About Us

  • Why was the Girlfriend Recovery Club created?

  • The Girlfriend Recovery Club was created to support women in recovery from illness, interpersonal issues or loss. It all started with the desire to reach out to a girlfriend with a diagnosis of cancer. We wanted to create a tool to communicate, reach out and support friends near and far. Our non-profit web-based community is home base for our outreach of friendship.

  • Who are the founders?

  • The founders are Marguerite Schmidt (Chapel Hill, NC); This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Cora DeLoia (Pittsburgh, PA); This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  To contact them just send an email or talk to them directly on the Girlfriend Blog.

  • What are the visions of the founders for site growth and development?

  • The sky is the limit. We are currently making plans for phase II of the website development which will include improved features for social media, resources and overall site navigation.

Articles

  • What will I find on the Articles page?

  • The Articles page include an archive of all articles collected by the Girlfriend Recovery Club. Some of these may have appeared on the Home Page under Article Spotlight. All articles are stored under the topic categories of Featured Girlfriend, Health, Relationships, Spirit, Style and Girlfriend to Girlfriend.

Community Calendar

  • What is the Community Calendar?

  • This calendar holds a listing of events happening in your community and around the country.

  • What events appear on the Community Calendar?

  • The Community Calendar will be populated with women-related events happening around the country. These may range from charity fund-raising events such as races, auctions and benefits to informational sessions such as seminars, symposiums or continuing education forums.

  • How do I find events that are happening in my area?

  • Events in your area will automatically appear on your Community Calendar based on your zip code and search option upon login. (You can sort distances by All, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 miles). The events will appear as a block of copy on the day. Click on the day to find further information.

  • How can I get events added to the Community Calendar?

  • The Community Calendar will be populated by the GRC staff and contributing organizations from around the country. If you have an event you wish to add, please send the information to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Include the name of the event title, date, description and address including zip code.

Donate/Volunteer

  • How can I volunteer to help the Girlfriend Recovery Club?

  • The Girlfriend Recovery Club is a 501-c (3) non-profit and relies on volunteers to support the organization and help out in a number of capacities. Just click on the Donate/Volunteer tab and you will locate an online volunteer form. Please fill it out completely and send. The Girlfriend Recovery Club staff will respond to your form in a timely fashion and will endeavor to find a way for you to support the organization and its mission.

  • How can I donate to the GRC?

  • The Girlfriend Recovery Club relies on donations to support its outreach to women everywhere. If you wish to make a donation, please click on the Donate/Volunteer tab. On that page, you will have the option to donate online or print out a PDF donation form that can be sent via mail. All donations, large or small, are gratefully accepted and acknowledged.

  • Is my donation tax deductible?

  • Yes, your cash donation is tax deductible because the Girlfriend Recovery Club is a non-profit 501-c (3) organization. A receipt will be sent with every donation.

General Questions

  • How to I contact the Girlfriend Recovery Club if I have a question?

  • You can either email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact us at 919-240-4944. We will do our best to get back to you within two working days.

  • I’m having problems logging in. What should I do?

  • If you have forgotten your password, then just create a new one. Make sure to keep this information nearby or ask you computer to remember you.

    If that doesn’t work, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll try to help out.

  • I can’t upload a photo to my profile. What should I do?

  • Make sure your photo is a file no larger than 5MB and in the following formats: .jpg, .gif, .bmp, or .png. You can find this information by clicking on the photo or right clicking and checking Properties. If your favorite photo is too large, then resave it.

  • My friends aren’t receiving my invitations to join my group? What should I do?

  • First check that your invitations have been received. On “My Page”, look down to find “Group Invitations I sent” There you will see View Status and Pending, Approved and Declined. If you click on any of those categories, you can confirm the status of your invitations.

  • I’ve never blogged before. Can you help me get started?

  • The Girlfriend Blog can be accessed on the homepage. You will be able to read threads on topics by contributing authors and leave comments if you wish. The blog has been formatted to be self guiding and user friendly. If you have any problems, feel free to contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • I don’t shop online but want to buy a Girlfriend Recovery Club product. Can you help me?

