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Mental Health America
Information

Local Support Groups

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.    

AH HOSPICE OF THE SHENANDOAH
Address: Augusta Medical Center
64 Sports Medicine Dr.
Fishersville, VA 22939
Phone: (540) 332-4909 or (540) 932-4909
Contact: Teri Humphries
Services:  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
Email: chp@jmu.edu
Meets:  2nd Tuesday every month, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Contact: Fran Clark, Facilitator
Services: Come join our support group and share your ideas about what toics you would  like to learn more about. Learn what social challenges that your ADHD child may have. Connect with local doctors, counselors and teachers. Learn how to manage your relationship with your ADHD child.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - STAUNTON
Phone: (549) 558-6912 anytime, or 949-7777
Meetings:  

SUNDAY

 10:00 AM OD (OS last Sunday of the month), Augusta Health Community Care Center, Room 3

6:30 p.m. Chapter 9, 2nd & 4th Sundays, Old Stone Church, Ft. Defiance

12:00 noon, OD, 110 W. Johnson St., Staunton

8:00 p.m. OD INST, New Hope Detox, Bldg E, WSH

8:00 p.m. Verona UMC, Rt. 11 near traffic light at Rt. 612

8:00 p.m. OD, 12 & 12, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Wayne Ave. & 13th St.

MONDAY

11:00 a.m. OD, 110 W. Johnson St., Staunton

5:30 p.m.OD, Augusta County Library Basement, Rt. 250 & Rt. 608

6:00 p.m. OD, WM, 12 Step Study, Trinity Episcopal Church, corner of Johnson & Lewis St., entrance off of 2nd floor

6:30 p.m. OD., child friendly—Rejoicing Life Baptist Church, Broadmoor Plaza, Stuarts Draft, Rt. 340

7:00 p.m. 12 & 12 Steps and Traditions, Shenandoah Heights Baptist , 901 Shenandoah Ave., Waynesboro

8:00 p.m. Speaker Tape, 110 W. Johnson St., Staunton

8:00 p.m. OD,, 12 Step Study, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 300 W. Frederick St., Staunton

TUESDAY

6;30 pm  wm  CD  Shenandoah  Promises 6

6:30 pm  CD  1417  Churchville  Ave,  Dockery Clinic

8:00 pm  OS, 110  W Johnson  St                                             

8:00 pm  CD  Trinity  Episcapol , corner  Johnson  AND  Lewis  St Johnson  St. entrance,  2 nd. Floor  FTG

8:00 pm ,OD, New Hope  Detox , Building  E , Western  State  Hospital

11:00 am OD , ST. Johns  Episcapol, 2nd  floor, Wayne Ave. at 13th                           

8:00 pm  OD  3RD   Tuesday, Main  Street  Methodist, 601 Main  Street

WEDNESDAY

12:00  NOON  Augusta  County Library , Basement,  Rt. 250 and  Rt  608 

8:00  pm ,OD, BG,  110 W. Johnson Street

8:00  pm OD, INST, New Hope Detox,  Building  E, Western  State  Hospital                                                     

6:15  pm, INTERGROUP  last Wednesday  of month  110 W Johnson St.       

8:00  pm CD, BB, Verona  United  Methodist  Rt. 11  near traffic light

8:00  pm  CD, BB, St. Johns  Episcapol, 2nd  floor,  Wayne  Ave. at 13th  St.

8:00  pm  CD,MM,Uniyarian  Chuirch, 565 Pine Ave.W[MG   

THURSDAY

7:30 PM  OD,Methodist  Church, RT  42

12:00  noon,CD, 12 and 12 Study, Augusta  County  Library , Basaement, RT250 and  608

8:00  pm, OD, Sherando United  Methodist, Howardsville  TPike, RT  608

11:00  AM OD, 110  W Johnson St SG

8:00  pm OD,  110 W Johnson  St.

8:00  pm  OD,INST.  New  Hope Detox, Western State  Hospital

6:30 PM OD  BG St.Johns  Episcapol  Church, Wayne Ave  at 13th  St    

8:00  pm CD  St  Johns Episcapol  Church, Wayne Ave  at 13 th St.

