A growing mission of Lake Forest Church-Westlake in Denver, NC – and the first of its kind in the area – DivorceCare is a 13-week, video-focused class and discussion group for those who are facing a separation or divorce. With its Christian-based, non-denominational curriculum, the program welcomes anyone in search of care and healing during this deeply personal time, regardless of where you are in your faith journey.
“That includes believers, skeptics, and those still exploring their spirituality,” says Divorce Care Leader, Diane Inman.
DivorceCare provides emotional support from those who have been there, and practical tools to better navigate your new status of single living, as well as financial survival. The group’s objective is to foster hope, healing, and everyday advice on managing – and acknowledging – a new mindset.
“It is a safe, comfortable environment,” explains Diane, “where people can share similar experiences with others who have gone through separation or divorce.” Besides daily living and budget adjustments, the personal challenges of anger and forgiveness are also cornerstones of this successful program.
While everyone’s story and current circumstances may be different, you’ll be accepted wherever you are on your personal recovery journey. Via the very relatable video presentations and small-group interaction, you’ll hear firsthand from those who have felt that desperate tug of nothing to look forward to – and you’ll witness their transformation to a place of peace and happiness.
“Working together and not navigating the hard times alone is key,” Diane encourages, “and participants learn by way of three principles you’ll find in the weekly program: 30-minute videos with experts, discussion groups with a defined purpose, and time set aside for personal reflection.” Included in the program fee is a personal workbook for journaling insight received from fellow program members, as well as tips, timely articles, and suggested tools for managing daily stress and emotions. The materials also include help with financial and legal issues, personal health issues, and crucial parenting decisions.
“I led a large DivorceCare program in California for eight years previous to this,” explains Diane, who joined DivorceCare as a participant two years after her own divorce (combined with a job loss and her mother’s passing). “I was not a regular church-goer and was used to handling things on my own, but after several months I discovered this was more than I could handle alone.”
One of her favorite quotes is, “When you can no longer stand, kneel!”
Diane shares that DivorceCare literally saved and changed her life, and when she was ready, she became a program leader for her own church. She knows the skills she learned reached across a spectrum of relationships, that instead of “looking” for the right person, she should focus on “becoming” the right person, and that divorce need not define her as a person. That inspiration is something she’s grateful to pass along to other participants.
“It’s a privilege to help individuals navigate this difficult journey, and to walk alongside them,” she says. “We welcome all those divorced or separated individuals who want to find hope and healing!”
DivorceCare groups meet at Lake Forest Church-Westlake, 2204 St. James Church Road, Denver, NC, 704-948-3232. The course fee is $20.00, and scholarships are available. Group meetings for 2023 are currently scheduled for January 11, May 17, and Sept 13 (Wednesday nights 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) Please check DivorceCare.org website/ Lake Forest Church, Denver, NC. to confirm times and schedule, or text Diane Inman at 530-321-3524 for more information. Follow DivorceCare and Lake Forest Church on Instagram @lakeforestwestlake.
