Support Groups Calendar

Compiled by Linn Casey Bristol Herald Courier
Published: July 8, 2008

SUPPORT GROUPS

ABUSE ALTERNATIVES: Bristol, for women, Mondays, 5:15-6:45 p.m.; call for location, (423) 652-9098.

ALANON: Abingdon, Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church, 136 E. Main St.; meets Tuesdays, Thursdays, 8 p.m.

ALANON “WE CARE”: Bristol, Va., Central Presbyterian Church, 301 Euclid Avenue, meets Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, 8 p.m.; support group for families and friends of alcoholics; Irene, (423) 764-0874; Karen, (276) 669-6547.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, BRISTOL: Fellowship Chapel Church, 201 Crockett St., Monday-Friday, noon, Saturday, 11 a.m.; Central Presbyterian Church, 301 Euclid Ave., Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, 8 p.m., also women’s meeting, Monday, 7 p.m.; Ridgeview Pavilion, 300 North St., Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday, 8 p.m.; (423) 968-2020.

ALS CAREGIVER: Meets via conference calls, one Wednesday evening, one Saturday monthly; days vary; for call-in number, dates, call(423) 224-2357.

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION: Bristol, Broadmore Assisted Living, 826 Meadowview Rd.; fourth Wednesday, 3 p.m.; Bristol, Bristol Nursing Home, 261 North St., last Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., Penny Johnson, (423) 764-6151; Abingdon Senior Center, 300 Senior Drive., first Thursday, 10 a.m.; Abingdon, Pleasant View United Methodist Church, 18416 Lee Hwy., third Monday, 6 p.m.; Abingdon, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 807 E. Main St., First Thursday, 10 a.m.; Marion, District Three Senior Services, 4453 Lee Hwy., fourth Thursday, 6 p.m.; Richlands, Gethsemane Baptist Church, second Monday, 6:30 p.m.; for anyone dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia; (888) 800-8782 or (423) 928-4080.

ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS: Abingdon Senor Center, 300 Senior Drive, every Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; provides care while you rest, shop, etc.; provides lunch, activities, socialization in safe, caring atmosphere; no charge, advanced registration required; Dexter Peltzer or Tammie Dea, (276) 628-3911 or 628-5859.

ARC OF LENOWISCO: Big Stone Gap, Developmental Services, Independence House, March, June, September, December, 5:30 p.m.; provides support, advocacy, education, community awareness for individuals with disabilities, special needs, their families, others involved in their care; Claressa Young, (276) 523-4357.

AWAKE/CPAP: Bristol Mall, 6 p.m.; part of Wellcare at the Mall; community support group for patients, families with sleep disordered breathing; Beverly Smith, (423) 230-8165.

BRAIN INJURY: Abingdon, Appalachian Independence Ctr., second Tuesday, 5-6 p.m.; survivors, caregivers welcome; Louise Buchanan, (276) 628-2979, ext. 307.

BREAST CANCER: Bristol Va., Euclid Ave. Baptist Church, third Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.; information, support, caring, resources for persons who have or have had breast cancer; sponsored by Wellmont Health System, American Cancer Society; Ann Corrin, (423) 968-3547 or Peggy Miller, (276) 669-6030. Abingdon, new Johnston Memorial Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, 26079 Lee Hwy., across from DMV; second Thursday, 2-4 p.m.; information, directions from Luedell Bailey, (276) 628-1601.

BREASTFEEDING: Kingsport, Breastfeeding Essentials; third Thursday, 6:30 p.m.; open to all pregnant, nursing moms; free baby weight checks, bra fittings, literature; refreshments; led by board certified lactation consultant; Becky Flora, (423) 877-99-PUMPS or ; http://www.breastfeed-essentials.com/supportgroupschedule.html.

BRISTOL ENABLING ALLIANCE: Bristol, Va., People Inc. building, conference room, 800 Randall St. Expressway; for individuals with disabilities, their families and friends; Appalachian Independence Ctr., (276) 591-1433.

CADUCEUS: Abingdon, Fridays, 7:30 p.m.; Addiction Recovery Resources for Professionals; Dr. Lewis Weber & Associates, (540) 815-4214 for directions.

CANCER: For anyone whose life has been touched by cancer; free to public; family, friends welcome; Richlands: First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 402 Suffolk Ave.; Kay Medley, (276) 596-6010.

