Divorce Support Group
NEW BEGINNINGS® is a marital separation support group for separated and divorced men and women based in the DC metro area (MD, DC and VA). Established in 1979, we are the oldest and only group in the metro area that deals strictly with separation/divorce and is open to people with or without children.
A marital separation is a wrenching experience which can happen to anyone at any time for a variety of reasons. We believe that by sharing feelings with other people in similar situations, we can gain a better perspective on the process of separation and thereby begin to build a new life. This is our first task—because the one certainty is that our lives cannot remain the same.
NEW BEGINNINGS® discussion meetings are offered several times a month and are open to non-members. Led by member volunteers trained to guide the discussion, these meetings offer a chance to talk to others who share and understand your concerns.
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We now offer three in-person meetings each month--two in MD/DC & one in VA. For now, only fully vaccinated people may attend, & proof is required.
Our monthly Dinner & Movie Nights are also back!
An online meeting will never be the same as an in-person one. We don’t pretend that it is. But it is better than nothing, and we are exceedingly grateful to have this option to keep our services alive when so many other organizations must cancel, postpone or close entirely.
There are, in fact, several advantages to online discussions:
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You don’t have to drive anywhere. The gas and travel time you save can be spent shopping online or bingeing on Netflix.
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You can attend any of them, regardless of where you live.
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We can offer more of them because we don’t need physical locations.
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We can accommodate as few or as many participants as want to come
Thank you for your flexibility and willingness to embrace change. We understand that this is hard. NB members have always been courageous, resilient and quick to show compassion toward others. This is a chance to do that in a different way. We can do this—together.
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Discussion Meetings
September
DUMPERS & DUMPEES: Does it really matter who left whom? What assumptions do we make about each? How is our recovery process affected by the label we assign to ourselves?
SEPARATION & THE FIRST LOVE: The first love after you separate is almost always wonderful but rarely lasts. If it's happened to you, come share; if you wish it would, come learn!
WHAT I'VE LEARNED FROM MY DIVORCE: Divorce is such a life-altering experience that much about ourselves & the way we look at life changes. For those who are through it, what wisdom can you share? For those just beginning, gain insight & hope for the future!
OPEN DISCUSSION: Bring the issues most on your mind. Get feedback & support for current challenges, & learn by listening to others what lies ahead. If you’re in a good place, celebrate your progress, & share your wisdom as a beacon to those just beginning their journey.
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Open Events
Any single can attend
THURS, SEPT 28 ** Speaker: “HEALTH INSURANCE IN MARYLAND” ** 7:30-9:00 PM ** ONLINE
Speaker: WONDA OLIVER, Deputy Director of Consumer Assistance, Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (www.marylandhbe.com)
Compare plans, find savings, get covered!
Fee in Advance: $15 Non-Members
Divorce 101
NEW BEGINNINGS, the COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE CENTER OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, and the MONTGOMERY COUNTY BAR FOUNDATION are co-sponsoring a 6-week program covering everything you need to know about divorce in Maryland. It is offered twice a year and features 13 of the top family law professionals in Montgomery County as speakers.
NEXT SESSION: Tuesdays, Sept 19-Oct 24, 2023
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Mailing List Signup
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Join Us
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Resources
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New Beginnings Greeting Cards
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Donate!
Separation and Divorce Support Meetings
Our discussion meetings are led by a New Beginnings member-volunteer trained to facilitate the discussion. You may join the conversation or just listen; there is never any pressure to talk.
Click here to sign up for the free monthly newsletter.
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September
DUMPERS & DUMPEES: Does it really matter who left whom? What assumptions do we make about each? How is our recovery process affected by the label we assign to ourselves?
SEPARATION & THE FIRST LOVE: The first love after you separate is almost always wonderful but rarely lasts. If it's happened to you, come share; if you wish it would, come learn!
WHAT I'VE LEARNED FROM MY DIVORCE: Divorce is such a life-altering experience that much about ourselves & the way we look at life changes. For those who are through it, what wisdom can you share? For those just beginning, gain insight & hope for the future!
OPEN DISCUSSION: Bring the issues most on your mind. Get feedback & support for current challenges, & learn by listening to others what lies ahead. If you’re in a good place, celebrate your progress, & share your wisdom as a beacon to those just beginning their journey.
