The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a national nonprofit, self-help support organization offering friendship, understanding, and hope to families grieving the death of a child of any age, from any cause. There is no religious affiliation and no individual membership fees or dues are charged. All bereaved family members are welcome.

Founded in England in 1969, TCF was established in the United States in 1972, with 501(c)(3) not-for-profit incorporation in 1978, under which provision the organization's more than 650 local chapters also operate. TCF operates as separate entities in at least 30 countries around the world.

Regular meetings of local chapters provide a caring environment in which bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents can work through their grief with the help of others who have been there. Monthly, more than 17,000 attend chapter meetings.

Outreach is provided to more than 182,000 bereaved family members and professionals each month through chapter newsletters, websites, Facebook Pages, special programs including regional conferences, concurrent walks, phone calls, letters, e-mails, and personal visits.

Educational information on grief following the death of a child and the work of TCF is provided to the community through publicity, speaking engagements, and the distribution of materials.

Virtual chapters through an Online Support Community supply support, encouragement, and friendship. There are general bereavement sessions as well as more specific sessions. This program was established to encourage connecting and sharing among parents, grandparents, and siblings (over the age of 18) grieving the death of a child.

A support group for those who have experienced the death of a child, grandchild, or sibling at any age, for any reason.

Surviving After Suicide (SAS) Education/Support Class: Surviving After Suicide (SAS) Education/Support Class Designed to help people who have lost a loved one to suicide express and understand the troubling and powerful grief, stigma, pain, and guilt they experience. It is a nine week education class and support group for survivors of suicide. Each class will focus on a unique aspect of survivor grief and includes a component in which group members share and support each other. The class is offered three times a year in January, April, and September. Registration is required.

Surviving After Suicide (SAS) Support Group : A monthly support group for people who have lost someone to suicide. Survivor information packets are also available at no cost. The focus is on survivors connecting and supporting each other. Any survivor age 18 and over is welcome to attend. Registration is not required for this support group. It is an open/on-going group. In person and virtual options available. In person meets from 7:00pm - 8:30pm (CT) every third Thursday of each month. Virtual options meets 6:00pm - 7:30pm (CT), every third Wednesday of each month.

Surviving After Suicide Events: Supportive events are open to anyone over 18 who has been impacted by a suicide loss. Various activities throughout the year including: Suicide Prevention Week;National Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (Saturday before Thanksgiving);etc. Email or call to get on invite list for events. If you would like to get in touch with someone, please complete the Suicide Services Request Form -> https://helplinecenter.jotform.com/210544586305050?.

Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) Program: The LOSS program responds to survivors of suicide immediately after the death of the loved one. Staff provide immediate assistance to new suicide survivors by making an outreach visit to their home (in the Sioux Falls area) or making a support phone call (anywhere in South Dakota). This visit and/or call provides support, comfort, and education about being a survivor of suicide

Individuals needing immediate crisis care should call 988. Standard message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt-out. For end user privacy and terms and conditions of texting with 898211, go to: http://www.preventionpaystext.com/policies/

Provides a safe, confidential space and support for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Participants have the opportunity to share, reflect on and express their grief and help each other work towards healing and hope.

A team of first responders who work with law enforcement when there has been a death by suicide in Pennington County. The Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) Team is called to the scene to help survivors with the next steps and offer any extra support and resources to the surviving loved ones. The Loss Team follows families for up to a year after their loss with case management services.