Support Groups

[lonewolf]

I am not a member of a support group, but am interested in starting one informally. We have a large health food store in the area (Federal Way, WA) that has a "Seminar room" and would probably be open to hosting meetings. I would love to get a group going just to get together to talk, share recipes, whine, etc., but don't have the time to do a big website or do a lot of organizing. We are fairly close to Tacoma, WA, and I know that there is a support group there, but would love to have something more local for people like me who have a family and a job and not much extra time.

Any suggestions? Has anyone else started an informal group?

Thanks,

Liz

[Jnkmnky]

Maybe you could contact Danna Korn. She runs the group R.O.C.K. which is all over the country now. It's about raising celiac disease kids, so maybe not for you, but she may give you advice on what you need to do. Google her or a link to her web site is here somewhere. Plus, she responds. Very nice. AAAANNND, she does the celiac disease walks every May. You could organize a walk sponsered by ROCK this year!!!!!!

[Guest nini]

I agree, Dana Korn is an awesome lady! She's so nice to talk to and full of ideas! I was thinking about starting a ROCK chapter in my area but someone else beat me to it! That's cool though cos now I don't have to be "in charge"!!!! She has such a sweet personality and loves to help.

I would think that starting one through a local Health Food Store would be a great idea, in fact the HFS I shop at, has toyed with the idea for a while, I may still help them with that. Also GIG (Gluten Intolerance Group) is another resource for starting a local support group.

[tammy]

I am not a member of a support group, but am interested in starting one informally. We have a large health food store in the area (Federal Way, WA) that has a "Seminar room" and would probably be open to hosting meetings. I would love to get a group going just to get together to talk, share recipes, whine, etc., but don't have the time to do a big website or do a lot of organizing. We are fairly close to Tacoma, WA, and I know that there is a support group there, but would love to have something more local for people like me who have a family and a job and not much extra time.

Any suggestions? Has anyone else started an informal group?

Thanks,

Liz

Hi Liz,

I plan on starting an informal group after the New Year. I would love to hear how your group progresses. BEST WISHES!

[burdee]

I am not a member of a support group, but am interested in starting one informally. We have a large health food store in the area (Federal Way, WA) that has a "Seminar room" and would probably be open to hosting meetings.

Hi Liz:

I lead a celiac support group in Bothell, WA. I assumed leadership of that group from another gal who just started meetings at Kaili's Kitchen, a totally gluten free restaurant in Edmonds. Hers was NOT an offical GIG or CSA group, but was well attended. I began leading in August after attending that group for awhile. I would LOVE to answer any questions you might have about leading a support group. We REALLY NEED a south end group. Some of our members drive from Federal Way. I know there are people in the Puyallup and Auburn areas who would like to attend a south Puget Sound group. You can either send me a PM or email. If you'd like to attend one of my group meetings, we meet on Second Tuesdays of every month.

BURDEE

[mytummyhurts]

I would come if you started one. I live in Puyallup. I had posted that I wanted to start one, but I'm afraid I've been sick with other issues and won't have the energy to plan, etc. Let me know please.

[Generic]

I am interested also, I recently moved to Lakewood, from Puyallup/Tacoma area.

[lonewolf]

I will let you know when I get something organized. I am going to another support group to see how it works, will be talking to the owner of the health food store in Federal Way, and then start getting the word out. My cousin and a good friend both have Celiac, so that would make at least 5 of us, right? If nothing else, we could just get together for moral support, vent and to exchange cooking tips.

Liz

[mytummyhurts]

Sounds perfect to me. I like the idea of something informal with just a small group. I've heard about the really big groups and that sounds to impersonal to me.

[Judyin Philly]

I will let you know when I get something organized. I am going to another support group to see how it works, will be talking to the owner of the health food store in Federal Way, and then start getting the word out. My cousin and a good friend both have Celiac, so that would make at least 5 of us, right? If nothing else, we could just get together for moral support, vent and to exchange cooking tips.

Liz

SAW YOU POSTED IN DEC

HOW IS YOUR SUPPORT GROUP COMING.

WE'RE STARTING ONE IN MAY

ANY TIPS.

JUDY IN PHILLY

[amybeth]

Judyinphilly -- what are your plans for May? I'm in Bucks County -- participate in greater phila. celiac group, but they only meet 2X per year. Would love to know what you are thinking of.

[lonewolf]

SAW YOU POSTED IN DEC

HOW IS YOUR SUPPORT GROUP COMING.

WE'RE STARTING ONE IN MAY

ANY TIPS.

JUDY IN PHILLY

The local health food store didn't have an opening in their meeting room when it worked for me. They have it reserved for a group called "The Ghost Chasers" or something. I'll try again in late spring. I've ended up so busy with my 4 kids, teaching part-time, coaching basketball and cooking that I haven't had a chance to look for another place. Hope your group turns out well!