programs : pathways
Support Groups for Adults
Every Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m., the YWCA provides a safe space for women to come together in a circle of healing.
If you...
- are questioning whether or not your relationship is healthy
- are healing from violence in your life
- want to learn tools and skills to move forward in your life
- seek the company and support of women who understand you
Then join one of our groups to see if it's a good fit for you. Native American-led talking circle also available. For more information, contact Jamie at jmcgarvey@ywcaofmissoula.org or at 406-543-6691.
Circle of Peace Support Groups for Children
These support groups are for children from birth to age 18 and meet every Tuesday night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the YWCA, 1130 W. Broadway.
Age appropriate support groups include curriculum designed to break the cycle of violence. These facilitated groups offer children the chance to get together with their peers in an informal setting and talk about what has been going on at home and how they feel about it. The curriculum includes therapeutic art activities, non-competitive games; feelings based activities, education about domestic violence, safety planning, healthy conflict management, and a healthy snack.
Support groups for children who have experienced family violence
The YWCA Children’s Program recognizes that children are affected by domestic violence that occurs in the home. Ninety percent of children are aware when there is domestic violence in their home, and often think that the fighting is their fault. The following are goals of the support groups:
- to increase self-esteem
- to stop the cycle of violence
- to teach healthy ways to express feelings and resolve conflicts
- to give children the necessary tools to form healthy relationships
Birth to Age 3
The support group area is a safe, warm space where children are encouraged to explore and play without fear. Facilitators help children identify feelings, and offer healthy conflict resolution through child lead activities.
Ages 4 to 7 or 8
Children are given the opportunity to communicate about violence in their home through open discussions with peers who face similar situations. Curriculum topics are as follows: 1) feeling and emotions; 2) personal safety; 3) friendship; and 4) positive conflict resolution. Active games, art projects, and readings are also part of the curriculum.
Ages 8 or 9 to 12
The curriculum is designed to give children the necessary tools to feel good about themselves, process their experiences with domestic violence through open dialogue with fellow peers, learn about healthy conflict resolution, and learn how to be safe.
Teenagers
The teen support group closely resembles and educational group for adults. The group begins with exercises to help the teens get to know each other, and then delves into timely topics, such as healthy support systems, teen dating, and how domestic violence at home affects children. Teens are welcome to share their experiences and feelings with domestic violence. Facilitators are always there to validate feelings, and encourage inclusion and support. A large emphasis is placed on identifying and implementing healthy friendships.