CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- This month, the YWCA in Charleston will launch a support group for interracial families.

According to a news release from the association, this type of support is lacking in West Virginia. In the 2000 U.S. Census, 6.8 million people reported being more than one race.

"My response is always kind and informative, but the question itself is sometimes part of the reason they need support," YWCA Racial Justice Coordinator Nell Fleming said. "If you don’t know why or don’t think we need support, you haven’t walked in our shoes."

The Women with Biracial Children Support Group will be held on the third Monday of each month from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the YWCA O'Conoor-Autz Room at 1114 Quarrier Street in downtown Charleston.

The group is for mothers or female guardians raising biracial or multiracial children who need support dealing with identify development, child rearing, racism, discrimination and other issues unique to caregivers with multiracial children.

The first monthly support group is set for January 18. Childcare will be available on site for $5/hour per child.

Organizers say several topics will be discussed, including identity development, diversity in neighborhoods, school and churches, and dealing with racist family members.

"As beautiful as it is to live in a diverse society with interracial, interfaith, and multi-cultural families, there are times that it is necessary to converse with folks who share your experiences without judgment, pity, shock or disregard," Fleming stated. "The list of issues women with biracial children face is long, and not every person deals with them to the same extent; however, some issues cross all class and regional lines."

If you would like more information about the group, click on the link below or call Nell Fleming at (309) 825-9133.

The initiative is part of the YWCA's new Racial Justice Program.