NEUTRAL GROUND INFORMATION

Many "single again" persons find it difficult to cope with the anguish and uncertainty of losing a partner, and fear facing the world alone. It is widely recognized that the loss of a life partner ranks high on the list of distress-producing situations. Feelings of isolation, anger, sadness, fear, guilt, confusion, and loss of self-esteem are reactions that occur regularly among persons who are separated, divorced or widowed, and those ending a significant relationship.

Since 1974, neutral ground has provided opportunities for such persons to express and share their feelings, and has given them a firmer foundation on which to re-build their lives.

Neutral Ground Activities

CLOSED GROUPS

The heartbeat of Neutral Ground is the 'closed group,' an informal peer-support group led by trained peer volunteers. These closed groups, usually consisting of 12-16 members and 2 facilitators, met regularly, for two hours weekly, for 8-10 weeks, and provide an opportunity for members to share their experiences and feelings in a supportive and confidential setting. New groups are formed three times yearly, in September, January and April. A coffee half-hour for all members follows each group meeting.

Closed Group Registration dates may be obtained by calling 723-3420.

OPEN GROUPS

For those members whose schedules make it impossible to commit to regular attendance, and for new members joining between registration sessions, open groups are provided every Thursday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. New members must attend a Thursday orientation (7:30-9:30 p.m.) before joining. Orientation is held every Thursday. A $3.00 donation is collected at each open group meeting.

Special Interest Groups, or TOPIC GROUPS

Topic Groups are designed for members with special needs (e.g. building self-esteem, expressing feelings) and those with special interests (e.g. stress reduction, sexuality, re-coupling). These groups are formed as members' interests dictate. In most cases, it is required that participants complete at least one regular closed group before registering for topic groups. Groups are announced in the newsletter prior to the trimester registration dates.

Groups are usually offered for widows and widowers every trimester.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Neutral Ground has an active social committee which plans special events each month. These activities are designed to cement close personal friendships, enrich each member's expanding social life, and provide a comfortable and safe alternative.

Our social activities include picnics, tours and trips, theater and skating parties, sharing dinners in members' homes, special holiday events, and monthly dances.

A monthly social calendar is mailed to members' homes, keeping them informed of all events.

Members are encouraged to participate in the suggesting and planning of social events, and are welcome to join the social committee at any time.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership in Neutral Ground is open to any formerly married person (separated, divorced, widowed) and those ending a long-term relationship, upon payment of $25 annual dues and the completion of one closed nine-week group. Members receive a monthly newsletter, a monthly calendar of events, and a membership card that entitles them to attend all Neutral Ground activities.

Membership in neutral ground will not be denied because of bona fide financial hardship.