Bereavement Department
Calvary provides one of the New York metropolitan area’s most comprehensive bereavement support programs.
Always Here for You, Your Family and Loved Ones
As the new Director of Bereavement Services, I am dedicated to supporting individuals and families during their most challenging times. I believe that every person’s journey through grief is unique, and we are here to support, guide, and offer resources tailored to your needs.
Change can be difficult for the grieving person, especially if the person that died served as an essential part of the lives they left behind. As the seasons change, you may be challenged with how to feel, especially if there are holidays and events approaching that were shared with the person that died. It is normal to experience this anticipation.
Finding outlets to help navigate the intense emotions is important. It is essential to have social supports, who take the time to listen which contributes to the lessening of the intensely painful emotions endured when in grief.
Please reach out to us if you need that support. I truly hope you find moments of comfort and encouragement as you navigate this challenging time in your life, and that, with time and gentle support, your grief grows lighter.
Joanne Castellanos, MA, LMHC, FT
Director of Bereavement Services
Meet Our Counselors
Joanne Castellanos, MA, LMHC, FT
Director of Bereavement Services
Jackeline Abbondandolo, LMHC
Behavioral Health Counselor, Intake Coordinator
Rachel Borg, LMSW
Bereavement Coordinator and Counselor
Stephanie Newman, LMSW
Bereavement Coordinator and Counselor
Spring Kwok, LMSW
Behavioral Health Counselor
Jacqueline Marlow, M.A. ART-P
Behavioral Health Counselor
Notes from our families
“Calvary Hospital relieved my wife Patricia’s pain until the day she died. Then they relieved my pain.”
Bob Tinelli
“Calvary’s expert hospice gave my husband new life. Calvary’s expert bereavement support gave me back mine.”
Lois Colucci
“Calvary’s support group has helped me a lot with my feelings about my twin brother dying. The other kids know exactly how I feel.”
Kayla, age 12
Support Group Fees
Dear Friend,
Care, comfort, compassion, and community are at the core of Calvary Bereavement Services. Sharing grief is a fundamental aspect of the healing process, and we are privileged to help people navigate the complex emotions associated with loss, embracing and walking with them on their journey toward acceptance and recovery.
Calvary’s freely accessible counseling, a tradition that began decades ago, has benefited thousands. During this time, Calvary has also promoted a more open and understanding environment around loss and mourning, which has helped make Calvary a vital resource throughout Greater New York.
Like other providers of care, we continue to respond to the stress, turmoil, and grief associated with the pandemic and the resulting demand for increased bereavement services. This, however, has come at a price: a shortage of mental healthcare professionals, increased administrative requirements, new costs associated with different treatment modalities, and changes in healthcare policies and regulations. Each factor has, and will continue to have, financial and operational implications here at Calvary (and among all providers).
As a result, and after careful consideration, we are introducing fees for Calvary Bereavement Group Services that were previously free.
Starting January 1, a six-week session for adults will cost $60; an eight-week session for children will cost $40. These fees will help Calvary:
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- Ensure the continued availability of quality services by establishing a more stable financial foundation for Calvary
- Maintain and strengthen grief and bereavement services
- Leverage external funding and grants that already support Calvary Bereavement Services
- Address rising overhead expenses and personnel costs
We understand this change may impose financial hardships upon some members of our community. We want you to continue with your counseling sessions.
It is important that we communicate the need for these changes transparently and provide a clear rationale for the introduction of these fees. If you have any questions, please speak to your counselor or contact Joanne Castellanos, Director of Bereavement Services, at 917-574-4941.
Your experience of grief is unique and valid, and we remain committed to you. Coping with loss, navigating life changes, finding meaning and purpose – we are here to help you and members of our community process emotions, gain insights, and work towards healing and adjustment after the loss of a loved one. That mission will never change.
Thank you for your support,
Joanne Castellanos, MA, LMHC, FT
Director of Bereavement Services
Deborah Feldman, LCSW, JD
V.P. of Pastoral Care, Bereavement & Family Care Services
Calvary Hospital’s Bereavement
Group Fee Policy
Bereavement Group Fees:
Adults: $60.00 per cycle (6-week sessions)
Children: $40.00 per cycle (8- week sessions).
Please Note: All payments must be made prior to the start of each cycle.
Please make your check or money order out to:
Calvary Hospital
Please send payment to:
Joanne Castellanos, Director of Bereavement Services
Calvary Hospital
1740 Eastchester Avenue
Bronx, N.Y. 10461
If you prefer paying by credit card, please call:
Calvary Hospital’s Cashier at 718-518-2063.
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
We accept: American Express, Visa and MasterCard.
Please inform the cashier whether you are paying for Adult or Children’s
Bereavement Sessions.
Cancellation and Reimbursement Policy
If you decide to leave the group within the first two sessions, you will be reimbursed 50% of the fee ($30.00 for adults and $20.00 for children).
No reimbursement for missed or canceled group sessions for any reason.