Support Groups--Adding Vitality to Spiritual Community

Spiritual and faith communities are often the occasions, and often supply the locations, for support groups. These groups may or may not have any kind of specific spiritual component; rather, they ride on the strengths and structures provided by people coming together for mutual uplift.

In the following, Angela Gaughan and Clinton Haas provide an example with some helpful links.

--L. E.

Photo credit: NLanja

  

Support groups are a great way to help find support and comfort from people that have walked a mile in the same shoes, sometimes even farther. There are groups that support a plethora of ailments and issues. 

When community volunteer Rebecca McKanna was in need of a fibromyalgia support group she checked a variety of community resources, one of which was the online support group database coordinated by the WSU Center for Community Support and Research (CCSR). The online database contains over 2,500 local and national support group resources. Groups on the list cover a wide range of topics, some of which include medical conditions, parenting, caregiving, grief and a variety of other topics.

 “I just needed one,” said McKanna. “My family didn’t want to hear about it anymore. I prayed about it and when I couldn’t find a group, I decided I needed to start my own.”  

McKanna held her first meeting in April. Only one other person came, but subsequent meetings have grown with as many as 16 people in attendance. 

“Because of this group, I feel less crazy, less doubtful and a huge sense of relief. It’s wonderful being able to talk to people who know your struggles,” said McKanna.

Support groups are a responsible, cost-effective and practical means for people coping with life crises and health issues. Most groups are available free of charge and are led by peers. People who have been through similar circumstances not only sympathize, they know where others are coming from and can show that they are not alone. 

CCSR regularly updates the support group database and welcomes new groups like McKanna’s fibromyalgia group to join. The database can be found at www.supportgroupsinkansas.org.

For more information or to have support groups added to the database, contact Angela Gaughan at angela.gaughan@wichita.edu or 316-978-5496.

Here is a glimpse at a few groups in the database. Go to the link for more details.

Fibromyalgia Support Group in Wichita

Second Monday at 6:00 p.m.

First Mennonite Brethren Church, 8000 W. 21^st St., Wichita

Contact:  Rebecca McKanna at (316) 722-2828

Celebrate Recovery in Kansas City

Celebrate Recovery is a recovery ministry based on biblical principles with a goal to let God work through us in providing His healing power through a Christ-centered 12 Step program.

Kansas City locations go to:  http://crkc.net/find-a-cr-group/

NAMI Hays

This group is dedicated to the support, education, and advocacy for families of people with mental Illness.

Consumer Support is at 7:00 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall St., Hays

Contact:  Ann at (785) 625-2847