Support Group for Surviving Spouses

What are some support groups for surviving spouses of military retirees?

  Below is some information on two support groups available to surviving spouses of military retirees.

TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS (TAPS): TAPS is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources for all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one. Since 1994, TAPS has provided support 24/7 through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones. TAPS provides a variety of programs to survivors nationally and worldwide. Their National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp has been held annually in Washington, D.C., over Memorial Day weekend since 1994. TAPS also conducts regional survivor seminars for adults and youth programs at locations across the country, as well as retreats and expeditions around the world. Staff can get you connected to counseling in your community and help navigate benefits and resources.  If you are grieving the loss of a fallen service member, or if you know someone who can use our support, the TAPS 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline is always available toll-free with support and resources at 800-959-TAPS (8277). 

Each year, TAPS hosts a series of weekend-long seminars and Good Grief Camps to provide survivors space to honor their fallen heroes, grow with their grief, connect with peers, and learn from experts in grief and loss. TAPS seminars are open to all military survivors, regardless of their relationship to the deceased or where they are in their grief journey. Specialized programming is provided for adults, young adults, children, and teens. Childcare is available for survivors ages five and under not yet in kindergarten.  Adults participate in small-group sharing sessions and expert-led workshops on grief and loss. Young Adults, ages 18-30, focus on the five pillars of growth: Personal Development, Financial Stability, Communication, Career Development, and Service to Others. This program is specifically designed for surviving children and siblings.  Children and Teens, ages 5-18, attend Good Grief Camp alongside a Legacy or Military Mentor to explore their grief and embrace healing among friends at a similar place in their grief. Activities are led by experts in child development, mental health, and education. You can visit TAPS Local Care Groups or call 800-959-8277 (TAPS) for more info.

TAPS Care Groups provide emotional support and camaraderie for military survivors. Lasting relationships can be built on common threads. These local survivor support groups are encouraging and enlightening. Many find they learn new coping skills and stress-relieving strategies by talking to others who can relate.  If there's not a TAPS Care Group in your area and you're interested in finding other local community support you can request a community resource report. If you're interested in starting a TAPS Care Group in your area, the first step is to become a TAPS Peer Mentor. For more information about a TAPS Care Group or becoming a peer mentor, please email caregroups@taps.org or call TAPS at 800-959-TAPS (8277).

TAPS sends out a monthly email invite to survivors who are "TAPS family" or registered with TAPS 2 days prior to the meeting date. You can be added to their distribution list by sending an email to caregroups@taps.org. If you are not a member of TAPS you will need to register with TAPS. You must be a survivor of an active duty or Veteran loss and you can register at:  https://www.tapsconnected.org/portal/Account/ProfileCreate

Colorado Springs Care Group: meet in-person the first Saturday of every month.

Council of Neighbors and Organizations (CONO)

1506 N. Hancock Ave.

Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Denver Care Group: meet in person 3rd Saturday of every month.

American Legion Post 1

5400 E. Yale Avenue

Denver, CO 80222       **Note: If the door is locked, please ring the bell.

For more info see the TAPS website at Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS) Is Here For You! 

MOAA SURVIVING SPOUSES INFORMATION:  Surviving spouses comprise approximately 13% of the Military Officer’s Association of America (MOAA’s) membership - that is over 46,000 members. The Surviving Spouse Advisory Council (SSAC) represents these 46,000 members by supporting surviving spouses and spouses and promoting MOAA’s strategic priorities. MOAA has a Facebook group called the “MOAA Surviving Spouses and Friends.” The group’s purpose is to provide support and focus on issues and topics of interest to MOAA’s surviving spouses. You do not need to be a MOAA member, or the surviving spouse of an officer, to join this group - surviving spouses of enlisted members are welcome.  Please share the group with those who need information about pre-planning, survivor benefits, surviving spouse issues, and MOAA issues that impact survivors. They welcome and encourage your comments and questions regarding various subjects related to service and benefits.  To join this group you simply answer a few questions for the administrators, who will determine your eligibility to join the group. You can reach this page using the following link:  (1) MOAA Surviving Spouses And Friends | Facebook If you are not aware, The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) is a group similar to MOAA, that is for retired enlisted and their spouses, and there are two chapters in Aurora, CO (Chapters 3 and 39). You can find more information on TREA at the following link: Home (trea.org)