Support Group Starting

[LisaP]

Hi,

I just need some thoughts and prayers.  I am in the process of starting a new support group for the Western Massachusetts area.  I have filled out all of the required paper work from the National Council.  I was turned down by my employer who would not let me hold the group at my facility.  I have just finished filling out all of the required paperwork from my local library.  I plan on dropping off the application on Saturday, and if the board ok's the application, I hope to hold my first group in March!!!  According to the National Council there are 65 of us in this part of the state (where are they???), I am nervous, I hope that there is interest.  Anyways more to follow, I hope to hear next week some time on the approval.

Thanks for eveyones support in the past!!


LisaP

[leapyrtwins]

Good luck with your group, Lisa.

I think it's great that you've agreed to take on this very important job.

While the Forum is wonderful, it's incredible to meet others with ANs and talk face to face. 

I hope you gets lots of participants.   

Jan

[Keri]

Good for you! I hope it goes well; keep us posted.

I know Tim in Arkanas started a group. The people were spread out and he only had 1 the first meeting, but it has since grown. I hope it's a rewarding experience and group for you and all those AN'ers in Massachusetts.

Keri

[Kaybo]

Good Luck, Lisa - what a wonderful thing to do!

K   

[Brendalu]

Lisa,
I was a co facilitator for our group here in Houston.  What wonderful people I have met!  Some of the spots we have held ours are:  the community room at one of the local banks, several libraries, a community room at a medical center, sometimes restaurants (small ones) have a banquet facility will let you use their if you purchase drink and snack setups or you can always have a luncheon type or brunch meeting with each guest paying for their own food.  We have had several guest speakers, which seems to bring more people.  Good luck..the people who help at the national level are great as are the many folks across the country who attend to meet and share with others.

Brenda

[Lynn Mc]

Hi Lisa,

I am ready to help any way I can.  Count me in!

Lynn

[LisaP]

Hi,

Thanks for the responses, I dropped off the application on Saturday to our library and I am just waiting to hear if the board ok's the application.  I plan on the first meeting to be a meet and greet.  As far as interest, I am crossing my fingers and hoping for the best.

Lynn,  wow, how are you?  Glad to hear at least one person will be coming!!! 

I will let everyone know how I make out.

LisaP

[sgerrard]

Hi Lisa,

As a new co-leader myself, I have to wish you the best on your new adventure. DHM and I are now the new co-leaders of the Portland OR group.

Our group has been meeting in a conference room at Providence St. Vincent Hospital since 1993. It is a great place, because they have lots of parking, the room is quiet, we don't bother anyone and no one bothers us, and they have basic meeting things like tables and chairs and a TV and a white board and projectors if needed, etc. If the library doesn't pan out, you might check around with the hospitals in your area.

Don't worry if it starts off slow, it will build up as word gets out. Best wishes!

Steve

[LisaP]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the advise,  I'm still waiting to hear from the library.  If I don't hear by this Thursday, then I plan to call them on Friday.  I was thinking of calling the hospitals next.  I have not given up hope.  I just hope that once I have a place that there will be interest in this part of the state.  Unfortunately, when you live in Massachusetts, everything happens in Boston which is more than an hour from where I live and where I have to seek treatment.   Just have to wait and see what happens.

I just keep my fingers crossed.

thanks

LisaP

[ppearl214]

Lisa, you KNOW I'm cheering you on and I KNOW you are going to do a FAB job!



xo
Phyl

[LisaP]

Thanks Phyl,

Just waiting to hear from the library.  I spoke to Joanne and she stated that I should hear something on Monday.   Wish me luck and see you at the Brunch in April!!!

Steve,

You meet at St. Vincent,  I work at a place called Mt. St. Vincent Care Center, what are the chances right?  Don't forget I like the color Maroon!!


LisaP

[LisaP]

Good News,

I received the approval from the Chicopee Library today to be able to use their facility to hold the first support group for my area.  So now the planning part starts, and I hope to hear from my fellow ANers from Western Massachusetts.

Wish me luck,


thanks

LisaP

[LisaP]

Hi All,

Just an update, my group is now within 2 weeks, the 13th, there should be 8 of us.   I am excited and nervous, I am grateful that people responded.  Hope all goes well.  Wish me luck

LisaP

[sgerrard]

That's a perfect size to start with. Unless there are more. Or fewer. 

You'll do great, I can tell.

Steve

[4cm in Pacific Northwest]

Steve’s partner (in crime  ) Chiming in here

If the library room does not fit try these:

1)
Small hospital -see if they have a meeting or boardroom
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2terminal&L=6&L0=Home&L1=Government&L2=Departments+and+Divisions&L3=Department+of+Public+Health&L4=Programs+and+Services+K+-+S&L5=Public+Health+Facilities&sid=Eeohhs2&b=terminalcontent&f=dph_hospitals_western_mass&csid=Eeohhs2



2)
Here is a list of hospitals and website links in your local
http://www.massmedboard.org/links/hospital_list.shtm



Try to recruit a co- eader as soon as you spot a good talker with leadership potential and a quirky but fun sense of humor  ;)… this way you can delegate some of the responsibilities. (Know if they show up at a meeting with knitting needles this is a good sign- especially if they knit hats.  )

BTW Stevie  - How is that next meeting plan coming along? 

Way to go for getting a new group up and running!!

DHM