FRI, SEPT 8 ** What I’ve Learned From My Divorce ** 7:30-9:30 PM ** Olney ** $10
TUES, SEPT 12 ** Open Discussion ** 7:30-9:00 PM ** Online ** $8
SUN, SEPT 17 ** Separation & the First Love ** 3:00-5:00 PM ** Arlington ** $10
FRI, SEPT 22 ** Dumpers & Dumpees ** 7:30-9:30 PM ** Silver Spring ** $10
FRI, SEPT 29 ** Open Discussion ** 7:30-9:00 PM ** Online ** $8
COMING IN OCTOBER:
THURS, OCT 5 ** Open Discussion ** 7:30-9:00 PM ** Online ** $8
THURS, OCT 12 ** Speaker: “Understanding Affairs” (Jill Ladd, PhD, www.abetterway4couples.com) ** 7:30-9:00 PM ** Online ** $15
SUN, OCT 15 ** Achieving an Emotional Divorce ** 3:00-5:00 PM ** Derwood ** $10
FRI, OCT 20 ** Trust & Risk in Relationships ** 7:30-9:30 PM ** Kensington ** $10
WED, OCT 25 ** Open Discussion ** 7:30-9:00 PM ** Online ** $8
SUN, OCT 29 ** Building New Social Networks ** 3:00-5:00 PM ** Derwood ** $10
Online Fees: $5 Members, $8 Non-Members
Click here to sign up for the free monthly newsletter.
Open Events
SAT, SEPT 2 ** BYO PICNIC ** 1:00-5:00 PM ** Olney
BYO Cuisine & Beverage of Choice • Ice, Paper Products & Grill Provided
Must be fully vaccinated & boosted (proof required)
Fee at Door: $5 Members, $10 Non-Members
THURS, SEPT 28 ** Speaker: “HEALTH INSURANCE IN MARYLAND” ** 7:30-9:00 PM ** ONLINE
Speaker: WONDA OLIVER, Deputy Director of Consumer Assistance, Maryland Health Benefit Exchange
(www.marylandhbe.com)
Compare plans, find savings, get covered!
Fee in Advance: $10 Members, $15 Non-Members
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TO RSVP FOR ALL OPEN EVENTS:
CONTACT CAROL RANDOLPH [email protected] or 301-924-4101
DIVORCE 101
Divorce 101 is a 6-week series of public education seminars offering an overview of the divorce process in Maryland. It is offered twice a year online and features 13 of the top family law professionals in Montgomery County as speakers.
Cost: $10/session or $50 for all 6.
Week 1: BEFORE YOU SEPARATE (Emotional Realities, Financial Realities, Legal Implications)
Week 2: BASIC LAW I (Grounds for Divorce, Elements of a Separation Agreement, Filing Process)
Week 3: BASIC LAW II, Children's Issues (Parenting Plans, Child Support)
Week 4: APPROACHES TO DIVORCE (Litigation, Mediation, Collaborative Divorce, Self-Represented)
Week 5: FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS (Marital Home, Pension/Retirement, Insurance, Spousal Support)
Week 6: FINDING SUPPORT (Counseling, Support Groups for You & Your Kids, Family & Friends)
The next offering is TUESDAYS, SEPT 19-OCT 24, 7:00-9:00 PM, online.
For more information, contact Carol Randolph at [email protected]
Join Us
New Beginnings is a separation support group based in Olney, serving the Washington D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia area. Contact us today to learn more details.
Benefits
- Monthly Newsletter
- Discounted Admission to Speakers and Social Events
- Membership Directory (published 3 times/year)
Eligibility Requirements
- Physical separation from a spouse due to marital separation or divorce
- Former partner is not already a member
Membership Fees (tax-deductible)
- Initial Membership (6 Months) - $35
- One Year Membership - $59
- Two Year Membership - $99
Meeting Fees
Fees are reduced for online meetings.
- Discussion Meetings (Online) - $5 Members / $8 Non-Members
- Discussion Meetings (In Person) - $10 Members or Non-Members
- Speaker Meetings (Online) - $10 Members / $15 Non-Members
- Speaker Meetings (In Person) - $12 Members / $20 Non-Members
Non-Members may attend two discussion meetings without obligation to join.
