The Power of Support Groups

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

Read more

My 3 Alarms- Gambling Against Time

Waking up in the morning for me consists of no less than 3 alarms, all set to go off in 10-15 minute increments. Three is my safe number. The first alarm is for when I am feeling ambitious. This alarm is the least utilized but still in the running just in case I decide to … Read more

Read more

The Faces of Domestic Violence

Though this story is fictitious, domestic violence comes in all forms. The media focuses on cases that concern marriage or those that are dating. What often is overlooked is the emotional, psychological, economic, verbal, isolation, and male privilege components of domestic violence.

Read more

Substance Abuse Prevention

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

Read more

Suicide Prevention

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

Read more

Recognizing the Signs of Teen Dating Violence

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

Read more

The Habit Loop

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

Read more

The Benefits of Mentoring

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

Read more

Support Group Tool Box

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

Read more