HOPE group helps with healing

The HOPE Unit Foundation for Bereavement, Loss and Transition has been serving the greater Los Angeles area since the 1970s. The acronym HOPE stands for Hope, Opportunities, Participation and Education. The foundation's intention is to help heal grief with respect for participants' spiritual beliefs. From 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays

at Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino, four widow/widower groups (for the first two years of loss) are available.

From 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the same location, the family loss group is offered for parents, siblings and other close relatives. This is provided as a series of six sessions.

The foundation also offers two alumni groups in the San Fernando Valley for people beyond two years of mourning.

All groups are facilitated by licensed therapists. People of any denomination are welcome. The fee is $25 per session, plus an initial $30 orientation fee. An orientation meeting is required prior to participating.

For specific details, call (818) 788-4673.