COMMUNITY GRIEF: Abingdon, Farris Cremation & Funeral Center, Family Room, Forest Hills Memory Garden, 19415 Lee Hwy.; first Tuesday, 7 p.m.; for those who have experienced death of loved one; sponsored by Farris Funeral Service; free; Kimberly Farris-Luke, (276) 623-2700; also grief support group, Abingdon Senior Center, 300 Senior Drive, fourth Monday, 10-11 a.m., Tammie, (276) 628-5859.

COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS: Bristol Tenn., Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steels Rd.; Tri-Cities chapter, first Sunday, 2 p.m., directly behind BRMC; support, understanding to parents, siblings, grandparents experiencing the death of a child of any age; Roger Riddle, (276) 669-3222, or http://www.compasionatefriends.org.

CRISIS CENTER: Need someone to talk to who will listen and not pass judgment? Depressed, grieving or just can’t sleep? Victim of sexual assault or domestic violence and don’t know where to turn? If you need to talk we are here to listen 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tennessee/Virginia call (276) 466-2312; Washington County, Va., call (276) 628-7731.

CROHN’S/COLITIS: Kingsport, Colonial Heights Baptist Church conference room; Wellmont-sponsored; fourth Monday, June, Aug. Oct., 7 p.m.; for any patient, family with Crohn’s/colitis; Kathy Cassidy, (423) 224-5197 or Lisa Dickerson, 279-1739.

DEPRESSON, BIPOLAR DISORDER: Kingsport, Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church, 213 Colonial Heights Rd.; first and third Mondays; peer led, open to those diagnosed with biploar disorder, depression or other mood disorders; family, significant others welcome, no small children; free; (423) 276-6241 or http://www.dbs@tricities.org.

DIABETES: Bristol Tenn. Conference Center, BRMC; second Thursday, 6 p.m., no November meetings; Diabetes Treatment Center, (423) 844-2950. Abingdon, Johnston Memorial Hospital, conference center; fourth Tuesday except December-February, 7 p.m.; free to public; (276) 676-6600.

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS: Chapter 39, Marion, second Friday, 6 p.m.; dinner, meeting; Commander James B. Greer, (276) 646-5705.

DIVORCECARE: Abingdon, Pleasant View United Methodist Church, 18416 Lee Hwy., Exit 13, across from airport; every other Monday, 7 p.m.; video seminar, support session; registration always open; (276) 628-6323. Coeburn, First Baptist Church, 701 Front St., Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m., weekly seminar, support for those separated or divorced; (276) 395-6237 or 395-6073.

DOWN’S SYNDROME: Sponsored by FRIENDS; offers individuals with Down’s Syndrome and their families a number of avenues for support; (423) 534-3795; http://www.myfriends1.net.

EATING DISORDERS COALITION OF N.E.TENN: Johnson City, First Presbyterian Church, Holston Room, 105 S. Boone St.; first Tuesday, 7-8 p.m.; Elaine, (423) 439-8000. 

EPILEPSY OF NORTHEAST TENNESSEE: Johnson City, Church of God, Fellowship Hall, 1908 Indian Ridge Rd.; free, open to public; Wayne St. John, (423) 943-6936 or page at 410-4494.

FEDERATION OF FAMILIES: Duffield, Addington Hall, monthly, 6:30 p.m., registration encouraged; assists families of children with behavioral, emotional, mental health needs in Lee, Scott, Wise counties, city of Norton; Brenda or Teresa, (276) 431-4370 or (888) 443-1804.

FIBROMYALGIA: Abingdon, Coomes Community Center; learn about new healing therapies, share info, experience holistic therapies and more; (423) 323-4373.

FOSTER PARENT SUPPORT: Lee County; new group being formed to provide education, support, information; Eric Greene, (276) 523-8300.

HIGHLANDS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: Abingdon, Glade Springs Fire Dept., 3124 E. Glade St.; everyone invited; (276) 628-7598 or (276) 496-5710.

IN-FUZE: Jonesville, Lee County Behavioral Health Services, Tuesdays, 7 p.m.; learn signs and symptoms of substance abuse; what to expect in recovery process; how it affects mental, physical and spiritual development; Martha Davis or Kathy Rowles, (276) 346-3590.

KINGSPORT TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY: Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital; third Thursday, 7-8 p.m.; for TBI survivors, family members; supported by Crumley House Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Ctr.; everyone welcome; (423) 257-3644.

LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER: Abingdon, Johnston Memorial Hospital Conference Center; last Saturday; free program for women cancer patients in active treatment; register at (276) 628-8861.

LUPUS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA: Johnson City, Health Resources Center in the Mall, Annex Classroom, second Thursday, (423) 257-2502; Kingsport, Holston Valley Hospital, Education Dept., 914 W. Broad St., third Thursday, 7-8 p.m., (877) 865-8787.

MOMS-R-US PROGRAM: Free ongoing childbirth, labor, delivery, parenting classes, follow-up support; open to girls 19, younger delivering first baby; registration always open; Tammy Henkel, YWCA, (423) 968-9444 or ywcabristol.org.

MOUNTAIN EMPIRE STROKE SUPPORT GROUP: Johnson City, 2511 Wesley St., Blue Ridge Cafeteria, James H. and Cecil C. Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital; first Sunday, 6 p.m.; family, friends or anyone affected by stroke invited; Marie Johnson, (423) 952-1700.

MULTIPLE MYELOMA: Johnson City, Health Resources Center at The Mall; first Saturday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; provides education, hope, support in caring environment for patients, family, friends; (423) 915-5200.

NARCONON ARROWHEAD: Free counseling; learn how and why a person becomes addicted to drugs and alcohol and what you can do to help; call for free booklet at (800) 468-6933 or visit http://www.stopaddiction.com to receive free counseling, referrals, assessments.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS: Marion Survivors Group, Royal Oak Presbyterian Church, 139 W. Main St.; Sunday, open meeting, 8 p.m., open discussion; group meets regularly to help each other recover; open to those addicted to any form of drugs including street, prescription, alcohol; only membership requirement is desire to stop using; (276) 628-1316. 12-step fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous available in Tri-Cities area for those interested in finding a new way of life without using drugs; (800) 677-1462, press 5; visit http://www.na.org.; MANA area of Narcotics Anonymous, (866) 360-4929 or http://www.mana-e-tn.org.

NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI): Bristol Tenn.: First Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Krogers Conference Room, 31 Midway St., Bristol, Va., next to Goodys, across from Bristol Counseling Center; open to family members interested in learning more about mental illness and those diagnosed with mental illness; free info classes held periodically; Connie Whaley, (423) 234-2516 or .

NORTHEAST TENNESSEE AUTISM SOCIETY: Support system of families and professionals creating network of resources; Lynne Gouge, (423)283-0045; Tracy Gott, 247-2651.

OSTOMY: Gray United Methodist Church; group offers mutual aid, moral support, information to people and their families who have had colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy surgery; (423) 542-2433.

OVERCOMERS IN CHRIST: Bristol Tennessee, Haven of Rest, 624 Anderson St.; for alcoholics/addicts/life problems; Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; (423) 968-2011.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: Johnson City, Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, Susanna, Princeton roads, Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.; Heritage Baptist Church, room 202, John Exum Pkwy., Thursdays, noon; no dues or fees; Contact Ministries, (423) 926-7829.

PALS: Kingsport, Oaks Assisted Living Facility, 2424 E. Stone Dr.; first Monday, 5:30 p.m., no April meeting; people with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s), caregivers welcome; resource materials available, educational topics presented to improve living with ALS; (423) 224-2357.

PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS: For anyone who has experienced the loss of a baby; free: Wee Remember, Big Stone Gap, Lonesome Pine Hospital staff dining room, 1990 Holton Ave., last Tuesday in Jan. March, May, July, Sept., Nov., 7 p.m., Della Price, (276) 523-8641.

PARENTS IN PARTNERSHIP: Abingdon, Appalachian Independence Ctr., 230 Charwood Dr.; second Monday, 5-6:30 p.m.; in conjunction with the Virginia Coalition for Students with Disabilities; for parents of children with disabilities; includes presentations, information, discussion opportunities about important issues, topics, more; supervision provided for youth during meeting; Melissa Meade, (276) 628-2979, ext. 311 or 628-4931 (fax).

PEOPLE PLACE/ARC OF SULLIVAN COUNTY: Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:30-1:30 p.m.; provides activities for people with developmental disabilities; (423) 274-8165.

POST-ABORTION: Bristol Tenn.; for women struggling with past abortion; meets weekly, Crisis Pregnancy Center; in-depth discussion, spiritual help, support; free, confidentiality respected; day, meeting times decided by participants; (423) 968-4673.

