Support Group for Families of Prisoners

🎾 Welcome to the Tysons Intermediate Tennis Group (3.0 Level)! 🎾 Looking for consistent tennis games around the Tysons Corner area with players at a similar level? This group is designed for intermediate 3.0 players who enjoy friendly rallies, doubles matches, improving their game, and meeting new people. We’ll organize: • After-work weekday sessions • Weekend tennis meetups • Casual doubles & singles matches • Fun, social, and competitive games This is a great group for players who can rally consistently, serve, keep score, and want enjoyable matches without too much pressure. Games will mainly be around Tysons, McLean, Vienna, and nearby Northern Virginia courts. Bring your racket, good energy, and let’s build an active tennis community together! 🎾

There is supposed to be a let up in the seemingly incessant rain. Let’s take advantage with a walk at Brookside Gardens. We will meet to the right of the visitors center. If anyone is interested we can go to lunch afterwards.

Are you interested in learning more about our club? Why not attend a meeting or visit us at one of our upcoming community service projects? We’d love to meet you!

🎾 Welcome to the Tysons Intermediate Tennis Group (3.0 Level)! 🎾 Looking for consistent tennis games around the Tysons Corner area with players at a similar level? This group is designed for intermediate 3.0 players who enjoy friendly rallies, doubles matches, improving their game, and meeting new people. We’ll organize: • After-work weekday sessions • Weekend tennis meetups • Casual doubles & singles matches • Fun, social, and competitive games This is a great group for players who can rally consistently, serve, keep score, and want enjoyable matches without too much pressure. Games will mainly be around Tysons, McLean, Vienna, and nearby Northern Virginia courts. Bring your racket, good energy, and let’s build an active tennis community together! 🎾

• What we'll do We plan on meeting at Grace Presbyterian Church at 9:30 AM on Saturday to assemble care packages and help people who have very little and help them survive. This would be a great time to bring a friend or your children to do something good for humanity. After we assemble the 120 backpack care packages, we plan to have coffee and snacks, socialize and then drive to DC to distribute the backpacks. If you choose to go with us, we'll return about 1:00 pm. Looking forward to seeing you all at the Meetup. • How can you help? \- You can contribute money\. Make checks out to Grace Presbyterian Church\, marked for Help the Homeless and mail to David Retherford\, Grace Presbyterian Church\, 7434 Bath Street\, Springfield\, VA 22150 or bring the money to the Meetup and put it in the basket there or give it to me\. \- Winter items: coats\, jackets\, sweaters\, gloves\, scarves\, thermal socks \- You can also donate clothes and personal care articles at the Meetup or during the week\. Just leave them on the stage\. \- Clothing \(New or gently used\) \- Men and Women socks \- Men and Women underwear \- Men and Women shirts \- Men and Women pants \- Anything to keep warm and dry\!\!\!\! Other Items: -Backpacks (new or gently used) -Roll of duct tape • What to bring A willing attitude and if it’s cold, some warm clothes. • Important to know \- All are welcome\! The Handicap entrance is through the Tower door \(Door 2\) in front\. \- All others can enter at the North parking lot\. \- If you are looking for something eventful to do on Sunday\, check out the services at Grace\. \- We’ll tell you about any other Grace volunteer opportunities at the Meetup [https://www.gracepresby.org/](https://www.gracepresby.org/)

**Hey Everyone!** Due to the uncertain weather forecast for Sunday, May 24th, I am **............ POSTPONING our FREE HUGS GATHERING to ...............** **..................................... SUNDAY, MAY 31st!! .......................................** **I hope to see you then!** **LOTS OF FREE HUGS,** **Jeff** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **YES! YES!! YES!!!** **FREE HUGS on the National Mall are happening again!!** **"Spreading More Love"** Here are two videos of past FREE HUGS gatherings: [FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas) [FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ) **HEY EVERYONE!** Now that the Flu, COVID and RSV have subsided, we are **RESUMING OUR MONTHLY FREE HUGS GATHERINGS!!** FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!! Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification. **!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand. ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC **PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking) **METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.) **We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!** **Lots of Hugs...jeff** 301-885-8259 (c) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law. You agree: (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities (iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage. Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are 1. NOT for advertising our businesses; 2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.