We encourage you to come to at least one meeting before joining.
Click on MAILING LIST SIGN-UP to get the free monthly newsletter.
Ready to Join?
Click HERE for MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION.
301-924-4101 • [email protected]
Mailing List Sign-up
Simply fill out the form below, and we will contact you.
Please fill in all fields to make sure we can serve you properly. (All Fields Are Required).
Only one person of a separated or divorced couple may be on the mailing list.
Resources
Divorce Support Resources
Here are some divorce support books that we recommend reading. Purchasing through Amazon.com by using the links below will benefit New Beginnings based in Olney.
DIVORCE RECOVERY BOOKS
Getting Past Your Breakup: How to Turn a Devastating Loss into the Best Thing That Ever Happened to You
Susan J. Elliott JD MEd(Author)
A proven roadmap for overcoming the painful end of any romantic relationship, even divorce.
He's History, You're Not: Surviving Divorce After 40
Erica Manfred (Author),
Erica Manfred shares her own divorce experience, as well as the advice of experts, with specific sections tailored to women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.
Rebuilding: When Your Relationship Ends, 3rd Edition
Bruce Fisher (Author)
Bruce Fisher's divorce process rebuilding blocks offer a proven, supportive nineteen-step process for putting one's life back together after divorce.
Crazy Time: Surviving Divorce and Building a New Life, Revised Edition
Abigail Trafford (Author)
A common-sense, compassionate, human book about the crazy process that more than half of us go through.
Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations for Working through Grief
Martha Whitmore Hickman (Author)
For those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, here are strength and thoughtful words to inspire and comfort.
How to Survive the Loss of a Love
Peter McWilliams (Author), Harold H. Bloomfield (Author), Melba Colgrove (Author)
One of the most directly helpful books on the subject of loss ever written, the first edition of this comforting and inspiring book, published in 1976, sold nearly two million copies.
I Thought We Were Happy: Lessons My Wife Taught Me on the Road to Divorce
Jonathan L Lewis (Author)
This book bares wide the pain and confusion that an unexpected divorce unleashes. If you've been through it, you'll relate completely.
The Journey from Abandonment to Healing: Turn the End of a Relationship into the Beginning of a New Life
Susan Anderson (Author)
Designed to help all victims of emotional breakups--whether they are suffering from a recent loss, or a lingering wound from the past; whether they are caught up in patterns that sabotage their own relationships, or they're in a relationship where they no longer feel loved.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Divorce and Recovery: 101 Stories about Surviving and Thriving after Divorce
Jack Canfield (Author), Mark Victor Hansen (Author), Patty Hansen (Author)
The heartfelt stories provide support, inspiration, and sometimes humor on all the phases of divorce. New Beginnings Founder Carol Randolph appears in this book.
Divorce After 50: Your Guide to the Unique Legal & Financial Challenges
Janice Green (Author)
Matrimonial lawyer Green explores the special legal, monetary, and emotional burdens of a marital split that occurs after age 50.
Marital Separation
Robert S, Weiss (Author)
A compelling account of the personal experiences of those whose marriages have ended.
About Our Divorce Support Group
NEW BEGINNINGS® offers a divorce support group and an essential structure and the crucial community of others to heal the pain, speed recovery and move beyond the hurt toward a better future. Discussion meetings, expert speakers and social events provide a forum for coping with loss and betrayal, overcoming problems of trust and risk, and developing improved communication skills. It is not enough just to make the pain go away; the real task is to prevent the pain from happening again.
Only by sharing together--men and women, with and without children, the left and the leavers—can we ultimately understand that an end is also a NEW BEGINNING.
What We Do
Discussion Meetings
Online meetings are open to anyone, anywhere, who is coping with separation or divorce. Topics include issues specifically for people in the early stages of separation (Coping with Aloneness, Anger, The 8 Stages of Separation) as well as issues pertaining to dating, new relationships and personal growth. All meetings are facilitated by a member volunteer trained to guide the discussion. There is never any pressure to talk.
Guest Speakers
Attorneys, psychologists, financial planners and accountants, mediators and communication skills experts offer members the opportunity to acquire necessary information and practical assistance.
Social Events
Monthly gatherings just for fun, where everyone is single, provide a friendly place to practice new social skills.