  • If online shopping isn’t your thing, then simply contact us at 919-240-4944 and you can order your purchases over the phone.

  • I do shop online, but want to make sure my credit card information is safe. What assurances can the Girlfriend Recovery Club give to protect my information?

  • The Girlfriend Recovery Club, Inc. considers safety of your credit card information of upmost importance. We use one of the most trusted names in the payment industry, Authorize.net, to take care of your credit card processing.  They are PCI Compliant, which means that they undergo yearly security scans to ensure that their payment gateway services comply with the PCI Data Security Standards. The Payment Card Industry (PCI) Security Standards Council is a council formed by the major credit card brands to help improve credit card security by creating and maintaining standards on how to properly handle credit card information. The PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) defines what merchants should do in order to reduce the risk of fraud and improve their customer’s confidence in using credit cards for payment.

  • I’m looking for information about a topic. Where do I find it?

  • In the Resource page of the site, you will find topic based links to other sites that may be able to answer your question. But that is only the beginning. In the future, this area will include an archive of articles, references, book listings and video links by topic area. As the site develops, so will this area.

Home Page

  • What can I expect to find on the Girlfriend Recovery Club homepage?

  • The Girlfriend Recovery Club homepage is there to welcome, inform, entertain and inspire.

    If you’re not a Girlfriend Recovery Club member, that’s where you can join our club. (Click here to Join today). If you are already a Girlfriend, then you simply have to login at the top right side of the page.

    The homepage features a “rolodex” style of 4 tabs.

    On one of the homepage flip chart tabs, you will be introduced to a Featured Girlfriend and read her unique story of recovery.

    On the homepage flip chart tabs, you will find the Girlfriend Blog with featured threads from contributing authors. It gives women a chance to speak about topics that are relevant, important or just plain fun. As a visitor, you can leave a comment and join in on the chat.

    On one of the homepage flip chart tabs, you will find a Featured Product from our online store. The product line exists to spread the mission of the Girlfriend Recovery Club and offer another service to our online community of friends.

    On one of the homepage flip chart tabs, you will gain access to the Girlfriend Gallery with revolving features that may include photos, videos, articles about recent events and more.

    On the homepage, you will find interesting articles to read in the “Article Spotlight”. These articles are original work submitted by independent writers and through our health care partners.

    You can access a Community Calendar with a listing of events happening in your area or in other areas (accessed by zip code) around the country.

    You will meet the Girlfriend Recovery Club health care partners and gain quick access to their websites.

    Girlfriend Recovery Club homepage will also feature our sponsors and advertisers who help us pay the bills.

  • What articles will the homepage feature?

  • The articles featured on the homepage are submitted by independent writers and health care organizations around the country. The topic areas are varied and cover a wide range of interests and needs. Look for these areas and icons to appear on the homepage. After their appearance, they will be archived in the resource section.

    Health (health icon) Articles pertaining to wellness, fitness, diseases, new research and treatment options. Health Care partners will be a major source of content in this area.

    Spirit (spirit icon) Articles about faith, hope and the power of love and forgiveness.

    Style (style icon) Articles with a focus on fashion, style and feminine commentary and satire.

    Relationships (relationship icon) It takes two to tango and these articles will explore that dynamic.

    Girlfriend to Girlfriend (g to g icon) these articles give women everywhere a chance to have a heart to heart with the GRC community at large. They might come out of the Girlfriend Blog or written as an open letter to the Girlfriend Recovery Club audience.

    Featured Girlfriend (f g icon) Articles that will honor a particular women and her journey through recovery. Nominated girlfriends will have their photo and story highlighted.

  • What is a “Featured Girlfriend”?

  • A “Featured Girlfriend” is a woman whose story of recovery will be honored and highlighted on the Girlfriend Recovery Club homepage. Nominations will be sought from the Girlfriend Recovery Club community. We know that there are many wonderful women around the country with a story of recovery that will inspire and guide others in similar situations. We simply want to be a resource to bring these women to a community spotlight.

