If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

The Next Step is a FREE online support group exclusively for women/non-binary. Our monthly meetings include a topic discussion, supplemental materials, group discussion, and open share time for those who wish to participate.

Our Next Meeting is Friday, April 25, 2025
6 pm-7:30 pm Central Time
7 pm-8:30 pm Eastern Time
4 pm- 5:30 pm Pacific Time

Women Empowering Women Support Groups
"The Next Step"

Click Here To Join Our Online Meeting

Zoom Meeting ID 81008907566 Password: nextwew

Women Empowering Women Support Groups
The Next Step

We came together...

In 2020, when so many were craving human connection, the Women Empowering Women CoDA Group moved to online Zoom meetings multiple times a week, leading members with a desire to learn about a broader scope of topics that were outside of our original programs (twelve-step). We became allies, and our mutual care for each other and trust as a group were established. We embraced anyone who came into our "zoom womb" and knew those who felt at home would stay and others would go, which was okay. We formally became a community in May 2020, and The Next Step was born. Our community has grown exponentially and now has members spanning the globe.

We are a Non-Profit & Self-Supporting

Women Empowering Women Support Groups is a separate Texas non-profit group that helps women find resources for various needs posted on our web page for easy access. The support groups extend the resources we offer to build a community of women through Zoom support groups and in-person meetings nationwide. Many groups are recovery-based and meet members' needs, looking for supportive and safe environments online. Although we provide resources and links for women, we do not support them through funding, nor are we connected with the groups other than some members who attend them and want others to have access. We WELCOME donations; it is the only way we can operate and maintain our website. We plan to expand our work, and we welcome sponsors for events, co-created workshops, and fundraisers for the support and empowerment of women. We need each other to show up with a donation or offer service for meetings, host leadership training, etc.

Our founder created a psycho-educational group called the "Next Step" for women only and is not affiliated with any other support group or twelve-step program. This group provides a safe online environment for women to unite and support each other to create healthier and happier lives. Many women need a safe place to share their stories, be witnessed, be validated, and learn about relevant topics, and our group maintains these core principles. We come together in numerous ways: social media platforms, weekly online meetings, workshops, and through our app. There is no rule on community participation; you are in charge of your decisions, and we support YOU!

We like to say that our members are COLLECTIVELY BECOMING; we decide what our next steps should be, and where they lead is limited by what we feel is best for us or, in some cases, what holds us back.

What is the Next Step?

What do we have in common that sets us apart?

From our founder:

I am honored to be the Founder & Director of Women Empowering Women Support Groups. Our members are outstanding individuals who support each other. I started Women Empowering Women as an in-person 12-step group in 2014. People expressed their desire to come together and learn about other important topics or dive deeper into topics we discuss, like healthy relationships. This meant a group was needed and could not be a twelve-step. In May 2020, I took the "next step" to create our meeting called The Next Step. Our online women-only support group offers other online resources, including other meetings, events, and care support. The meeting allows us to connect as a community, similar to in-person meetings.

My Background & Education

As a woman with a history of trauma, abuse, addiction, and neurodiversity, my life could have ended on many occasions. My final abusive relationship ended in 2014, and through the process, it spotlighted my issues (addiction, trauma, etc.). I was privileged to have access to the resources I needed to recover, and that is a lifelong commitment. I believe that people deserve access to the proper care they need. I advocate for those individuals with my life experience and education with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, as a Graduate Student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (on my way to becoming a licensed), and as a member of the American Counseling Association, American Psychological Association, Psi Chi, and Chi Sigma Iota; it is a personal and professional necessity to work within my scope of knowledge. I discovered a fire within me to help other women who struggle as I once did, merely enduring life to survive, and now I thoroughly enjoy every previous day. Through this journey, I found my self-worth, discovered and nurtured my authentic self, and reclaimed my power/autonomy. I am enjoying the consequences of my decision to change the trajectory of my life; I WANT THAT FOR YOU TOO!

My Current Work & Philosophy

I share my knowledge and speak from my experience in meetings and outside speaking engagements. I regularly add information to the site, teach workshops, host meetings, conduct webinars, etc. Sharing my knowledge is something I feel called to do. People need and deserve a foundational understanding of relationships, communication, and healthcare, including mental health, so they develop personal agency to care for their well-being. Self-care should be the first thing we learn. Basic mental health education should not be held hostage by those in power or from the few with access to it, which naturally gives them awareness to seek guidance when whatever they are facing is too much to handle on their own. Without a basic understanding of mental health and mental healthcare, you have no context to consider that your life could be different from the way it has always been, and this prevents you from experiencing the life you were born to LIVE.

My Mission for WEW

People ask me why we only accept donations rather than charge for the meetings, which are mini-workshops, and I answer..."If I have information that can make life meaningful for others. If I know this information can empower them to do it for themselves, I am simply returning what was already theirs. I will not charge someone for that." I have learned in my recovery that we are ALL INHERENTLY WORTHY. We are equally worthy of being loved and respected, so we should have access to the education and tools required to establish and maintain a healthy life. I did not learn these skills until I was in my forties, which is unacceptable, and I am not alone. Many of our members become aware (for the first time) of boundaries in our support groups; this is just one example of how this group can make a difference. This information should be accessible for public consumption, and I intend to make that happen for this community and beyond.

"We do something magnificent when we teach others how to advocate for themselves, care for themselves, see beyond their trauma, pain, and the shame the world inflicts upon them. Giving people access to the fundamental components needed to be healthy in mind and body unlocks their most extraordinary possibilities; everyone benefits."

This passion project is becoming more beautiful every day with each new member. I would be honored to hear from you if you have questions, feedback, or suggestions. We welcome those who desire to play an active role in whatever capacity resonates with you; there is room for you, we need you, and others just like you will find hope and take action toward living their best life because you gave them the gift of your service.