The Unity of Columbus Resource Group for the Homeless is seeking compassionate volunteers who would like to help serve and uplift members of our homeless community. This group is dedicated to sharing kindness, resources, and support with individuals who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Anyone with a heart for service is welcome to join us as we work together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Community members are also invited to contribute by bringing helpful items for those in need. Donations of items can be contributed at the meeting and will be distributed to assist members of the homeless community. Please consider joining us and sharing this opportunity with friends, family, or associates who may also wish to help. Learn more about Unity of Columbus at www.unityofcolumbus.org or call (614) 267-4959. Together we can extend compassion, dignity, and support to our community. 💛

NOTICE CHANGE OF LOCATION. WE WILL BE MEETING AT THE SHARON WOODS METRO PARK - THIS MONTH ONLY. Sharon Woods Metro Park, 6911 Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43081 Enter the park from Cleveland Avenue and stay on the main park drive until it dead-ends into a turn around parking lot. We will meet at the Schrock Lake Shelter just off this parking area to the right. We will be taking a Guided Walk with access very near the shelter, on the Edward S Thomas trail, an ADA flat, hard-packed gravel surface trail. This walk will be led by Carrie Keller, Outdoor Naturalist at the park, and Megan Richley, Inclusion Coordinator for the Metro Parks. Wear sneakers or other shoes covering the entire foot. Sandals or flip-flops are ill advised. Sighted guides will be available. Target audience for this group is persons who are visually impaired, especially those who have experienced recent loss, however, all are welcome, including family members and supports. Light refreshments will be served. There will not be a Conference Call option for this meeting.

Summer Session, Thursdays, June 4 - July 23, 2026, from 6 to 8:30pm ET **NAMI Family-to-Family** is a free, eight-week program for family members, caregivers, and partners of individuals living with mental illness. NAMI Family-to-Family provides information about anxiety, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. Other topics covered include communication, problem solving, treatment, and recovery.

**The idea for this group is to build a community where men can gather together and build connections & learn and grow from each other.** How we start each meeting is by each of us checking in with our "roses and thorns" aka what are the good things and the bad things going on in your life recently? Then we will go into a topic discussion. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS** \*\*THERE WILL BE A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR NO-SHOWS. IF YOU RSVP TO A MEETING AND FAIL TO SHOW UP WITHOUT NOTICE, YOU'LL BE REMOVED FROM THE GROUP. THIS IS TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE GROUP\*\* 1. Confidentiality - EVERYTHING that is shared NEVER leaves this space so that this space remains safe and sacred. There is a zero tolerance policy for this. If a man is in violation of this, they will be permanently removed from the group. 2. Non-Judgement - we respect and honor every man’s truth so that we may receive the same from others. While we may not agree on everything, we commit to respecting every man’s perspectives and engaging in honorable discussion with one another. 3. Be committed - honor your commitment to this group and to yourself. If you attend a meeting, please commit yourself fully to the meeting. Also be committed to your own journey. When we fail, we own it & clean it up. 4. Speak from the heart - this is NOT a space to “look good”, have the “right” answers, and have it all together. Relax and know you are not alone. Be exactly who you are within the safety of this space. 5. Be supportive - This means always willing to provide encouragement to your fellow men, encourage action and momentum in each other’s lives.. Be willing to challenge each other. Be willing to hold each other accountable. 6. Participation - what you receive from this community will be a reflection of what you put into it. Period. We ask that you share your perspectives, reflect on others, and give/receive support when and where it’s needed.

Join us every other Wednesday during the summer at 5:30pm at Blendon Woods Inclusive Playground. Starts Wednesday June 17th. **Agenda** 5:30-6:15 Kids Play & Dad's Meet 6:15-6:45 Snacks & Father/Son Men's Group Circle \- Simple intro Round \- What are Dad & Son working on? \- Various Topics for Fathers and Sons\(What does it mean to be a man? Etc\.\) 6:45-7 Close. Go get food or keep playing. Mario will lead this group and hold the space. Generally, it is a laid-back, open group that can be modified to accommodate those who show up. If people want to go get dinner after, we can :) It's all about making friends and building a positive community. Mario has led men's groups for several years, sponsored by Speak Your Mind, an Ohio Non-Profit organization with a focus on men's mental well-being. Click here to learn more about SYM: https://linktr.ee/taketimespeakyourmind). All events are non-denominational and donation-based. No one will be turned away for their beliefs or financial position. Suggested donation is $5 per family per meeting (Covers the cost of meetup). **Donation link**: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind **Liability Waiver** to fill out before your first event (Required). This covers the non-profit in the event of any accidents. https://form.jotform.com/242207035182144 Contact Mario with any questions: 808-855-8831 Address: 4265 E. Dublin Granville Road Columbus, OH 43081 Follow signs to the back of the park (Inclusive Playground)

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.