, social gathering.
AGENDA
• Presentation: How to Become a Dream Catcher (strategies for planning, coping, and managing expectations
• Bingo (entertainment)
• Memorial Candle Lighting Ritual
Come as you are. No pressure to speak. No cost to attend. Free will donation accepted.