8:00  pm,OD, Main Street Methodist Church, 601 W Main St., MSG  

FRIDAY

8:00  pm CD, 110 W Johnson St.SG                     

8:00  PM  OD  INST  New Hope Detox, Building  E,  Western State  Hospital

8:00  pm  (Traditional, last Friday of each  month)  Trinity Episcopal Church at Johnson and  Lewis Streets -- Johnson St. entrance,  2nd  floor

11:00  pm OD  St Johns Episcopal Church  2nd floor, Wayne  Ave at 13th  Street  WG

8:00 pm CD, (OS, last Friday each month)   2nd floor, Wayne  Ave at 13th  Street

8:00 pm. Babysitting, Pleasant Valley Church of the  Brethern  on rt. 847     

SATURDAY

11:00 am OD , 110 W. Johnson St.

 8:00 pm OD , OS last Saturday of each month,  Emanuel Episcapol,  300  W Frederick

 8:00 pm  OD,  BB,  110  W Johnson St., SG

 10:00 pm OD,  110 W Johnson St. SG

 12:00 noon,Shenandoah  Heights Baptist Church, 901 Shenandoah Ave ,rear entrance

 8:00 pm OD, St. Johns Episcapol ,2nd floor, Wayne Ave. at 13th street  WG

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS -WAYNESBORO
Address: St. John’s Episcopal Church
13th & Wayne Ave.
P. O. Box 816
Waynesboro, VA 22980
Phone: (540) 949-7777
Contact:  
Services: SUNDAY:

8:00 p.m.--Closed Discussion 12 Step Discussion (closed) at
St. John’s Episcopal Church Also Al-Anon (No Smoking)

MONDAY:

8:00 p.m.--Open Discussion Recovery Choice at Augusta Medical Center (No Smoking)

TUESDAY:

11:00 a.m.-- St. John’s Episcopal Church
     6:30 p.m.--Al-Ateen
     8:00 p.m.--Open Discussion

WEDNESDAY:

8:00 p.m.--Closed Discussion

A.A. Study Group St. John’s Episcopal Church

THURSDAY:

6:30 p.m.--Beginners Meeting 8:00 p.m.--Closed Discussion

St. John’s Episcopal Church  Also Al-Anon (No Smoking)

8:00 p.m.--Open Discussion at 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 at
St. John’s Episcopal Church 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 at St. John’s Episcopal Church

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP
Address: 325 Pine Avenue
Waynesboro VA 22980
Phone: 949-4151
Contact: Terry Team
Services: Meets 4th Tuesday of every month 7-8:30
Group for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Address: 1920 H Medical Ave.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone: (540) 434-3360 or 1-888-ACS-NEED
Contact: Diana Dew Website: www.cancer.org
Services: 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: Augusta Medical Center
Fishersville, VA
Phone:

(540)-332-4047  or  213-2537
Contact: Shelly Payne, Chapter President
Services:

1st Thursday night  at 6;30  for  Type  1  Type 2 meets on 4th Monday at 5;30 pm

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)
Phone: (434) 973-5072
Contact: Ms. Kendall Skeen
3025 Berkmar Drive.
Charlotteville, VA 22901
Services: 1) Speaker’s Bureau

2) CPR classes

3) Education in the schools

4) Heart at Work Program--a health program in industry

5) Stroke Club

6) American Heart Food Fest--encourage stores to take a month a year to display heart healthy food

7) Trying to establish heart healthy foods in restaurants

8) Heart RX--brochure in doctor’s offices

AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION OF VIRGINIA
Address: 920 Shenandoah Village Drive Suite 113
Waynesboro, VA 22980 or 946-9023
Phone: (540) 434-LUNG or 1-800-345-5864
Website: www.lungusa.org/virginia
Services: 1) Stop-smoking programs

2) Non-smokers rights

3) Clean air programs

4) School programs

5) Community service education programs and educational literature

6) Patient and family program

AMERICAN RED CROSS
Address: Dick Huff Lane
Verona, VA
Phone: (540) 886-9151
Contact: Program Director Jill Siegel
Services: Provides immediate relief to disaster victims and conducts local bloodmobiles. Assists individuals in the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families on a 24-hour basis. Meeting health and safety needs by conducting CPR, First Aid, AIDS, Babysitting, and Water Safety Courses.

ANGER MANAGEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Address: Valley Community Services Board
85 Sanger’s Lane
Staunton, VA 24401
Phone:  887-3200
Contact: John Snyder
Services: 12 sessions are provided on Mondays from 4:30-6:00 P. M. Interested persons should call VCSB for initial evaluation and be referred to the group.

