Nearly one in five U.S. households moves each year, and for many people, especially women, a geographic move means emotional and financial stress, uncertainty, isolation and a sense of imbalance.
A national program to provide faith-based support to newcomers, "Moving On," recently launched in Richmond. The program, which runs for 13 weeks, started Feb. 3, but newcomers are encouraged to join the group at any time.
"We"ve coined a phrase called "Moving Affective Disorder" says Paula Nelson, Richmond"s co-leader of Moving On. "For some people, the symptoms are very real, yet they have no idea where to turn for support. It"s not something a doctor can cure."
Working with the book "After the Boxes Are Unpacked" by Susan Miller, founder of Moving On, the program explores the process of letting go, starting over and moving ahead with new lives.
Nelson, who moved from Florida to Puerto Rico to Hong Kong to Richmond -- all in five years -- says she"s a living testimony to the upheaval a move can cause.
"There were days when my husband came home from work and I was crying and he just didn"t know what to do or say to help me," she recalls. "Moving On helped me make the best of my moves and to eventually thrive in my new surroundings."
Starting the program in Richmond is Nelson"s way of caring for other newcomers. With co-leader Linda Knopp, an 18-year Richmond resident, the two host weekly meetings, serve as local resources and coordinate outings.
"With many newcomers to Richmond, relocations are due to a spouse"s employment," says Nelson. "He gets the job, the kids get a new school, yet the mother/wife struggles to rebuild the life she left behind. We understand that women have very different needs than men when it comes to fitting in to a new community, and we address those needs."
The program supports women of all ages and phases of life. "Many gave up their careers to move here, and they suffer from identity crisis," says Nelson. "Others miss their old home, friends and family and are shattered by the geographic separation."
As well as offering support and encouragement, Moving On addresses head-on many of the issues women who relocate to a new city are facing, including topics like "Your Journey After a Move: What Do I Do Now That I"m Here?," "Bloom Where You"re Planted: Growing Through Your Move," "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You: Strengthening Your Marriage After a Move" and "Roots and Wings: Helping Your Children Adjust and Adapt." "Faith plays an important role in Moving On, but religious affiliation is by no means a requisite," says Nelson. "All are welcome."
Paula Nelson and Linda Knopp are co-leaders of Richmond "s Moving On ministry, which meets Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. at St. Giles Presbyterian Church, 5200 Grove Avenue. Childcare is provided. Moving On also hosts an informal coffee and dessert the third Thursday each month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at St. Giles. For more information or to register, contact Nelson at 562-2247 or Linda Knopp at 330-7202.
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