A support group
is a number of people, gathered closely together in a natural kind of helping
network, who have similar situations. It
is a place where one may benefit from the collective knowledge and experiences
of others, and find comfort in knowing that there are others that have shared
the same experiences. Support
groups can offer comfort, strength and courage by giving approval, and help to
build confidence in dealing with day-to-day issues, thereby establishing a sense
of community and an affirmation of self-worth.
They are usually led by lay-persons who are group members as well as
leaders.
Support groups
are not to be considered as replacements for therapy groups. While there are some similarities, as well as critical
differences between the two types of group work, therapy group members come into
the group with a range of issues and concerns.
In support groups, there is a specific issue that has been designated as
appropriate for the group, such as parenting or illness.
Support groups
focus on guidance using education, problem solving, and a programmed structure.
In contrast, self-exploration, interpersonal feedback, and a free-flowing
structure are often the focus of a therapy group.
Support group
activity is oriented toward reinforcing member’s efforts to deal with the
issues imposed by the condition or problem while therapy groups sometimes
emphasize reconstruction of individual members’ perspective or aspects of
their personalities so the change can occur.
The groups
listed meet at a variety of times; therefore, a telephone contact must be made
prior to attending a meeting or to find out more about the groups of interest to
you.
AFTER
CARE SOCIAL CLUBS
Address:
St. John’s Episcopal Church
Waynesboro, VA 22980
Phone:
(540) 949-6690
Contact Person:
Shirley Kappes, Coordinator
Services Provided:
The
After Care Social Club is for community residents who have been discharged from
mental institutions. The purpose is
to help individuals get back into the community.
The club is the ecumenical effort of churches in Waynesboro, and Augusta
County. There is a monthly dinner
meeting on the 2nd Monday, 5:30-7:30
p.m., at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Waynesboro.
Address:
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
300 W. Frederick Street
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 886-6076 or (540) 248-0843
Contact Person:
Sue Buerkel (885-4151)
Services Provided:
These group members are selected by
Valley Community Mental Health, who have been discharged from mental
institutions and who need help in getting back into the community. The organization is funded through contributions from local
churches. They meet on the 2nd and
4th Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. for dinner at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
Dinner is followed by either entertainment or recreation.
Address:
Augusta Medical Center
64 Sports Medicine Dr.
Fishersville, VA 22939
Phone:
(540) 332-4909 or (540) 932-4909
Contact Person:
Judy Matthews
Services Provided:
Hospice of the Shenandoah offers a
home-based specialized health-care program associated with terminal illness
which includes a physician, hospice nurse, social worker, volunteer hospice
chaplains, hospice trained volunteers, certified nursing assistants, bereavement
coordinator, specialized therapists, and dietitian.
Service is available by special arrangements through referrals, from
patients, family, physicians, friends, or other health agencies.
Hospice staff help the terminally ill live as pain free and alert as
possible through the remainder of their lives and provide support for the
patient’s family members in many ways, without charge.
Bereavement Support is provided for one year which includes an 8 week
bereavement support group.
ADHD (Parent Advocacy and Support Group)
Address:
326 Blue Ridge Hall at James
Madison University (across from COSTCO)
Harrisonburg, VA
Phone:
(540) 649-2375
Email:
chp@jmu.edu;
http://chp.jmu.edu
Contact Person:
Fran Clark
Services Provided:
Meets 2nd Tuesday every month, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Address:
P. O. Box 2322
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Phone:
(434) 979-7714 or 1-800-752-6862
Contact Person:
Kathy Baker
Services Provided: Weekly
support group for persons living with HIV/AIDS Case management services for
persons living with HIV/AIDS. Prevention
education and outreach to communities
Address:
18 W. Beverly St., third floor
P. O. Box 2463
Staunton, VA 24402-2463
Phone:
(54) 885-6912 anytime, or 886-0222
SUNDAY:
AA Staunton, closed 12-step study meetigs, 8 p.m.
AA and Al-Alnon, Verona,
closed discussion, 8 p.m., Verona UMC
AA, Keep It Simple Group, 10 a.m. Innkekeper, I-81, exit 225
MONDAY:
AA Closed tape meeting,
8 pm
AA Open Discussion Institutional Meeting, 11 a.m.-noon, Valley Mental Health, 85 Sanger’s Lane, et,
887-3200, ext. 137.
AA and Al-Anon, 8
p.m., closed step meeting, Emmanuel
Episcopal Church, 300 W. Frederick Street, Staunton.
TUESDAY:
AA
Staunton, closed speaker meeting, 8 p.m.
The last Tuesday of each month, open speaker anniversary meeting;
8 p.m.
Al-Anon, 1 p.m. Augusta County Library.
WEDNESDAY:
AA
Staunton, open beginners
meeting, 8 p.m.
AA
and Al-Anon, 8 p.m. Verona
United Methodist Church.
AA, noon, Augusta County Library.
THURSDAY:
AA
Staunton, 11a.m. and 8 p.m.
AA Ceremony Group, closed discussion, 8 p.m., 2nd Presbyterian
Church,
use Lewis Street entrance.
