Offering healing and hope to people with disabilities is an essential mark of God’s reign and a sign that Jesus, our Messiah, is present and active (Matt 11:4-5). One way to reach out with caring to those touched by disability is through forming a support group. Whether you focus on faith openly in the group or choose to keep it in the background, you will have the opportunity to build relationships of caring that embody Christ’s love.  

ADNet offers these resources to help you get started developing a support group related to your congregation:

• Support Groups, ADNotes, February 2009. A one-page information sheet for getting started.
• Starting a Disability-Related Support Group Three pages of ideas that expand on the tips presented in ADNotes.
• Resource Handout. A one-page handout that summarizes the resources listed on this page.

ADNet would be pleased to include information about your church-related groups on our website. Our staff  has experience in starting and leading church-related support groups. We  would be happy to offer guidance and encouragement as your group gets underway. Contact us through the information in the column on the left. May you be blessed richly with the rewards of sharing the journey with others.

If you would like more encouragement as you start your support group, choose from the following websites and articles:

American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse:

• “Starting a New Self-Help Group”
• Self-Help Group Sourcebook Online This guide has been developed to act as a starting point for finding every type of national, international, model and online self-help support group that is available.

National Self-Help Clearinghouse Numerous articles about groups for mutual support.

• This organization offers the booklet How to Organize a Self-Help Group which you may order for $6.00.

Psych Central offers ideas for starting an online support group.

• “Starting a New Online Support Group” by John M. Grohol, Psy. D.

The following materials produced by disability-specific groups have many ideas for support groups that are widely applicable.

• National Limb Loss Information Center
  Fact Sheet
• National Spinal Cord Injury Association
  Fact Sheet
• Pete Quily Adult ADD Coach has compiled various articles about starting and running a support group. 
• Tips on Starting a Support Group for Fibromyalgia 

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