WHO WE ARE
When did you first take the classes? After I retired after 22+ years of being a Senior Minister, I wanted to share my volunteer time working with divorced/break-up families.
What caused you to take the next step and become a facilitator? I found one of the best divorce recovery programs in the country and flew down to visit with them for a week. I asked permission to use and tweak that program and founded Divorce/Break-Up Recovery for the metro KC area.
How long have you been a facilitator? I’ve worked with divorce/break-up persons and families for almost forty years and Divorce/Break-Up Recovery in particular for 12 years.
What has impacted you the most in your day to day after taking and facilitating these courses? The positive help and change I have seen in people who participate in these Recovery groups.
What would you say to someone who is on the fence or nervous about opening themselves up to a support group like this one? I have talked to numerous people who experience such feelings prior to participating. I suggest that they come and try it and if they feel it’s not the right time for them, they can stop and wait until they are ready.
Outside of being a facilitator what do you like to do for fun? I facilitate a Jackson County Family Court program called F.O.C.I.S. (Focus On Children in Separation) and have done that for 21 years. I enjoy playing racquetball, reading, and in retirement, “doing what I want, when I want, if I want.” I have 10 grandkids and enjoy doing things with them.
When did you first take the classes? I was in the first class of facilitators in 2008.
What caused you to take the next step and become a facilitator? I believed in Don’s dream – to help others going through this tough journey.
How long have you been a facilitator? Since the very first group! 😊
What has impacted you the most in your day to day after taking and facilitating these courses? There is so much to learn about life, change, journey, support, etc. to help with all of life, not just the divorce process.
What would you say to someone who is on the fence or nervous about opening themselves up to a support group like this one? Come try it. It will be the best decision/present you can give yourself. It is so helpful to meet with a group of people going through the same pain and understand why and how it all happened. You will learn to forgive, not just in divorce, but in life.
Outside of being a facilitator what do you like to do for fun? I have a full time job and I have six grandchildren to keep my arms full.
When did you first take the classes? I took my first class in September 2013.
What caused you to take the next step and become a facilitator? I got so much out of the class and began my journey of healing. It meant a lot to me to give back to others who were going through the same brokenness.
How long have you been a facilitator? I have been a facilitator for five years.
What has impacted you the most in your day to day after taking and facilitating these courses? The class gave me such a sense of hope, peace, healing and strength. As a facilitator I can see the difference in people in just 8-10 weeks and it’s such a gift to experience.
What would you say to someone who is on the fence or nervous about opening themselves up to a support group like this one? My advice for people who are anxious or worried about opening up in class is that sharing our stories is a natural part of the healing process. Secrets allow shame to grow and sharing what we’re going through shrinks the shame and fear and is incredibly empowering.
Outside of being a facilitator what do you like to do for fun? My passion is helping people heal and step into their strongest and healthiest selves. I love playing games, reading a good book, growing in my faith, sharing my life with God, and loving on my family and friends.
When did you first take the classes? 2015
What caused you to take the next step and become a facilitator? I wanted to give back and empower others like the facilitators empowered me!
How long have you been a facilitator? Two years
What has impacted you the most in your day to day after taking and facilitating these courses? Take a breath and respond when necessary. Don’t react.
What would you say to someone who is on the fence or nervous about opening themselves up to a support group like this one? It is life changing… for the better!
Outside of being a facilitator what do you like to do for fun? I love my job, my kids, my dog, and reading.