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Mission
Statement:
The mission of H.O.P.E. is to assist recently widowed persons of all ages
in evolving through the natural stages of grief by giving support and
encouragement for the future, by providing essential information, and
by helping them to set and achieve new goals for living.
H.O.P.E. is a non-profit, federally registered 501(c)3 organization in
existence since 1978 and is not affiliated with any religious organization.
Program
topics:
The four sessions (winter, spring, summer, and fall) of the H.O.P.E. program
each have different topics so members may continue through the sessions
without repeating topics unnecessarily.
The
first meeting of every session consists of introductions and orientation
to the program. The expected stages of the normal grief process are reviewed
and complicating factors are explained. Some of the subsequent topics
may include: surviving emotional upheaval; understanding depression; life
style changes; healing and growth; motivation and goal setting; exploring
independence; building a personal support network; effective problem solving;
and, in every session, loneliness. (See
sample ten week course)
What Makes H.O.P.E. Special
Frequency
H.O.P.E. meets weekly, in four 10 week sessions throughout the year.
Grief takes NO holidays
Structure
There are specific and different topics for each meeting which keeps
the meetings focused and covers a variety of concerns.
Length
Because members can attend for a full year or more, the program helps
them get through all the first anniversaries such as diagnosis, death,
Mother's or Father's Days, birthdays, wedding anniversaries, religious
holidays, etc.
Peer Facilitation
Although the program has been professionally designed, it was designed
by widowed people, and meetings are facilitated by those who have been
widowed.
Future Oriented
Group members have the opportunity to redefine themselves as single
persons into a new future through socilaization with their fellow members.
Comments
from H.O.P.E. graduates:
"H.O.P.E. was my lifeline."
Lois D. - Westampton, NJ
"H.O.P.E.
was a great support when I needed it the most."
Francis McC. - Mt. Laurel, NJ
"It
helped to make decisions I would not have thought of otherwise."
James S. - Hamilton Square
"I have
met wonderful people and made lasting friendships through HO.P.E."
Diana P. - Haddon Heights
"H O.P.E.
is a fantastic support group."
Vince S. - Delran
"H O.P.E.
is an excellent program with very good people coordinating and running
the activities."
Frank C. - Cherry Hill
"Thanks for making a difficult time pleasant and comforting."
Eileen - Cape May
"You have taught us that we can laugh, or cry, or relate stories
about the loved ones we lost, and know that you are there to comfort us."
Anthony - Cape May
Meeting
times and locations
There are presently fourteen chapters in six counties in Southern New Jersey.
For details on each, click here.
Fee structure
Participants may attend H.O.P.E. meetings for one or more ten-week sessions
at any of our locations. There is a $35 registration fee for each ten-week
session. This fee covers a portion of the cost of program operations.
While H.O.P.E. charges a modest registration fee, no one has ever been
turned away for lack of funds. Contact the H.O.P.E. office if paying the
registration fee presents a barrier to your participation in the H.O.P.E.
program.
Register
for H.O.P.E.
You may register
for H.O.P.E. by:
Calling (856) 234-2200,
or (888) 920-2201
Pre-registration by phone is recommended.
Frequently
Asked Questions (Click here)
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