  • How can I nominate a friend to be a “Featured Girlfriend”?

  • You can nominate a girlfriend by following the “Nominate a Girlfriend” link on “My Page” Make sure to include a photo and a short description of your nominated girlfriend, along with her name and address. The story you submit should be about 500-700 words. The Girlfriend Recovery Club staff will take it from there and let you know when to expect the posting on the homepage.

  • Who are the sponsors featured on the homepage?

  • The sponsors on the Girlfriend Recovery Club homepage are corporations, organizations or individuals who have helped the Girlfriend Recovery Club thru financial contributions, event sponsorship or other support.

  • Who are the hospital partners featured on the homepage?

  • The health care partners featured on the homepage are organizations who are supporting the Girlfriend Recovery Club through sharing of resources, site promotion, event sponsorship and participation in patient navigation programs.

  • What is the Community Calendar?

  • The Community Calendar is a listing of events happening around the country accessed by zip code. The calendar will be populated  by Girlfriend Recovery Club staff and through submissions by other non-profit organizations, health care facilities, corporations, and individuals who wish to publicize women events in their area.

  • How do I join the Girlfriend Recovery Club?

  • You can join the Girlfriend Recovery Club by clicking on the “Join here today” and following the prompts. You can also accept an invitation sent to you via email from a Girlfriend Recovery Club member and follow the invitation link.  To join, you will be asked a few questions about yourself and will be given the choice of a public or private profile. To complete your membership login, you must answer all questions with a * next to them and accept the legalese of membership. Our club is only as strong as its members, so please pass the word along to you girlfriends everywhere.

Media

  • What will I find on the Media page?

  • The Media Page includes hyperlinks to articles and videos of Girlfriend Recovery Club events and activities.

  • How will I know when there is a GRC event in my area?

  • It is likely that the event will appear on the Homepage in the Girlfriend Gallery tab or under Article Spotlight. It will also be listed on the Community Calendar.

My Page

  • What is “My Page”

  • “My Page” is you own, private website within a website. This is the page where you can organize yourself (My Calendar), set up private support groups for friends (My Private Groups I’ve Started), join a private support group started by someone else ( Private Groups I’ve Joined),  track invitations sent and received, edit your profile and more.

  • How do I start a Private Group?

  • In “My Page” under “My Private Groups I’ve Started” hit the tab for “Start a New Group”. You will be asked to give the Group a title and a description. Be creative! Once inside your new group, you can add photos to personalize this page. Now, you need to invite your friends to join your group. If you know they are already Girlfriend Recovery Club members, then you can invite them by putting in their name, user name or email under “Invite GRC Friends”. If you want to invite somebody outside the group, simply hit the “Invite” tab and type in their email address. For multiple email addresses, hit return after each entry. Make sure to type in a message about why you are emailing them this invitation and encourage them to join the Girlfriend Recovery Club and your private group.

  • How do I invite friends to join my Private Group?

  • If you know they are already Girlfriend Recovery Club members, then you can invite them by putting in their name, user name or email under “Invite GRC Friends”. If you want to invite somebody outside the group, simply hit the “Invite” tab and type in their email address. For multiple email addresses, hit return after each entry. Make sure to type in a message about why you are emailing them this invitation and encourage them to join the Girlfriend Recovery Club and your private group.

  • How do I know if the invitations I send we received by my girlfriends?

  • On “My Page”, scroll down to the lower part of your page. You will see “Group Invitations I Sent”. Underneath, you can view the status of invitations you have sent and whether they are pending, approved or declined. You can click on each category to read a drop down list.

  • How do I know when somebody else has invited me to be part of their group?

  • On “My Page”, scroll down to the lower part of your page. You will see “Private Group Invitations I’ve Received”. Underneath, you can view the status of invitations you received and whether they are pending, approved or declined. If they are pending, you will be asked to approve or decline the invitation you received. You can click on each category to read a drop down list.

