Testimonials

Being with people willing/eager to talk about death and dying is helpful to dealing with the reality of one's own mortality.

~ 68 year old male participant from Snyder, NY

“Each of these sessions have had meaningful areas that have provided me with information, encouragement, more compassion, support and understanding of others who are struggling (or not) with the thoughts of dying or losing a loved one.

Being able to talk together about the presentations and reflect on the different pathways that people have taken in the dying process has shown me that each of us has had life experiences that impact on how we deal with or feel about death.

Every session has left me with thoughts of being a better listener and to give my best to the person I'm caring for.”

~ 70 year old Female Participant from Clarence Center, NY

“An open forum for shared thoughts and experiences on a topic not often openly discussed.”

~ 83 year old female participant from West Seneca, NY

“It’s worth it!”

~ 35 year old female participant from LaSalle in Buffalo, NY

“This presentation was wonderful! I’m looking forward to attending more of the sessions, eventually attending all of them.”

~ 71 year old female participant from Clarence, NY

This is not morbid or scary. It is just talking and discussing ideas we have, and thinking about how we would like our life to be wrapped up and honored with dignity and laughter.

~ 71 year old female participant from Clarence, NY

An open forum for shared thoughts and experiences on a topic not often openly discussed.

~ 83 year old female participant from West Seneca

It has been useful hearing others express their personal feelings about death and the facilitator's wonderful ability to set the tone of deeply listening to one another.

~ 82 year old man from East Amherst

“Program is just what's needed, but needs to reach more people. So many who would benefit are those who avoid even thinking about the issues of dependency, disability, death and dying.”

~ 68 year old male from Amherst, NY

“Just try it. You won’t be sorry.”

~ 74 year-old female participant from Depew, NY

Attending the sessions enables me to hear people’s honest feelings. Also, the reminders for the preparation of the end of life (filling legal documents, conversation with family, etc.) are always helpful.

~ 73 year old female participant from Sanborn, NY

Exploring Mortality in Community

Would you like to feel more at peace with mortality?

Do you feel like you should do more to prepare for end-of-life, but the sea of information is overwhelming?

Do you enjoy getting together in person to share real conversation and connection?

Then join our community session at your local library or senior center!

Free & Open to the Public

Check out our Events page for upcoming sessions and subscribe to our Newsletter to stay informed!
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library logo with green circle and website URL www.BuffaloLib.org.

Our Partners

BNMC logo with colorful geometric design

Select Sessions Based on the Curriculum Developed by Karen G. Johnston, LCSW, MDiv

What It Is

  • An opportunity to explore with others

  • Covers multiple topics

  • Relies on credible, publicly available information

  • Includes self-reflective activities

  • Has a secular approach

  • Respects different religious and spiritual perspectives

  • Welcomes ALL

  • For ages high-school and older

  • Encourages humor

  • A chance to grow emotional resilience regarding mortality

What It’s Not

  • Does not offer professional advice or counsel

  • Is not therapy or clinical

  • Is not a grief or bereavement support group

  • Offers no religious dogma

  • Is not a place for debate or evangelism/advocacy

  • Is not people who are seeking to self-harm or harm others

  • Is not morbid or solemn

  • Is not a Death Café (which is relatively unstructured)

  • Is not Death Over Dinner (which gathers one’s own family/circle for conversations)