Support groups and classes

Gateway offers support groups and classes for adult survivors of domestic abuse from all walks of life. Groups are free and are offered in English and Spanish. 

You may attend groups if you are still in your relationship or if you’ve already ended your relationship. You don’t have to live at Gateway to participate in support group programs. In fact, most of the participants in support groups have a safe place to live, and they come to Gateway for support from group leaders and other survivors.

Gateway has a well-qualified team of group facilitators, most of whom hold a master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field. 

Often, survivors of domestic violence hesitate to attend support groups because they are afraid that they are going to have to talk or share their personal stories. Gateway group leaders won’t ask you to share anything you don’t want to share. 

To get started, or for more information, call Gateway at (770) 536-5860. 

Emotional Support Groups

Emotional Support Groups are offered on Monday evenings in-person at Gateway. Groups are focused on the dynamics of domestic violence and trauma. Victims will learn strategies to increase their physical and emotional safety.  A free meal is available for survivors and their children as a part of this group. Adult groups are offered in English and Spanish. Support groups for children ages 4-18 are available during this session, and childcare is available for younger children ages 6 weeks – 3 years.

Arts Support Groups

Arts-based support groups are offered on Monday evenings in-person at Gateway. This group uses visual art as a tool for healing for trauma survivors. No prior art experience is required. This group is offered in English, and translation services are generally available. Support groups for children ages 4-18 are available during this session, and childcare is available for younger children ages 6 weeks – 3 years.

Trauma-Informed Yoga Classes

Yoga classes are offered on Wednesday afternoons in-person at Gateway. Research tells us that trauma is stored in the body and rewires the brain. Trauma-informed yoga provides strategies to help survivors who find themselves in a constant state of “fight, flight or freeze.” No prior yoga experience is required.  This group is offered in English, and translation services are often available. Childcare is available.

Life Skills Support Group

Life skills groups are offered remotely. Groups focus on emotional life skills such as communication, self-confidence, and problem solving. Groups are offered each week in English and Spanish.

Nurturing Parenting Classes

Nurturing Parenting support groups are offered on Thursday evenings in-person at Gateway. Nurturing Parenting provides family-centered and trauma-informed classes designed to increase parenting skills. A free meal is available for survivors and their children as a part of this group. Adult groups are offered in English and Spanish. Support groups for children ages 4-18 are available during this session, and childcare is available for younger children ages 6 weeks – 3 years.

Support Groups for Children and Teens

Support groups for children and teens are offered during adult support groups on Monday and Thursday evenings. Groups are facilitated by carefully-screened employees, interns, and volunteers. Children’s groups incorporate arts-based activities, games, and age-appropriate lessons. By developing relationships with caring adults, children learn about healthy relationships—ones that are consistent, predictable, and safe. They receive guidance, comfort, and mentoring. Children are generally grouped by age (4-6 years, 7-11 years, and 12 – 18).

Childcare

Childcare is available for children ages 6 weeks – 3 years on Monday and Thursday evenings. Childcare is provided by carefully-screened employees, interns, and volunteers.