The Allender Center Story Groups are intended to offer a space for participants to understand themselves more deeply and discover who God has fully created you to be. In the Story Groups, you will explore how your experiences have shaped who you are, and begin to explore the complexity of your past with compassion and curiosity. This work is based on the premise that our stories are best understood when seen and shared with each other in a supportive and encouraging environment.
The Story Groups are composed of 5 participants and a Student Facilitator, and includes weekly 2-hour sessions held over a period of 6 weeks. Prior to attending, the Story Groups, participants will need to write a short story about an aspect of your own childhood (ages 4-18) and submit that story to your Student Facilitator (writing guidelines will be provided). During the sessions, participants will read the stories they’ve written and receive engagement from the Student Facilitator and other group members about the experiences they’ve shared about in their written story.
Unless extenuating circumstances arise, each group member’s presence is extremely important. If for some reason you are unable to attend, please contact your Student Facilitator and give at least 24-hour notice, if possible, of your absence. Story Group participants are expected to have checked their calendar and determined they are available to attend all scheduled Story Groups. Participants understand that absences will be excused in the event of unexpected emergencies or illness.
Note: The Story Groups are part of the Capstone Project for the Student Facilitator to complete their training in Narrative Focused Trauma Care Level III. The Student Facilitator will be supervised by Allender Center Lead Facilitators and Staff for the duration of the Story Group Sessions. Please see Training Disclaimer for full details and expectations.
Student Facilitator: Rebecca Nystrom
Location: Zoom
Date/Time: Saturdays at 9am