Support Group and Class Highlights

Re-Entry Group Update
– © 2002 Hank Bruns

In the last issue of Men Talk we published the news that The Men's Center would open a new Drop-in Support Group in March, COMMUNITY REENTRY / TRANSITION GROUP. This group is intended to focus on the difficulties persons face when leaving a prison environment and reentering the community.

We asked, "where can a former prisoner go for emotional support when he returns to the community? Where can he be openly honest about his discouragements, frustrations, temptations, and fear of public attitudes? Where can he talk openly about his feelings where he will not be treated like a monster?" We believe The Men's Center is the answer.The personally offered responses to this question were all very positive." An analogy, if we may; a molecule of water consists of a unique atom of Oxygen and two unique atoms of Hydrogen. Take away the atom of Oxygen or either unique atom of hydrogen, and we no longer have a molecule of water.

Humanity consists of millions of unique human beings, which altogether make up a magnificent molecule of Spirit, Intelligence, Solidity and Beauty. Take away any one of these atoms, if you will, and we no longer have a complete and solid molecule of Humanity. It is our desire to continue to make a significant difference in our world – our community- by offering yet another opportunity to solidify our surroundings in the manner we best know how, by way of this Drop-in Support Group.

The first meeting will be held on Wednesday evening, March 5, 2003 at The Men's Center office, at 7:30 PM. Obviously, the first several meetings may be absorbed in part by some amount of organization and logistics, but it will not diminish our fervor in providing Support, where Support is needed. Please pass on the word to anyone who may wish to participate. Suggest they phone the office if more info is needed.

New Resiliency Group
– Norm Petrik
This new group is for long term support, beyond the crisis stage. It will meet Tuesdays at 730 beginning Feb 11th. Open to Men only.

New GLBT Support Group
– Norm Petrik
A new GLBT 20-Something Group will be held each Wednesday beginning March 26th at 7:30 p.m. The current GLBT 20-Something Group will continue to meet on Saturdays at 2:00 p.m.Both are combination social and support groups with occasional discussion topics.

Emotional Abuse Survivors Group
One of our most attended groups happens on Thursday evenings. Men and women who have survived (or are surviving) emotional abuse can find support and help. Have you been emotionally abused? Are partners, friends, or relatives exhibiting behaviors such as: being angry with you even though you didn't mean to upset them; seeming to take the opposite view from you on many things; frequently displaying a Jekyll and Hyde personality; having "no idea what you're talking about" when you try to discuss issues with them?

If you recognize these experiences, you may wish to attend a meeting with us. All men and women are welcome to drop in any Thursday, 7:30pm to 9:30pm at the Men's Center.

Men and Women in Relationships Class
– Norm Petrik
There are still openings for couples to register for this series of classes. Talk to your female partner and call Chrysalis 612-871-0118 voice mail or 612-871-3652 to register.

"Building a Healthy Relationship Together: An Education and Support Group for Couples" It is in collaboration with Chrysalis, men and women will meet separately for 4 weeks, beginning Monday Feb 10th, 6:30-8:30pm, and together for 2 weeks together ending Monday March 17th. Fee is $10 per session, no one turned away, payable at the Men's Center for the first 4 weeks, and at Chrysalis during the last 2 weeks, when men and women will meet together.

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