New support group aims to meet needs of single parents Published April 7, 2016 By Argen Duncan Nucleus editor KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- A single-parent support group is forming at Kirtland Air Force Base. The first meeting is set for 9-10 a.m. April 13 in the Consolidated Support Building, Room 126. The group is open to anyone with base access, whether military, civilian employee or contractor. Group organizer Ericka Wallace of the Airman and Family Readiness Center asks interested parents to RSVP so she'll know if she needs to move the meeting to a bigger venue. Wallace said she'd use the first meeting to gauge interest and learn what people want from the group and how often they want to meet. She plans to tailor the group to the needs of the members. "We're definitely open to all ideas," she said. She decided to start the single-parent group after an Airman inquired if one existed. After checking on base and in the community, she found none did, especially not one addressing needs specific to the military community. "In this environment, there are additional barriers, especially if your family is not here to help pick up," Wallace said. She has researched things that single parents might find useful, such as guest speakers and topics like disciplining children, dating again and financial issues . "But nothing is going to be concrete until I get some feedback from the people who are going to be interested," she said. Wallace said she's heard from single parents that they often just want adult conversation. It helps to talk to someone in the same situation, she added. She wants single parents to know they're not alone. To RSVP, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center front desk at 846-0741 or contact Wallace at 853-1713 or ericka.wallace@us.af.mil.