When Women Are Supported, Communities Rise: A New Support Group in Kendu Bay

Behind so many recovery journeys and mental health battles stands someone quietly holding the family together  often a mother, wife, sister, or daughter. At Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Kendu Bay, Tumaini Action brought those women together, and what emerged was the start of something lasting.

Honoring the Caregivers

We gathered women who are caring for loved ones facing mental health and substance use challenges — a role that is demanding, often invisible, and rarely acknowledged. These women carry enormous emotional weight: managing crises, navigating stigma, advocating for treatment, and holding their families steady, frequently while receiving little support of their own.

The session at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church created a rare space for these caregivers to be seen and heard, not just as caretakers, but as women with their own needs, exhaustion, and resilience.

A Space to Share and Be Understood

For many of the women present, this may have been the first time they sat in a room with others who truly understood their daily reality — the fear of a relapse, the fatigue of constant vigilance, the isolation that comes from caring for someone whose struggle is often misunderstood by the wider community. Simply naming these experiences out loud, together, brought a sense of relief and connection.

The Birth of a New Support Group

Out of this gathering came a meaningful outcome: the formation of a new community support group for women caring for loved ones with mental health and substance use challenges. This group will give these women an ongoing space to share, encourage one another, and access resources — not as a one-time event, but as a continuing source of strength.

Why Supporting Women Matters

When a woman caring for a struggling family member is supported, the ripple effects extend far beyond her. She’s better equipped to care for her loved one, her children feel the stability of a less-overwhelmed parent, and the broader community gains a stronger, more resilient household. Investing in caregivers is investing in the wellbeing of the entire family unit.

Looking Ahead

Tumaini Action is proud to have facilitated this gathering and to see it grow into a sustained support group. We’re grateful to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Kendu Bay for opening its doors, and to every woman who showed up ready to share her story.

Do you know a caregiver who could benefit from this kind of support? Reach out to Tumaini Action to connect with the new Kendu Bay support group or learn about our other mental health and family support programs.