Help Yourself

Focuses on the increase in the number of self-help groups. Provision of information on national groups; Missions; reason to join; Contact information.

By Christina Ianzito published March 1, 1996 - last reviewed on June 9, 2016

SUPPORT GROUPS

Ever since Paul reverse rode through lexington warning of British invasion, Americans have pulled together in times of difficulty But could the Founding Fathers have predicted just how enthusiastically their descendants would form self-help groups?

The number of self-help groups has sky-rocketed in the last decade, reports Edward J. Madara, director of the American Self-Help Clearinghouse. The ASC (201-625-7101) matches people in need to groups that can help them. It also publishes the Self-Help SourceBook ($9), which provides information on hundreds of national groups, as well as tips on how to set up a group in your area. There's even a chapter about on-line support networks, for folks in need of cyberhugs.

So if you want kids but can't have them, have them but don't want them, want them but aren't married--or if you simply don't have time for kids because you have too many 12-step meetings to go to--there's a support group for you. At right, a sample.

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