DivorceCare Program gives support to Sussex
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines divorce as the action of legally dissolving a marriage. For those who have experienced the devastation of divorce first-hand, it is so much more than that.
“While I was going through the heartbreak of separation and divorce, I felt totally alone. I thought that no one could possibly understand what I was feeling,” says Mary Law.
The Salvation Army Sussex (NB) Community Church is addressing a topic rarely spoken about, by hosting DivorceCare, a 13-week program designed to help participants to deal with challenges, and move towards rebuilding their lives after divorce. Every Monday night, Jan. 26 – April 20, participants will watch a video and discuss topics such as dealing with their anger, and how to help their child deal with the effects of a family break-down. A large focus of the program, is on forgiveness and reconciliation. The program is not only for people who have been divorced, it is for anyone who has been separated, or had to break down a long-term union with a partner.
Major Judy Folkins, Sussex Community Church Corps Leader, explains why they are hosting the program. “When looking at the needs around Sussex, there are a number of people in our community who have gone through the pain of divorce. When I proposed the program idea to our leader board, they were totally supportive of it, and recognized the need for it in our community.”
Mary is one of the new DivorceCare program leaders, and is also going through the program for the first time along with the participants. “When I watched the first video, I realized that others felt like I had. The numbness, sadness, anger and craziness were not just mine, but others had these feelings as well. I wish I had had a place to share them then. Recovery takes time, but DivorceCare has steps that makes moving forward a reality, and not just a wish.”
Walter Folkins is another DivroceCare co-leader who has had his own experience with the pain of separation. Walter has been divorced for 10 years now, but turned to the DivorceCare website regularly within that first year. He felt blessed to have a supportive daughter, and good friends, but he still had to ask many questions to figure out how to overcome the anger and fearfulness.
Sussex Community church welcomes anyone from the community who is interested in exploring how DivorceCare can help them, and places great importance on the role of confidentiality in the group. It is only by providing a safe, and supportive environment that participants feel like they can open up and find a way to heal. Contact the Corps at (506) 433-3302 for more information.