Camden day of healing to be held Saturday

The Camden County Prosecutor's Office and a group of Camden clergy will be hosting a day of healing Saturday for the families of last year's Camden homicide victims.

The Family Day of Healing & Hope will include seminars in relaxation techniques and how to help children cope with tragedy; counseling sessions with clergy and massage rooms.

"We hope that those who attend will share their stories, learn new coping strategies to deal with grief and loss and find strength in community," Linda Burkett, Director of the Prosecutor's Office Victim Witness Unit, said in a news release statement.

The Day of Healing was organized after Camden closed out its most deadly year in the city's history. Sixty-seven people were killed last year, 20 more than in 2011, which landed the city at the top of the CQ Press' list of highest crime rate (formerly known as the "Most Dangerous" city list).

"This is like a support group and an opportunity for the whole family to come together," said Pastor Odessa Edmond of New Light Church of God. "Let them know we care."

The day of healing event is being held from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday at Antioch Baptist Church's Fellowship Hall, 800 Ferry Ave.

To register, contact Linda Burkett at (856) 225-8431, Pastor Odessa Edmond at (609) 932-4600 or Sister Helen Cole of Holy Name Church at (856) 365-8081.