In the past year, loss has touched almost everyone in some way, but due to the pandemic and our needing to be distanced it has been difficult for people to get the help that they need to after the loss of a loved one. To help the community cope with such loss, the “Lean On Me Community” will have its first meeting next month.
The Lean On Me Community will meet monthly on the first Thursday of each month beginning May 6 at 6 p.m. in the Board Room of the Jasper Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce office, 500 S. Wheeler.
It is open to the community at no charge and anyone who has lost a loved one is encouraged to attend.
The group will be facilitated by Michael Norsworthy with the assistance of Chamber Executive Director Beverly Holley. The group is coming together out of the desire to help and the collective experiences of both Norsworthy and Holley.
Norsworthy works as a bereavement coordinator and part-time chaplain for Affinity Hospice. He is also the president of the Jasper Camp of Gideons International, which gives away Bibles in various settings. He hosts a grief support radio show on 102.7 KXTJ Radio Sundays at 8:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.
Holley brings to the Lean On Me Community personal experience of coping with loss in the past year. Her husband died of complications from COVID-19.
Norsworthy learned that Holley was interested in beginning a grief support group but did not know where to start. Norsworthy had assisted with Affinity’s grief support group, but it had shut down because of COVID restrictions. They both knew that there were people in Jasper and surrounding communities who were hurting and who needed help, so they decided to put plans into action to begin the Lean On Me Community.
Neither Norsworthy nor Holley is a licensed counselor, but they both have professional and personal experience dealing with the loss of loved ones. The goal of the group is to bring hurting people together to promote, support and encourage them through a difficult time. The group will look at every aspect of the grieving process emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically.
“I have seen many things people use and do to cope with loss, some that work and others that do not. I have a calling to serve the Lord and the community. Beverly and I just want to help people,” Norsworthy said.
