Saheli’s Support Group for Women starts on September 5th, 2018

Following a very successful support group session in the spring of 2018, Saheli Sabah is back for the fall. Our support group provides a safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment for women to participate in a guided discussion on issues we face including self-esteem, identity, relationships, coping with positive & negative emotions, gender stereotyping and much more. The support group runs for eight weeks, between September 5th and October 24th, 2018 every Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm at Saheli’s Burlington office.

An integral part of a community’s well-being, support groups brings people with similar interests and issues together. This enables the members to share their personal experiences and exchange ideas with others in the group, creating a supportive environment.

In the age where social media has taken over our personal space, pictures of perfect smiles hide the struggles that many families and women are going through. There is a fear of social stigma and ostracization in the community that prevents women from sharing their challenges and seeking support from their family & friends. The support group provides the safe & judgment-free environment they need.


The benefits to participating in the support group include:
•    Feeling less isolated or judged
•    Feeling a sense of empowerment and control
•    Tools to improve your coping skills
•    Finding your voice to talk about your feelings without reservation
•    Reducing depression & anxiety
•    Getting practical advice from others in the group
•    Developing new and strong friendships with like-minded women

Saheli Sabah uses the model based on the manual called “The Power to Change”. This manual was developed by the Daphne project supported by a European Community’s research program to build self-esteem and self-determination in survivors and other women through effecting a change in our attitudes towards ourselves and digging deep within ourselves for resources to help us change.

One of Saheli’s senior facilitator will briefly introduce the topic and open up to the group to discuss their views, personal experiences and challenges. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the discussion. Members learn from each other while developing tools to cope with life experiences. They share their joys and pain and learn to laugh as they understand that they are not alone in their struggles and challenges. Games, ice breakers and surveys are used to improve self-realization.

All information discussed at the sessions is confidential, enabling members to build trust and confidence among the group to participate successfully. Previous support group members have been able to build long term relationships based on the mutual sharing and understanding created at these gatherings. This attests to the success of Saheli support groups.

Saheli Sabah is made possible by a generous grant from Lahey. We will reimburse up to $10 for Uber/Lyft rides to and from the support group. Delicious Indian dinner will be served to participating members at each session.

The first of the 8-week support group session will meet on Wednesday, September 5th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Sessions are held every Wednesday through October 24th, 2018. The venue for meetings is at the Saheli office on 11 Bedford Street in Burlington. We do not have baby sitting service, so please make alternate arrangements.

For more information and to sign up, call us at: 1-866-472-4354 or email us at: info@saheliboston.org. Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration is recommended as space is limited. Visit our website at : www.saheliboston.org

Here are some of the feedback we received from members who attended the Spring session:

|