Tag Archives: support group

Help for Forced Marriage Survivors?

In a previous article, I discussed forced marriage and how it was surprisingly still a problem in modern times, and actually quite a serious problem in the UK. Young girls frequently just disappear as they are sent off into forced marriage. Yet, the officials were oh so careful not to offend anyone engaging in such practices. I suggested that the young girls being dragged off and forced to marry against their wishes were most likely plenty offended. You can read more about that here. Now, the government has at least in part determined that these girls, young women, and yes, … Continue reading →

Making a Support Group Successful

As I’ve been working with my co-leader Anna on building up our adoption support group, Oregon Adoptive Parents Network. To keep our group growing and thriving, here are some things we found needing attention: Advertising: How are people expected to attend a group they know nothing about? Currently with November being National Adoption Awareness Month, my co-leader Anna and I are really beginning to push advertising. We’ve made our fliers and have distributed them with local adoption agencies, and community resource places. We have also put an ad in the local paper. Most people who’ve come to our group have … Continue reading →

What You Have to Offer a Support Group

Although you may not think you need a support group, have you considered how a support group might need you? One of the main reasons I think people don’t attend an adoption support group is they don’t feel it will be of any benefit to them. In my years of leading and co-leading support groups I’ve noticed three primary groups of attendees: those in waiting, those in crisis, and those who want to be of support. Those in waiting: These are often people who’ve attended group to learn more about the process of adoption after their home studies have been … Continue reading →

Building a Support Network

When my husband and I were waiting for an adoptive placement, we thought it would be of great benefit to become involved with an adoption support group. Never at that time did I think I’d ever be a part of building the kind of support network we have today. After my husband and I were blessed with our first precious son, it was only I who continued attending group at the local state offices in which we’d adopted from. A friend from group and I, eventually became the old-timers and were able to direct the meetings how we felt to … Continue reading →

Things I Wish I was Told about Adoption

I’m not only going to share the things that I wish I was told about adoption prior to doing it, but the things I’m glad I was told as well. Keep in mind this list pertains primarily to state adoptions: • Whether you give birth, or adopt, if you haven’t met the child prior, you really never know what you will get in regard to special needs. • The process of waiting and emotional ups and downs will better prepare you for the road ahead. • Get involved with a support group! Being in one ourselves, my husband and I … Continue reading →

Finding a Support Group

Finding a support group is an extremely valuable tool during your search and subsequent reunion, if it gets that far. Not only are these individuals capable of providing emotional support, they can often turn you in the right direction when you feel as if you are backed in a corner. Hundreds of thousands of dedicated people have formed a network of search and support groups worldwide, and they are there and available for your participation. You just have to find one. That can be the tricky part. I recommend contacting groups in both your local city and the state that … Continue reading →

How Can You Find a Diet Buddy?

Looking for a diet buddy? I mentioned that looking for one might be a thing to do in I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends earlier today. It occurred to me after making the suggestion that looking for a diet buddy may not be as easy as it sounds – so let’s explore a few ways that you can find a diet buddy. You can run an ad in your Church newsletter or post a request on your homeowner’s community message boards or join an online club. There are plenty of online associations including eDiets.com, weightwatchers.com, the … Continue reading →

Different Types Of Adoptive Parent Support Groups.

There are several types of adoptive parent support groups. When considering joining or starting a support group you may want to consider the type of group you want or need. It can be helpful to look at different types of parent groups and learn about their mission and function. Adoptive parents groups organize because of shared concerns for children and families, but their focus can vary widely. Over time many adoptive parent support groups evolve and change in order to meet the needs of the leadership and members. Some groups remain the same type of group and offer the same … Continue reading →