“New Hope For The Holidays” Helps Locals Navigate Grief During The Toughest Time of Year

For those in our community grieving over the loss of a loved one, the holidays are certainly not “the most wonderful time of the year.” Experiencing old traditions without someone you love, especially for the first few years, is one of the hardest realities to face and can often stir up tough emotions no matter where you are in your bereavement journey.

New Hope Grief Support Community, a grassroots Long Beach non-profit dedicated to helping locals navigate grief, puts on their annual “New Hope for the Holidays” event to help those afflicted combat the feelings of loneliness, guilt, and other tough emotions.

“We suffer in isolation. We begin to heal in community,” says Chris Cano, Director of Bereavement Services. “We don’t want anyone to suffer during the holidays.”

This year, the event will be on Thursday, December 5th, from 7pm-9pm. The event is held at Parkcrest Church near Heartwell Park and is free. However, an online RSVP is required so that the appropriate number of chairs and refreshments are available. Expect the night to begin and end with live music. The main program is split into two parts. A panel of experts and peers who have experienced grief will talk during the first portion and then a candlelight ceremony to honor your loved one will follow.

“Hopefully, at this event, we can show people they’re not alone; show support in the decisions they must make during the holidays—whether saying yes or no; and at the same time honor the person in their life who has passed away,” says Cano. “The season itself is laced with so many precious memories of ‘what was’ with people that we love... and now we have to face it without that someone. We talk over strategies, when do you say ‘no;’ when do you give yourself permission to change traditions or explore a new one?”

Each year, New Hope assembles a diverse panel of individuals who have experienced different types of loss. In previous years, this has included those who have faced suicide loss, child loss, partner and spouse loss, sibling loss, and the loss of other significant people.

If you or someone you know is experiencing recent grief, please make a point to attend this wonderfully supportive and accepting, free community event. Learn more by scanning the QR code or by calling New Hope Grief Support Community at 562-429-0075.