Join Us
Social Outings • Family EventsOur group is here to support you.
Check out our Events page for social, family and educational events.
New to GF
Overwhelmed. We can help!We know it can be overwhelming
We provide virtual meetings for anyone new to gluten free living. Contact us for more info.
Donations
United Way • VolunteerYour support helps our support.
Donate through United Way, or contact us if you are interested in volunteering.
Greater Rochester Celiac Support Group
We are a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization committed to supporting people living on a gluten free diet. We have no membership dues and welcome members with Celiac Disease, Gluten Sensitivities and anyone caring for someone on a gluten free diet. We are a completely volunteer organization that was started in 1991 by a couple of dedicated women with Celiac Disease.
A bit of history:
When the group was started, Wegmans didn’t have a gluten free sections, restaurants didn’t have gluten free menus and most people made their own gluten free food at home. Can you imagine?
Eventually the group decided to join CSA (Celiac Sprue Association) so that Rochester Celiacs could benefit from being a part of a National Organization. In 2008, the group decided to leave CSA and join GIG (Gluten Intolerance Group). Our group gained so much from both parent organizations but in 2011, the Rochester Celiac Support Group decided to become their own entity and was renamed the Greater Rochester Celiac Support Group.
Meet the Board:
Per the Greater Rochester Celiac Support Groups’s by-laws, the following are positions on the Advisory Board.
Officers:
President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary
Directors:
Past President, At Large Membership, Family Event Coordinator, GF Educational Coordinator, Restaurant Liaison, Community Outreach Director,
Communications Director, Social Media Manager, Mentorship
October 2022 – September 2023 Advisory Board
Past President: Julie Brown
President: Lydia Powers
Vice President: Brandie Tekin
Secretary: Emily Gray
Treasurer: Ralph Powers
Family Event and Social/Networking Coordinator, Co-Chair: Dawn Molitor
Family Event and Social/Networking Coordinator, Co-Chair: Jillian Webster
GF Educational Coordinator: Stephanie Montero
Member At Large: Mike Tetlow
Member At Large: Becki Bigham
Member At Large: Emily Milazzo
OPEN POSITIONS for 2022-2023
Community Outreach Directormanages relationships with external groups, handles donations and sponsorships, etc.Communications DirectorManage info@ email and distributes group communicationsMentorshipCoordinates newcomer meetings and connections with similar situations for members.
Interested in any of the open positions, or want to help in a different way, contact us for more information!
Enjoy all Rochester has to offer!
“I joined the Greater Rochester Celiac Support Group in March of 2012 at the recommendation of my GI doctor, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Celiac disease can be a very lonely illness, so belonging to a support group like this has been so important- I feel like I am part of a team– I feel like someone always has my back and is willing to lend a hand if necessary.”
“My son was diagnosed with celiac disease in September 2012. I found the support group to be a great source of information and comfort when we were first navigating our new gluten free lifestyle and I love being part of this community. I am thrilled to be able to give back to the group by volunteering my time to serve on the board.”
“I have been the chairman of the Membership and Newcomer Orientation Committee since October of 2010. I felt that I could give back to the great group that helped me through my most difficult times and still helps every day. I was asked to join the committee and the answer was obvious! I hope to live up to the level of support that was given to me and share my knowledge to manage the challenges that this disease and gluten intolerance bring us every day.”
“I was thrilled to connect with our group upon moving to Rochester from the Philadelphia area in 2010, and I first became involved with the youth group later that year. Ironically, my husband was also diagnosed with Celiac that same year. I am grateful to be involved with such a dedicated group of volunteers that serves a special and wonderful community and has a terrific cause!”
“I am very excited to be involved as a leader with the GRCSG’s Youth Group full of fun, talented kids and teens who, like me, live a gluten-free lifestyle every day. I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2011, and I really look forward to our monthly meetings and other events where I can try tons of delicious foods, learn new information, and be around other great people who share something very important in common with me.”