Taryn Zweygardt, LMSW | Executive Director, The Village ICT My entire life I wanted to be a mother. I remember telling many people growing up that I honestly felt as though I was put on this earth to be a mom. I dreamed of the day when I could tote around my precious little bundle of … Read more

Recently, I bought a shelf for my bathroom. It was one of those shelves to be placed above your toilet, contained 3 shelves, and what felt like hundreds of random pieces. Immediately upon opening the box, I was overwhelmed. There were poles, shelves, screws, bolts, and several other parts I don’t know the name of. … Read more

My grand a-ha, this-is-why-my-parents-make-my-life-miserable moment happened one summer when I was almost 17. All of my friends were going to the lake for a camp-out. There were about 30 people in total. I begged and pleaded with my parents to let me stay out, they said no. Didn’t even entertain the idea, it was a … Read more

I get lost, a lot! I can go to the same place a thousand times, know exactly how to get there, and still manage to end up on the other side of town. Once, I even ended up in a different state. For over 30 years, I have traveled back and forth from my dad’s … Read more

Warning! I am not a perfect driver. My infractions are few and I’m grateful no one has landed in the hospital because I was behind the wheel. Years ago, I backed into a truck parked in the center of my cul de sac. I saw it earlier that morning, but when backing out of the … Read more

Support groups are essentially what one can assume from the name: a congregation of people in mutual understanding of a common problem and goal. In essence, a support group is a fellowship of people performing story telling of the manifestations of their heart-level vulnerabilities. Not much about either the technical definition nor the profound crux … Read more

There are times when we all need help–encouragement, support, a friend, coworker, or solution to a problem. The hope of making good decisions and doing things well are commendable goals, but that process often includes someone else because life is lived out with others, together. As I look back over my life, there has always … Read more

Ideas to help support groups flourish by enhancing recruitment, leadership, and connections, as well as tips to help new support groups get started.