BIPOLAR DISORDER SUPPORT GROUP
Address: The Mental Health Association of Augusta
The Professional Building, Room 206
Staunton, VA 24401
Phone: (540) 886-7181 or 949-0169
Contact: Donna Gum, Administrator
Services: The Bipolar Disorder Support Group is for persons and or their family members who suffer from a bipolar disorder.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP - Staunton
Address: Augusta County Library
Fishersville, VA 22939
Phone: (540) 949-4151
Contact: Terry Team, RN, Director of Adult Day Care Center
Services: Meets 4th Tuesday of each month
Caregivers Support Group is a group for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or any other problem which may require 24 hour a day supervision.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP - Waynesboro
Address: Waynesboro Adult Day Health Care Center
325 Pine Ave.
Phone:  (540) 949-4151
Contact: Terry Team, RN, Director of Adult Day Care Center
Services: Meets 3rd Monday of each month
Caregivers Support Group is a group for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or any other problem which may require 24 hour a day supervision.

CODA (CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS) for WOMEN
Address: 1434 Shenandoah Ave.
Waynesboro, VA 22980
Phone: (540) 943-6006
Contact: Elizabeth Wilkinson
Services:  Meets every Monday night, 7:00 p.m. at the Augusta County Library, Fishersville. A 12-step woman's fellowship program with an inability to maintain a functional relationship. Literature and sponsors available.

CODA (CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS) for MEN & WOMEN
Address: 1434 Shenandoah Ave.
Waynesboro, VA 22980
Phone:

(540) 943-6631
Contact: Chris Harmon
Services:  Meets every Tuesday night, 7:00 p.m. at the Augusta County Library, Fishersville. A 12-step fellowship program for men and women with an inability to maintain a functional relationship. Literature and sponsors available.

DIABETES SUPPORT FOR AUGUSTA COUNTY
Address:

 Fishersville,Va.22939            

Phone:

(540) 332-4576
Contact: Jane  Blosser
Services:  

Meets 1st  Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm  for Stage 1 Diabetes

 4th  Monday of each month at 5:30 pm for Stage 2 Diabetes

 All meetings will be in the  ACC Building. For more information,  go to the Augusta Health Web site 

EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUP
Address: Augusta Health Community Building
Phone:

(540) 248-0800
Contact:

Katherine Jacobson
Services:

All meetings will be in the  ACC Building. For more information, go to  Augusta Health Web site 

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP/a>
Address: Wayne Hills Baptist Church
877 Ladd Rd.
Waynesboro, VA 22980
Phone:  (540) 943-2237; voice mail: 941-6281 (teresa.sours@whbc.net)
Contact: Teresa Sours
Services: Meets every Monday, 7:00 p.m. at Wayne Hills Baptist Church. This group is open to anyone 18 or older who has had a loved one to die. They approach grief in 2 ways: 1) We educate ourselves on what grief is , what it looks like, what we can expect from the journey through it; 2) We encourage, love, and support one another as we make the journey toward healing together

HOSPICE OF THE PIEDMONT
Address: 1290 Seminole Trail
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Phone: 1-800-975-5501
Contact: Jean Bradley, R.N., Director of Nursing
Services: The Hospice of the Piedmont is a licensed not-for-profit health care agency providing professional, compassionate care for patients and their families who are facing a limited life expectancy. Emphasis is on the needs of the entire family. Care goes beyond the home to nursing homes. A coordinated program of care is provided for each patient and family. According to need, teams are chosen from these resources: patient’s physician; registered nurses; social workers; staff chaplains/counselors; home health aides; trained volunteers; physical therapists; occupational and speech therapists; and nutritionists. Services include: RN on call 24 hours a day; palliative medical treatment; pain management and symptom control; emotional and spiritual support; assistance with personal care; hospitalization when needed; bereavement counseling; and respite care.

MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA-AUGUSTA
AAddress:

101  West Frederick St. Suite  206
Staunton, VA 24401
Phone: (540) 886-7181 / 949-0169
Contact: Donna Gum,  Executive Director
Services:

Referral to appropriate private/public mental health provider or support group.

