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Villanova Campus Ministry is hosting a new program, Women Helping Women, beginning on October 21 and ending on April 21, to allow Villanova women challenged with similar life issues, to come together and share their experiences. Each woman has the chance to offer insight and strength both to participants who have faced the same troubles, and to participants who are likely to encounter similar problems in the future.

Interested women are welcome to meet any of seven one-hour, “brown bag” lunch sessions for a conversation about a particular issue. Each session will begin as a fellow Villanovan speaks briefly about her own experience. A group conversation will follow and go on to the level that the group finds helpful. Those who find the mutually supportive gatherings helpful are encouraged to form mini groups to meet over the course of the academic year as frequently as they feel is necessary.

The topics that will be discussed in the scheduled sessions include experiencing miscarriage or still birth, providing support to those with cancer, caring for elderly parents, death of a spouse, chronic health issues for self, loss of a child and divorce. Women who are affected by any of these issues are encouraged to attend and to inform friends or family members that might benefit from any of the meetings.

It is important to note that the purpose of the program is not to offer counseling or therapy to attendees. Instead, it is intended to provide a safe haven for women to share their hardships, knowing that when burdens are expressed to others, the load can somehow feel less heavy. If you are interested in registering and are willing to agree to the confidential nature of the program, or know anyone who might be, please contact Barbara Haenn in the Campus Ministry Office by e-mail.