‘Hope’ for those grieving drug-related death

Sandra ClarkPowell

Powell Church/Recovery at Powell will host Hope … In the Midst of Reality, a new grief recovery workshop designed specifically for people who are grieving a drug-related death.

Joy Gaertner

The workshop will be led by Joy Gaertner and will run July 17 through Sept. 4, meeting 6-8 p.m. each Wednesday at Powell Church, 323 W. Emory Road, across from Powell Branch Library.

“We are able to provide this workshop free of charge through a Holston Foundation Grant,” said the Rev. Brooke Hartman, recovery and discipleship pastor at Powell Church. “Childcare will be provided.”

Participants must register in advance, Hartman said. The workshop format will be a combination of large-group meetings (10-15 people) and small groups for discussion.

Gaertner is a certified grief counselor, leading groups and providing one-on-one counseling via video. Learn about Walking with Joy on Facebook.

Hartman explained: “Drug-related deaths are prevalent in our community. Drug-related deaths include overdose, infections, accidents and suicide. For each death, there is a mom, a dad, most likely children, spouse, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and so many more.

“Hope is a grief recovery workshop using The Grief Recovery Method. While attitudes have changed, many are still hesitant to share with others that their loved one died a drug-related death. The fear of questions and comments causes grievers to suppress their emotions. This inability to comfortably share with others the emotional pain they carry further complicates the grieving process.”

To register or for information, contact Joy Gaertner at joy.walkingwithjoy@gmail.com. Learn more about Powell Church at 865-938-2741.

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