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Recognizing a major unfilled social need for education, support, and advocacy, veteran stepparents and clinicians Emily and John Visher founded the nonprofit Stepfamily Association of California in the early 1980's. Through the efforts of the Vishers and a growing number of dedicated volunteers in many states, this became the Stepfamily Association of America several years later. SAA helped set up state chapters, gave professional training, published a newsletter, offered an online Forum, mail-order resources, provided an annual national conference, and promoted public education on and legal advocacy for the special needs of typical stepfamilies. It tried to offset operating costs by membership and chapter certification and training fees, sales of printed materials, and donations. For twenty years, SAA was the only national nonprofit organization to support and advocate for this ancient, normal, complex type of family. It assisted similar organizations to form in Japan, Canada, Australia, England, and other countries. Unable to acquire grant money after the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York and Washington, the Board of Directors voted reluctantly in mid-2006 to close the organization because of insufficient operating funds. in closing, SAA donated its online and other resources to a new nonprofit organization, the National Stepfamily Resource Center (NSRC) sponsored by Auburn University In Alabama. |
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