Meets monthly, 7.30pm on the first Tuesday of the month at Home & Family, 221 Manchester St. Gold coin donation.

The group grew from an initial meeting of step-parents who decided to continue in a support group situation. The group also offers a quarterly newsletter, educational material and handouts and can provide individual counselling.

Don  describes the initial step-parent phase as the “Brady Bunch period”. Both parents are often under the impression that combining the two families is going to be wonderful, but it can be difficult, especially when one of the partners has never had children and suddenly gains an instant family. He urges partners who are about to re-marry to talk about their needs and expectations.

The monthly support group Don and Wendy facilitate not only has people who are seeking support and education when times are tough, but people who have been through the step-parenting process and are willing to pass on their experience. Don says “The stories in the support group become an inspiration for the rest of us.”