January marks a national celebration that few people know about. It is "Self-Help Support Group Month." For those not familiar with the popularity and variety of self-help support groups, proclaiming such a month may seem a bit curious. However, for the more than one hundred thousand people in New Jersey who regularly attend self-help support groups, it is a wonderful affirmation of both the benefits of self-help groups, and the hard work and dedication of those who volunteer their time to make these self-help groups successful.
Throughout the year, over 6,750 self-help group meetings take place in every corner of New Jersey. Each night, ordinary people who are going through difficult life transitions or stressful situations, gather in local churches or synagogues, hospitals, and libraries to share coping skills, emotional support and hope with others who are experiencing similar situations, Through the common bonds of "shared experience" with others "who have been there," self-help support groups develop a unique community of understanding, validation and hope. Those who once felt isolated suddenly realize that they are not alone.
For over twenty-five year's, the New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse has helped people from every walk of life to locate a self-help support group that suits their needs. In addition, since its inception in 1981, the Clearinghouse has helped over 1,100 new self-help groups to develop. Most of these needed new groups were developed by ordinary people with extraordinary passion to help others as they helped themselves.
The New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse is a statewide, non-profit agency funded through the State Division of Mental Health and sponsored by Saint Clare's Health System in Denville. If you would like to find a group in your area, or would like information on starting groups, call the Clearinghouse at 1-800-367-6274. All of the services are free of charge.
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