MOMS WITHOUT DADS
AAddress:

Family Resource  and  Referral Center
1600 N Coalter  St. Suite  11
Staunton,VA  24401
Phone:/td> ((540) 245-5899
Contact: Alan Fairfield, Director
Services:/td>  A support group for single mothers who are raising children on their own, to offer help in a calm and accepting atmosphere. Meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS--BLUE RIDGE CHAPTER
Address: 1 Morton Dr.
Charlottesville, VA 22906
Phone: 1-800-451-0373
CContact: Paul Kingston, Services Coordinator
Services:/td> 1) Information and Referral

2) Programs for persons with Multiple Sclerosis and for family and friends

3) Some financial assistance if criteria is met

NAMI (NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL)-WE CARE, AUGUSTA
AAddress:

c/o MHA-A
101  West Frederick St. Suite  206
Staunton, VA 24401
Phone: (540) 886-7181 / 949-0169
Contact: Donna Gum, MHA-A Executive Director
Services:

Meets 3rd Tuesday of each month at Central United Methodist Church, Staunton. We Care AMI (Alliance for the Mentally Ill) is a support Group for the families of the seriously mentally ill.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
Address: Main Street United Methodist Church
601 Main St.
Waynesboro, VA 22980
Phone: (540) 332-8191
Contact: New Hope Detoxification
Services: Meets Monday--8:00 p.m.--Call 332-8191 to confirm. Narcotics Anonymous is a 12 step support group for people with a desire to strop using alcohol and /or other drugs.

OVERCOMERS OUTREACH
Address: Four Square Gospel Church
Phone: 949-0128
Meets: 7 pm Fridays
Services: Support group for any type of compulsion or addiction. Follows the 12 step focus.

SACRA (STAUNTON/AUGUSTA COUNTY RELIEF ASSOCIATION)
Address: Saint Francis Catholic Church
126 N. New St.
Staunton, VA 24401
Phone: (540) 886-3957
Contact: Julia Boward (886-9179)
Services: SACRA provides community volunteers who coordinate screening and dispersal of financial assistance to assist with necessary living costs such as food, utilities, rent, and medications for eligible families who do not qualify for governmental funds to cover such needs. Informal financial counseling and planning is also provided. Church and private contributions finance this non-denominational, all volunteer agency. Restrictions: Services for residents of Staunton and Augusta County, west of Rt. 608 Open 9:00-11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday

SENIORS AND LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Address: Shenandoah Valley Grief Center
Phone: (540) 434-8450
Contact: The Rev. Cynthia Long Lasher
Services: The Senior and Loss group is for Senior Citizens who may have experienced a variety of losses such as the death of a spouse, moving from their homes into a retirement community, increasing health problems, loss of independence due to aging, loss of driving privileges due to poor eyesight, increased dependence on their children or others, and so on. The group is a support group where participants share their stories and their losses and obtain support from others who may be walking along a similaarr grief journey.

SEPARATED & DIVORCED GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Address: Shenandoah Valley Grief Center
Phone: (540) 434-8450
Contact: The Rev. Cynthia Long Lasher
Services: The Separated and Divorced group is for folks who are separated and/or are divorced. Participants who attend the group are invited to share their stories and their struggles with others who have experienced a similar journey.

THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY STROKE CLUB
Address: Augusta Medical Center-Recreation Therapy Dept.
P. O. Box 1000
Fishersville,VA 22939
Phone: (540) 332-4050 (Staunton) (540) 932-4050
Contact: Shelly Payne, Occupational Therapist
Services: The Stroke Club is made up of members of our community and their families who have experienced and survived a stroke and is committed to the support and nurturing of our members, educating each other and our community, and enjoying the fellowship of others. Programs include educational sessions, community recreation and leisure events, socials, and gatherings at local restaurants. No membership dues are required, but we do collect funds for correspondence and gifts for our members and program costs.

SVCD (SHENANDOAH VALLEY CLUB OF THE DEAF)
Phone: 885-2642, TTY
Contact: Glenn Patterson
Services:  

VIRGINIA HEAD INJURY FOUNDATION (BLUE RIDGE CHAPTER)
Address: Rt. 2, Box 374A
Staunton, VA 24401
Phone: (540) 337-4293
Contact: Linda Schooley
Services: 1) Educational information about insurance, housing, job opportunities, etc.

2) Emotional support for victims of head injury

WAYNESBORO SENIOR CENTER
Address: 325 Pine Ave.
Waynesboro, VA 22980
Phone: (540) 942-1838
Contact: Libby Malone-Director
Services: Waynesboro Senior Center is coordinated by the Valley Program for Aging Services, Inc. for persons 60 and over. A van is provided for transportation to and from the center within the city limits. A hot, nutritious meal is served each weekday at 11:45 a.m. for a contribution of a $1.00. A variety of activities and programs are available to participants. Volunteers are most welcome to assist in food preparation or serving or activities and programs.

 

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