Our Meetings - and Directions

S.O.S. Families and Friends

S.O.S. is a local, self-help support group for those who have been impacted by the death of a loved one from suicide. This is not a therapy group and the leaders are not counselors. We are here together to share common experiences and to receive support from one another. We ask that you respect one anothers feelings and beliefs as his/her own and not judge one another by them.

S.O.S. is a non-sectarian group. Contributions do help defray costs of postage, the newsletter and materials for our library. There is no fee for attending the group. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit as defined by the IRS and donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

We ask that you be careful to respect the confidentiality in which we share our individual experiences and leave that information within this group.

No one is forced to speak in this group. However, sharing is encouraged and time needs to be allowed for everyone to have a chance to talk. We ask that you give advice to others if it is asked for. If you are still struggling with an issue, we encourage you to consult a professional counselor.

If anyone feels a need to step outside the room for awhile to regain composure, everyone will understand. Also kleenex is available as we realize that tears are a part of the healing process.

You need to realize that coming to a group such as this takes a lot of emotional energy. Be prepared to be exhausted after at least your first few meetings. It will get easier to attend, but it is difficult at first when you begin to share your feelings in this group setting.

Phone numbers are available in the newsletter if you need someone to talk to between meetings. We encourage you to develop your support system within this group as you meet with people with similar loses.

Last, but most important.... as you begin to feel better and accept the loss youve endured continue to attend meetings from time to time to give support to the newly bereaved. A hug, a smile, a I know and understand can help others overcome their grief.

Though we recognize the confusion between those who have survived a suicide attempt and those who have lost a loved one to suicide, please know that we are the second kind of survivor. We meet to support each other as we struggle with the loss of a loved one to suicide. We are not equipped to handle those struggling with suicide or those who have survived an attempt. Please check our page of resources for counselors better able to help with your struggles.

All meeting information below is current and correct as of November 2012

Auburn ~ Meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from7:00 to 9:00 p.m. We meet in the community room of the Auburn Fire Department at 1101 D Street. From Highway 167 take the 15th N.W. Exit (it is the exit closest to the Emerald Downs Race Track) Proceed east approx. 8 miles to D. Street... turn right at the Jack in The Box... at the first overhead light turn right into the Fire Station. For more information call Andee at 253-820-1911.

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Olympia ~ Meets the third Tuesday of the month from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Westwood Baptist Church in room E-10, located at 333 Kaiser Road. For more information or directions call Janis at 360-866-2509.

For the Olympia Meeting -

Westwood Baptist Church, room E-10
333 Kaiser Road N.W.
Olympia, WA. 98502
360-866-6888

From I-5 (either direction)

Take Exit 104 off I-5 onto Highway 101. Take the Evergreen State College/Mud Bay Road exit off Highway 101. Stay to the right and take the Mud Bay Road part of the exit. At the stop sign, turn right onto Mud Bay Road. Go 3/4 mile and turn left onto Kaiser Road. Take the first driveway on the left.

From Shelton/Aberdeen

From South 101, take the Shelton/Aberdeen/Evergreen State College Exit. At the stop sign turn left and go back over the freeway. Stay on this road which is Mud Bay Road for several miles. when you see the Fire Station on the right, it is 3/4 mile to Kaiser Road. Turn left onto Kaiser Road and take the first driveway on the left.

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Tacoma ~ Meets the third Monday of the month, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Life Center Church at 1717 S. Union. For more information or directions call Kathy at 253-446-6500.

Directions to the Tacoma Group:

Life Center is located at 1717 S. Union St. From the north:

Ttake I-5 south and take exit 132 to merge onto WA 16 toward Gig Harbor/Bremerton. Take the Union Ave. exit. Turn right at Union Ave.

From the south:
Take I-5 north bound and follow above directions.

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Burien Survivors of Suicide Support Group meets the second Tuesday of the month. They meet from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at St. Francis School Library, 15226 21^st Ave. S. in the school building next to the Parish Hall.

Call Kathy Sterling more for information – 206-244-8729

Easy to find – travel west on 152nd until you reach 21st, turn left.

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All groups are free and open to all, though we do request that you be over the age of 16 when you come. We understand that coming to a group such as this can be very difficult, you are welcome to come and just listen or to share as you see fit. We hope you will find support here amongst others that have lost a loved one to suicide.

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