Support networks can provide families facing developing or newly diagnosed disabilities with

• information
• presence
• practical assistance
• and encouragement. 

Disabilities organizations and support groups often focus on just one or two of these ingredients.  A well-rounded network of support, therefore, may need to include several types of contacts and/or organizations.

Pastors and other church leaders can be very helpful to families by also understanding these different needs for support services and relationships.
See the November 2011 issue of ADNotes for an introduction to this subject.  

Information
Large, issue-specific organizations and their websites can provide information which can often be detailed and helpful. Examples include:

• National Fragile X Foundation
• National Federation of the Blind
• National Alliance on Mental Illness

In some cases, local chapters and/or local medical centers offer some of the same information to persons who are newly diagnosed with certain conditions. Local chapters may be the best source for information on where to go nearby for diagnosis, treatment and services. if you would like assistance locating information.

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Presence 

Support groups of various kinds enable persons on a disabilities-related journey to meet to give and receive support from others at different points on the journey. Support groups can be either general or secular in nature, or take on a specific faith-based perspective. 
Try these ideas for locating general support groups:

• Check your local newspaper or phone book.
• Ask at your local hospital or medical center
• Do an Internet search for the type of issue you are looking for
• Contact your local 211 call center or help line

For groups with a Christian perspective, try these tips:

• Check with your denominational or conference headquarters
• Ask the leaders of other churches in your area
• Consult a Christian professional such as a physician, psychologist, or social worker

You are also welcome to or consult our support group web page. 

Finally, consider starting your own support group!  See our February 2009 ADNotes for tips on how to get started. 

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Practical Assistance

When local church congregations are aware of the needs of a family or individual, they may provide invaluable support in the area of practical assistance.

• When the needs are acute and short-term, congregations often rise to the occasion with an abundance of practical support, such as providing meals, companionship, transportation, respite care, child care, etc.

• A greater challenge for congregations arises when conditions are chronic and long-term, and needs are ongoing. Such situations benefit from giving deliberate attention to assuring basic needs are cared for, as well as offering ongoing encouragement. This may be easier when one or more persons are assigned the role of staying in touch with the practical needs and helping others in the support network to be aware of them.

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Networks for support may need to be created and personalized for a specific individual or family, to give courage for the next steps on the journey.

• Sometimes, informal conversations with close friends can provide the most helpful encouragement.
• Some churches have small cell groups or koinonia groups to support each other as disciples of Christ.
• A team of friends may take turns offering one-on-one encouragement on a rotating schedule, coordinated by one member of the team.
• Electronic means of communication, such as email, Facebook, or CarePages,  are helpful ways of connecting with a network of encouragement for some people. 
• A growing movement among some Christians is to meet regularly with a spiritual director who helps explore the spiritual aspects of the individual life journey.
• Professional counseling from a trained therapist can be particularly helpful at crisis points or major transitions in our lives.

One comprehensive type of support group specifically designed for families facing life-long disabilities of one of its members is the supportive care group.  See further information and links in the right column. 

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