UTICA — The Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. will offering two new classes — “Anger Management” and “Grief and Loss” — help provide emotional support, validation, and education to the local community.

“We are seeing the significant emotional damage Covid has left our community with and the losses it has caused many people to endure,” said Erica Baslow, family prevention specialist at CFLR. “We want to be able to provide support and education for anyone within the community who may be struggling.”

Anger Management is a 5-week program that will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays from Aug. 9 to Sept. 6.

By working through this anger management program, individuals will be able to identify, and problem-solve stressors that lead to anger, the announcement said adding that participants will learn effective communication and listening skills while also increasing empathy and emotional intelligence.

“We are aiming to improve stress management skills, identify and set healthy boundaries and learn to challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs,” the announcement said. “A formal anger management program provides structure to guide the change process, helps motivate participants and helps them recognize and be proud of the progress they have made.”

Grief and Loss is an 8-week program that will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. on Mondays from Aug. 8 to Sept. 26. The program is designed to help people process emotions and understand how they are feeling, the announcement said.

“The goal of these groups is to help you complete your relationship to the pain, isolation and loneliness caused by significant emotional loss,” the announcement said. “While death and divorce may seem to be the most obvious losses, our groups are not limited to those losses. There are more than 40 life events that can produce feelings of grief.”

The CFLR operates offices at 502 Court St., Suite 401, in Utica; 510 Erie Blvd. West in Rome; 205 N. Washington St. in Herkimer and at 5900 N. Burdick St., Suite 204, in Syracuse. For specific meeting locations, call the Center for Family Life and Recovery at 315-733-1709.

The CFLR supports individuals and families struggling with addiction, mental health, and behavioral issues by inspiring hope, providing help, promoting wellness, and transforming lives. To learn more, go online to www.whenthereshelpthereshope.com.