Dexter Woman Starts Military Support Group for Families

Dexter resident Julie Boyd is no stranger to the many complex issues facing military service men and women when they return home after a lengthy deployment overseas.

Boyd, a licensed professional counselor, has spent much of her career around military bases meeting clients on both active and reserve status.

Recently Boyd decided to reach out to military families in western Washtenaw County and has begun holding weekly meetings at Dexter United Methodist Church through her company, Huron Counseling Services, LLC.

"I just began to feel that with my training I could offer some help and relief for families in the military," she said. "There's definitely a need for a group like this in the Ann Arbor area."

Weekly topics range from dealing with anxiety and post-traumatic stress, to relationship issues, re-adjusting to civilian life, and communicating with loved ones.

"My goal is to help military members and their families learn skills for coping and dealing with their emotions," Boyd said. "There are all sorts of things people need to grapple with based on their own unique situation."

The group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Dexter United Methodist Church inside the Education Building, Room 207. Donations will be accepted.

Beginning April 9, Boyd will offer weekly group sessions to help families dealing with aging parents. The group will meet in the St. Joseph Church Parish Hall. Contact Boyd for more information at 734-426-5271.