AA open meeting,
Sherando UMC, call 943-4228
AA
closed step meeting, noon, Augusta
County Library.
GA Staunton Group,
7:30 p.m., Christ UMC, Church library Churchville Ave.
Al-Anon, 8 p.m.Woodrow
Wilson Rehabilitation Center, administration building, room 45A.
Al-Anon, 8 p.m. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 300 W. Frederick
FRIDAY:
AA
Ceremony Group, open
discussion meeting, 10 p.m. Bethel Presbyterian Church.
AA
Ceremony Group, open
discussion, 8:30 p.m., Emmanuel
Episcopal Church, use N. Washington Street basement entrance.
AA Weyers Cave open discussion, 8 p.m., Pleasant Valley Church on Airport Road.
SATURDAY:
AA
open discussion meeting, 8-9 p.m.,
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 300 W. Frederick St.
AA Staunton group
closed discussion, 11a.m.; open
discussion, 10 p.m.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (WAYNESBORO)
Address:
St. John’s Episcopal Church
13th & Wayne Ave.
P. O. Box 816
Waynesboro, VA 22980
Phone:
(540) 949-7777
Meetings:
SUNDAY:
8:00 p.m.--Closed
Discussion
12 Step Discussion (closed)
St. John’s Episcopal
Church
St. John’s Episcopal
Church
13th & Wayne Ave.
13th & Wayne Ave.
Also Al-Anon (No Smoking)
MONDAY:
8:00 p.m.--Open Discussion
Recovery Choice
Augusta Medical Center (No
Smoking)
TUESDAY:
11:00 a.m.--Open Discussion
6:30 p.m.--Al-Ateen
St. John’s Episcopal
Church
8:00 p.m.--Open Discussion
13th & Wayne Ave.
(No Smoking)
Main St. Methodist Church
601 W. Main St..
WEDNESDAY: 8:00
p.m.--Closed Discussion
A.A. Study
Group
St.
John’s Episcopal Church
13th &
Wayne Ave. (No Smoking)
THURSDAY:
6:30 p.m.--Beginners Meeting
8:00 p.m.--Closed Discussion
St. John’s Episcopal
Church
St. John’s Episcopal Church
13th & Wayne Ave. (No
Smoking)
13th & Wayne Ave.
Also Al-Anon (No Smoking)
8:00 p.m.--Open Discussion
Main St. Methodist Church
601 W. Main St.
FRIDAY:
11:00 a.m.--Closed Discussion
8:00 p.m.--Closed Discussion
Big Book meeting downstairs
St. John’s Episcopal Church
St. John’s Episcopal Church
13th & Wayne Ave.
13th & Wayne Ave.
Also Al-Anon (No Smoking)
Last
Friday of the Month--Open Session
SATURDAY: 12:00
Noon--All Women’s Meeting 8:00 p.m. Open
Discussion
St. John’s Episcopal Church
St. John’s Episcopal Church
13th & Wayne Ave. (No Smoking)
13th & Wayne Ave.
WEDNESDAY: 6:00
p.m.
Outpatient Behavorial Health Services,
N. Park Dr., Room 107
Fishersville
FRIDAY:
8:00 p.m.Central United Methodist Church, Staunton
SATURDAY:
10:30 a.m, CCM House N. Main
St, Harrisonburg, VA
Address:
325 Pine Avenue Waynesboro VA
22980
Phone:
949-4151
Contact Peron:
Terry Team
Meeting Schedule:
4th Tuesday of every month 7-8:30
Services Provided:
Group for caregivers of individuals
with Alzheimer’s Disease
Address:
1920 H Medical Ave.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone:
(540) 434-3360 or 1-888-ACS-NEED
Contact Person:
Diana Dew Website:
www.cancer.org
Services Provided:
1)
Reach to Recovery--visitation program for breast cancer patients
2)
Road to Recovery--transportation to treatment centers for cancer
patients
3)
Man to Man--support group and visitation program for prostate
cancer patients and their families/friends
4)
United Ostomy Association--support and education for new ostomates
5)
No Voice Club--support group for people who have lost or will lose
their natural voice due to surgery
6)
Provide literature and cancer-related education programs
7)
Provide limited supplies of donated wigs, hats, turbans and
prosthesis for cancer patients
8)
Provide limited financial assistance to eligible cancer patients
for pain and nausea medication, travel reimbursement and nutritional supplements
AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION OF THE SHENANDOAH
Address:
530 East Main Street Suite 200
Richmond Virginia 23219
Contact Person:
Diane Rankin, Chapter President
Phone:
(888) DIABETES
Meetings:
1st Monday night, 7:00-9:00 p.m., at the Hampton Inn, Staunton
Services Provided:
The American Diabetes Association of
the Shenandoah Valley provides a monthly educational meeting featuring speakers
involved with diabetes for the public. Funds
research, publishes findings, and provides information and services to
individuals with diabetes.
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION (STAUNTON/WEST AUGUSTA
UNIT)
Contact Person:
Ms. Kendall Skeen
&nbs