PICKENS — H.O.P.E. Ministries, a grief support program for those who have lost a loved one through death, was founded in 1993 by Dillard Funeral Home, in Pickens.

H.O.P.E. stands for Helping Others through Programs and Exchange of ideas. Through support groups and one-on-one meetings, people learn ways to cope with a death loss. Some of the topics covered are “how long does grief last?,” “permission to grieve” and “dealing with the ups and downs of grief.”

The grief support group meets on the second Tuesday evening of each month at 7 p.m. in the upper level of the Hillcrest Building adjacent to Dillard Funeral Home on S.C. Highway 8 in Pickens.

Lewis B. Edwards has served as executive director of H.O.P.E. Ministries the past 22 years. When called upon, H.O.P.E. has also assisted schools in Pickens County during various death situations.

There is no charge to the general public for the services provided by H.O.P.E. Ministries.

For materials and other information regarding H.O.P.E. Ministries, call Dillard Funeral Home at (864) 878-6371.