HIAWASSEE, Ga.- FetchYourNews (FYN) spoke with Nancy Rowland, a group leader with the organization DivorceCare, Wednesday, July 10, ahead of Rowland’s scheduled presentation at Mountain Movers and Shakers this Friday. Rowland has volunteered as a support coach with the non-profit support group for the past eight years, and spoke from experience, describing the insurmountable heartache that stemmed from the dissolution of her 20 year marriage. “It was literally the hardest thing I ever went through,” Rowland confided.

DivorceCare, which is affiliated with Grief Share, began operating locally two years ago, and focuses on healing the trauma associated with divorce. The 13-week session, held each spring and fall, begins Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 6-8 p.m. at the Hayesville First United Methodist Church Sweetwater Campus in Clay County, North Carolina.

“‘Gray divorce’ is the newest trend. Couples are divorcing at a later age in life,” Rowland said, and many of the divorces involve second or third marriages. For those over 50, the rate of divorce for those who are in remarriages is two-and-a-half times higher those in first marriages, often the result of discord from blended families. “We offer hope. The classes deal with issues such as lonliness, depression, children, finances, and the emotions involved with the life changing experience.” The courses consist of a tri-fold of workbook studies, a video presentation, and a discussion session, allowing networking opportunities between participants. Rowland’s second husband, Jay, also a divorcee, also facilitates the DivorceCare group. A $20 fee is requested for the cost of the workbook, although scholarships are available.

Rowland will address the Mountain Movers and Shakers Friday, July 12, at 8 a.m. at Sundance Grill in Hiawassee. The meeting is open to the public. Additional information on DivorceCare is available online.