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Support and Empowerment Groups

Support Groups (Remote)

English Support Group

Every Wednesday from 6-7pm

This support group is provided at no cost for victims and survivors of sexual abuse. This group is on a walk-in basis, no registration is needed. We offer a safe place for primary and secondary victims of sexual abuse, to share personal experiences, feelings and coping strategies. This group is well suited for easing trauma survivors’ emotional stress, including feelings of isolation, loneliness, depression, helplessness and hopelessness. During the COVID-19 social distancing period, sign-up is required through the contact form below, so that we can send you the link to the Zoom conference room.

Grupo de Apoyo en Español ACTUALMENTE EN ESPERA HASTA NUEVO AVISO

Todos los martes desde 4pm-5pm

Este grupo de apoyo se provee sin costo para las víctimas y sobrevivientes de abuso sexual. Este grupo es sin cita previa, no es necesario registrarse. Ofrecemos un lugar seguro para las víctimas primarias y secundarias de abuso sexual para compartir experiencias personales, sentimientos y estrategias de afrontamiento. Este grupo es adecuado para aliviar el estrés emocional de los sobrevivientes de traumas, incluyendo los sentimientos de aislamiento, soledad, depresión, impotencia y desesperanza. Durante el período de distancia social de COVID-19, es necesario registrarse a través del formulario de contacto a continuación para que podamos enviarle el la página de internet a la sala de conferencia de Zoom.

Self-Care Art Group (open to survivors, staff, and volunteers)

CURRENTLY ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Every other Friday from 2-3:30pm

Art can be helpful with mindfulness, self-expression, relaxation, and coping. Survivors are invited to participate in art projects to help support the healing journey at The Rowan Center’s monthly Self-Care Art Group. All survivors, their friends and family ages 14 and up are welcomed to participate. During the COVID-19 social distancing period, sign-up is required through the contact form below, so that we can send you the link to the Zoom conference room. Participant is responsible for own supplies.

College Student Support Group 

CURRENTLY ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Every Tuesday from 12-1pm

This group is provided at no cost for victims and survivors of sexual abuse, and is open to all primary and secondary victims who are over the age of 18 and identify as college students. During the COVID-19 social distancing period, sign-up is required through the contact form below, so that we can send you the link to the Zoom conference room. We offer a safe place for primary and secondary victims of sexual abuse, to share personal experiences, feelings and coping strategies. This group is well suited for easing trauma survivors’ emotional stress, including feelings of isolation, loneliness, depression, helplessness and hopelessness, with a focus on creating a sense that victims are not alone, with a special focus on the specific circumstances of college students.

Women 40+ Support Group

Every other Saturday from 10-11am

No matter when the assault occurred, this support group is provided at no cost for self-identifying female survivors of sexual violence ages 40+. This group offers a safe space for primary victims to share their stories, feelings, and/or learn tools that have helped others in their healing journey. There is no expectation to disclose your incident(s). This group is well suited for easing trauma survivor’s emotional stress, including feelings of isolation, loneliness, depression, helplessness, and hopelessness. During the COVID-19 social distancing period, sign-up is required through the contact form below so that we can send you the link to the Zoom conference room.

Support Group for Men

Tuesdays (Virtually) from 8-9am

This support group is provided at no cost for victims and survivors of sexual abuse, and is open to all primary and secondary victims who are over the age of 18 and identify as male, including those who are cisgender, transgender, and non-binary. During the COVID-19 social distancing period, sign-up is required through the contact form below, so that we can send you the link to the Zoom conference room. We offer a safe place for primary and secondary victims of sexual abuse, to share personal experiences, feelings and coping strategies. This group is well suited for easing trauma survivors’ emotional stress, including feelings of isolation, loneliness, depression, helplessness and hopelessness, with a focus on creating a sense that victims are not alone, with a special focus on on the specific circumstances of those who identify as adult males.

Trauma-Informed Yoga Group (open to survivors, staff, and volunteers)

CURRENTLY ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Last Tuesday of each month from 6-7pm

These classes are designed to release the tension of trauma experienced by survivors. Within this safe, sensitive space, individuals will learn how to create mindful connections which can help increase positive body awareness. This monthly group runs the last Tuesday of each month, from 6-7 PM; RSVP is required. As this is being offered remotely, participants are responsible for providing their own materials, such as a mat, towel, etc. This group is run by Kara Cooper, a certified advocate, and volunteer at The Rowan Center. Kara is a Yoga Alliance certified RYT-200 teacher, with extensive training in trauma-informed yoga. Participant video will be disabled, though you will be able to see the instructor. Please sign up through the contact form listed below.

Empowerment Groups

At this time, our Empowerment Groups are exclusively for individuals who are also clients of the Saint Joseph Parenting Center in Stamford, CT.

Women’s Empowerment Group

The Women’s Empowerment Group is a 12-week program that offers a safe space without prejudice and support for anyone who identifies as female, including those who are cisgender, transgender, and non-binary. Our goal is to cultivate confidence, encouraging women to strengthen their self-love. It strives to empower women through support, learning and recognition, which allows them to be independent, self-sufficient and advocate for themselves and others. During the COVID-19 social distancing period, sign-up is required through the contact form below, so that we can send you the link to the Zoom conference room.

Grupo de Empoderamiento de Mujeres

El Grupo de Empoderamiento de Mujeres es un programa de 11 semanas que ofrece un espacio seguro sin prejuicios y de apoyo para las mujeres. Nuestro objetivo es cultivar la confianza alentando la fuerza de las mujeres. Se lucha por empoderar a las mujeres a través del apoyo, el aprendizaje y el reconocimiento, lo que les permite ser independientes, autosuficientes y abogar por sí mismas y por los demás.

Healthy Relationship & Self-Esteem Empowerment Group

In collaboration with Liberation Programs, women in recovery focus on discussion topics and activities related to healthy relationships and self-esteem with an emphasis on the intersectional dynamics of personal relationships, family relationships, and recovery. Group runs weekly and is exclusively available to program residents. Currently only available to residential clients of the Liberation Programs, Inc family of services. Please use the contact form below to notify us of outside interest. With enough interest, we may offer this program to additional groups.

External Programs

LiveGirl

Founded in 2014, LiveGirl, Inc. is a Connecticut-based nonprofit organization that builds confident leaders. Our mission is to empower and equip the next generation of brave, inclusive leaders with the skills, community, and connections so that ALL girls may thrive and make a positive impact on the world. LiveGirl serves girls in grades 5-12 through our free of charge programming. Learn more at www.GoLiveGirl.org.

High School Groups

The Rowan Center staff currently facilitates two empowerment groups at Greenwich High School. The school counselor decides on participation in these groups. These groups aim to empower youth to understand and process their feelings and emotions. If you want to start such a group at your high school, please fill out the contact form below. Current group topics include self-identifying girls’ circle empowerment group, and writing stand-up comedy as a form of self-therapy for self-identifying boys.