• it can be very hard to get a new group going in a drop-in or shelter.
  
  
• The group may get cancelled early on because no one shows up.

The suggestions for group work in this section assume group formation has occurred. But it's important to recognize that this in itself can be a long term process.

New groups have a better chance of success in a drop-in/shelter if:

• members/residents/clients participate in deciding what the group should do
  
  
• members/residents/clients and staff are committed to the group and do regular outreach
  
  
• the group has a clear purpose and regular time and place to meet
  
  
• the group's work is focussed on a short-term project that has meaning and that people can participate in, whatever their skill level
  
  
• the group is flexible enough to respond to the more immediate needs of its members

II. A. Literacy Groups

• The group may be named as a literacy group (PARC), an adult basic education class (Toronto Board of Education classes at Fred Victor, Good Shepherd Refuge), or adult education (First Nations Adult Education Project)
  
  
• These groups allow community and friendship to develop and decrease social isolation through learning
  
  
• These groups destigmatize literacy, as participants realize they are not alone