| Sumario: | Simple Summary: Community-based bereavement programs play an integral supportive role for individuals affected by the death of a loved one from cancer or other serious illnesses. However, there is limited literature on how participants benefit from these programs. Living with Loss is one such community-based program designed to support bereaved individuals. To address this gap, a pilot study (N = 11) was conducted to document participants' evolving experiences, as well as to compare hope and coping before and after program completion. Hope significantly increased after program completion compared to pre-program levels. Participant interviews revealed that the program was valued as a resource for learning new coping strategies, gaining diverse perspectives on loss, and sharing mutual understandings. Emotional and logistical challenges were reported to be significantly associated with in-person participation. Together, these findings identify both the value of support and areas for optimizing program delivery. Living with Loss, an eight-session community-based bereavement program, supports individuals who have lost a loved one to cancer within the past two years. This pilot study sought to document people's experiences across program delivery and compare levels of hope and coping before and after program completion. Participants (N = 11) completed self-report e-questionnaires (Hope Herth Index and Brief Cope Scale) before and after program completion. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted before program attendance, at the midpoint and after program completion. Levels of hope and coping were compared using paired-sample t-tests. Digitally recorded interview data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed. Total hope scores significantly increased at program completion. There were no significant pre-post changes in coping subscales. Qualitative data revealed three themes: (1) tangible and intangible program contributions to bereavement processes (i.e., developing coping strategies, perspective changes), (2) an enhanced sense of community post-attendance (i.e., mutual understandings, group-related growth), and (3) distinct preferences for in-person vs. virtual delivery (i.e., depth of interpersonal connections, anticipated instrumental issues including parking restrictions). Preliminary findings suggest that Living with Loss is relevant and beneficial for bereaved participants. Documenting experiences across program delivery serves to further inform program adjustments to better meet participants' needs and preferences.
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