  • What is the “Group Calendar”?

  • The “Group Calendar” is a calendar that can be used to organize activities or support within your private group. This might involve making a meal, picking up kids or visiting somebody at the hospital or home.

  • How do I add an activity to the “Group Calendar”?

  • To add an activity to the “Group Calendar” simply click on the day you wish to add the activity. You can also hit the tab “Add Activity”. You will be prompted to list the activity, date and give a description. Then, you simply add the activity. The Group Calendar also have options to receive email alerts to your calendar activities. The default is send email notifications (yes). If you don’t want to be reminded by email, select no to send email notifications.

  • What happens once I add an activity to the “Group Calendar”?

  • If you have selected “yes” to email notifications, you will be sent an email reminder.  In addition, your “My Calendar” in “My Page” will be updated with your newest commitment.

  • How do I end my participation in a Private Group?

  • Under the title of each group you belong to, you will find a tab called “Leave this Group”. Once activated, you will be removed from participation in that group.

  • What is “My Calendar” and how does it work?

  • “My Calendar” in “My Page” is your own calendar to add activities in a particular week or month. Once you add an activity, the day will be highlighted with a pink block to remind you of that commitment or event. This calendar is also linked to all “Group Calendars” within any private groups you belong to. If you choose to sign up for an activity in a private group, it will be highlighted on “My Calendar” as well. You will also be sent an email as a reminder of your activity or support commitment.

  • What is the Girlfriend Blog?

  • The Girlfriendf Blog is an open forum where you are given the chance to correspond with the GRC community at large. The Girlfriend Blog appears on the homepage and can be easily accessed. To leave a comment, you need to join the Girlfriend Recovery Club. It’s easy…and by joining you can have full access to the site including the private, My Page.

Resources

  • What will I find on the Resource page?

  • The Resource Page includes links to topic areas such as disease, products, divorce, bereavement and other health related issues. Future plans include a resource library of archived articles, videos and other complimentary resources.

  • What are the links and how do they work?

  • Just click on a selected resource area, and a listing of links will pop up. These links have been tested and will be updated and added to regularly.

  • I can’t find the information I’m looking for. Can you help?

  • Our wish is to add continually to our library of links and other resources. We welcome your input on what resources you would like to see added to our existing list. Simply email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and outline your specific suggestions or additions.

  • How can a get a link added to the resources?

  • Just email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will review your link. If it passes our screening procedures, we will add it to our resource links.

  • What can I expect to see in the Resource section in the future?

  • The Girlfriend Recovery Club resource page has huge room for growth and expansion. We will certainly add more links on a variety of topic areas. We also plan to add articles, videos and other support materials that are available as reference. We also plan to add features in phase II of the web development to will afford better storage, easier access and retrieval. Stay tuned!

Shop

  • What will I find in the Girlfriend Recovery Club Shop?

  • In the Girlfriend Recovery Club Shop, you will find a selection of products especially designed for the Girlfriend Recovery Club. All the products have been selected with you and your special girlfriends in mind. The Girlfriend Recovery Club shopping cart is designed with ease and security as a priority. You are just a click away from ordering a unique gift for you or a friend. The Girlfriend Recovery  Club uses one of the most trusted names in the payment industry to process your credit card information; Authorize.net.

  • What kind of products does the Girlfriend Recovery Club Shop sell?

  • The shop carries an exclusive line of jewelry, scarves and tee shirts that promote the name and mission of the Girlfriend Recovery Club.

  • Why does the Girlfriend Recovery Club have a product line?

  • The Girlfriend Recovery Club (a non-profit 501-c (3) has a product line to provide the service of gift giving to our members. We understand that gifts, especially unique and thoughtful ones, are a wonderful expression of love and support between friends.  The product line also serves as a way to spread our website and mission to a larger audience. 100% of the profits go back to support the Girlfriend Recovery Club organization.