CHAPTER PROMOTES FAMILY SUCCESS

Betty Brown and Royce Adams were both searching for information on how to better the chances of stepfamily success.

Brown was interested for personal reasons; Adams had both personal and professional interests -- such information would aid in her educational goals.

Through different avenues, the two found a national group called the Stepfamily Association of America Inc.

This autumn, Betty and Steve Brown and Royce Adams, with the aid of others, consolidated their efforts and formed a local chapter.

Called Stepfamily Stepping Ahead, the program is for adults who are members of a stepfamily or preparing to become part of one.

Following an eight-step "Stepping Ahead" program, group members find ways to create successful stepfamilies.

Stepfamily Stepping Ahead group meetings are held on the first Saturday of each month and on the third Friday of each month.

Beginning in January, Saturday meetings will be from 3 to 5 p.m. in St. Francis Medical Center's education center and Friday meetings will be 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the same site, Betty Brown said.

Adams the Browns and others are involved in the group.

People interested in the support group are invited to attend a Christmas dinner meeting Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Mr. B's in Cape Girardeau. For more information call 339-1098.