The loss of a loved one, whether being a spouse, parent, child or friend, is one of the most difficult trials a person can face.

Community Grief Support Service, a non-profit corporation, may soon be expanding to the Gardendale area and begin providing counseling services locally.

With current locations already in Birmingham, Homewood, West End and North Shelby, Community Grief Support Service adds the Gardendale area to its network that services more than 1,000 individuals annually. Any person, 19 years or older, in the Greater Birmingham area is welcome to participate.

The service offers individual and family counseling, community understanding through education, as well as grief support groups led by professional councilors and trained volunteers. To foster an atmosphere of mutual understanding, support groups are designed for bereaved adults to have a place to meet other individuals finding themselves in similar circumstances.

Community Grief Support Service has no religious affiliation, but is accepting of all faith groups, as well as those who are of no faith group.

Through the support of donations from within the community, all of the services are free of charge to those participating to ensure that all persons who are in need of assistance with grief are able to access the program.

Currently, Community Grief Support Service is in contact with Gardendale facilities to research possible locations for a branch of their existing network. A decision on the expansion to the area is expected within the next month.

For more information regarding counseling or volunteering, contact the Community Grief Support Service office by calling (205) 870-8667 or email communitygriefsu@bellsouth.net.