CORNWALL, Ontario – When Beverly Hincks’ marriage came to an end, she searched for support, but found there was no formal system in place in the region for people in her position.
After six months, she found DivorceCare, a support programs for those dealing with divorce and separation.
She began attending classes in St. Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, but wanted to bring the program to her own area.
Hincks said that she began to heal once she started attending these meetings.
“There is comfort in sitting next to someone who is having the same feelings as you,” she said. “I don’t think there is any right time to start. As soon as this trauma hits you, you need help.”
The program is split into 13 weekly meetings where participants learn to deal with the pain they are feeling.
The support group is open to all men and women who are going through separation or divorce regardless of religious affiliation.
Hincks said that what drew her to the program was the videos.
Each session begins with a 30 to 40 minute video interview of someone going through that step in the program.
“I remember sitting there thinking, “oh my god, I’m not crazy” and that is very comforting,” she explained.
The first meeting was on Tuesday, June 13, but participants are welcomed to start at any point in the program.
The program is facilitated by Lorna Grant, a retired Director of Nursing from St. Lawrence College.
Sessions are held every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at St. Andrews United Church in Williamstown.
For more information, call 613-931-1283 or 613-363-3666.
