In the wake of California fires, a hospice opens its arms to help a community heal

In the wake of California fires, a hospice opens its arms to help a community heal 
Pasadena Now, Pasadena, CA; 2/8/25 
A Los Angeles hospice organization announced Thursday it has extended its expertise in grief counseling to help residents process the collective trauma of the recent destructive wildfires. In the Arms of Grace Hospice, based in Los Feliz, will begin offering free weekly drop-in support groups for those affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires starting February 4. The open-format sessions at St. Gregory Church in Pasadena will be led by Dr. Ani Karayan, PhD, a clinical psychologist with more than two decades of experience in trauma-informed care. “The fires have caused significant disruption in the lives of many in the community,” said Kevin Tutunjian, president of In the Arms of Grace Hospice. “We wanted to create a safe and supportive space that validates the complex and nuanced emotions this community is going through.”