Features Editor

The members of Good Hope Baptist Church saw a need in the community and they have responded.

As more families are pulled apart by divorce, adjusting to a new lifestyle can be difficult

for adults and children alike. In order to make coping, adjusting and moving on easier, the church will offer Healthy Hope, a divorce recovery class, beginning in August.

The class will be taught by Norma Sears, program director, and will cover a six-week period. An introductory class is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. July 31 with classes scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 14. Classes will be held at the church.

"It’s sad but true that more and more families and individuals are touched by the tragedy of divorce," Sears said. "Those who have experienced this trauma often find themselves lost and seemingly alone and without the support of family and/or friends.

Divorce as been compared to a death but without a casserole. When a death occurs you are surrounded by people to support and encourage you. Many times that does not happen with a divorce."

Recovery from divorce can be a long process and it is often prolonged by the lack of support and direction, Sear said.

"These divorce recovery classes will be aimed as assisting victims of divorce to understand the circumstances that bring about divorce," she said. "It will also help

victims to see the hope that is available for them. These classes are designed to be helpful to all victims of divorce, not just those with a recent experience."

Sears speaks from experience, having taken the class herself.

"The class helped me tremendously," she said. "I know what people go through and I want to help them as I have been helped. So, I encourage anyone who is experiencing a divorce or anyone who is still finding it difficult to deal with a divorce, no matter how long it has been, to enroll in this divorce recovery class. I think everyone will find it as meaningful and as helpful as I have."

A support staff is in place to assist Sears with counseling, meals and child care.

There is a $30 fee for the class to cover the cost of materials, including a take-home book. However, Sears said if money is problem, the fee will be waived.

Anyone who is interested in more information may contact Sears at 566-1006 or the Rev. Wayne Locklar, church pastor, at 566-2671.