POZ: Johnson City, East Tennessee State University, Hillrise Hall Conference Room; first and third Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; drop-in group for all individuals living with HIV and those affected by HIV, from newly-diagnosed to long-term survivors looking for emotional support, information, friendship from other HIV+ people; Robin Lennon-Dearing, (423) 439-6019.

PROSTATE CANCER: Bristol, Magnolia Room, BRMC; second Sunday in March, June, Sept. Dec., 2:30 p.m.; for men who have experienced prostate cancer, family, friends; Glen Kitts, (423) 652-1811.

RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME: State of Franklin group, Johnson City First Church of the Nazarene, 2404 Roseberry Lane; Sherry Dagnall, facilitator; (423) 639-9038; .

RTS: Abingdon, Johnston Memorial Hospital conference room; for parents who have lost a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, newborn or infant death; third Tuesday, 7 p.m.; Kathi Kiser, RNC, (276) 676-4501.

SISTERS: Kingsport, Heritage Room, James H. Quillen Regional Heart Center, Holston Valley Medical Center, fourth floor, Heritage Room; first Thursday, 6:30 p.m.; for women who have experienced breast cancer; Kathy Visneski, RN, (423) 224-5592.

SOCIAL ANXIETY, SHYNESS: New group forming; Tracy, (276) 429-2338 or .

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: Wise, Stephens Chapel Church; fourth Thursday, 6-8 p.m.; all invited, especially those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, care partners, family members, friends; Angela Keller, (276) 395-3048, or visit http://www.swvamssupport.org.

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA PULMONARY HYPERTENSION: Susan Temple, (540) 489-1220, Jonette Robinson, (540) 818-2813 or e-mail .

SUICIDE PREVENTION COALITION: Lee County Behavioral Health Services; raise awareness and determine available resources in community for suicide survivors; fourth Thursday, 2 p.m.; those interested in helping contact Bill or Phyllis Russell, (276) 346-1641.

SURVIVORS OF SUDDEN DEATHS: (SOS) Bristol, Tenn., First United Methodist Church, 322 Vance Dr.; third Tuesday; for anyone that has had a sudden loss; in memory of Mark Vance; Karen Vance, (276) 676-0256 or .

SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE: Tri-Cities group, Johnson City Medical Center, fifth floor conference room, fourth Monday, 6 p.m.; facilitator, Dorothy Gregory; (877) 928-9062. Lee County group, Pennington Gap, Lee Regional Medical Ctr., Medical Plaza West Wing classroom, first, third Mondays, 6 p.m.; hospital, (276) 546-1440, ext. 441 or Bill, Phyllis Russell, 346-1641; anyone affected by suicide welcome.

TAKE TIME CANCER: Kingsport, Holston Valley Medical Ctr., Oncology Unit Library, third floor, Wilcox Hall; Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m; for cancer patients, families, friends; Kathy Visneski, RN, (423) 224-5592.

TRI-CITIES BRAIN INJURY: Johnson City, Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital, 2511 Wesley St.; second Thursday, 6:30 p.m.; Bette Lucas, (423) 952-1751 or Marie Johnson, 952-1700.

TRI-CITY NU VOICE CLUB: Bristol Speech and Hearing Ctr., 103 North St., Suite 8; for laryngectomees; fourth Friday, 6:30 p.m.; Margaret Abelseth, (276) 466-3261; Jane Bryan, (276) 628-6310.

TRI-CITY REGIONAL OSTOMY ASSOC.: Gray, Gray United Methodist Church; Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m., every other month for moral support, mutual aid, information to persons having any type of ostomy surgery; all interested persons invited; (423) 542-2433.

UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES: Kingsport, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, 113 Cassel Dr.; variable meeting times; for people with all types of spinal cord injuries; Tracey Richmond, (423) 246-7240.

VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE: Crisis Center offers variety of free, confidential services to victims, family, friends; 24-hour crisis hotline, individual advocacy, hospital, court, law enforcement accompaniment; support groups, educational programs, self-defense classes; Bristol, (276) 466-2312, 628-7731; Sexual Assault Outreach, Johnson City, (423) 928-4710; Kingsport, (423) 230-0900.

VISIONS FOR TOMORROW: Greeneville, Church Street Pavilion, 616 E. Church St., last Saturday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.; new group for caregivers of children, adolescents with brain disorder or severe emotional disturbance; free child care by rsvp; Connie Whaley, (423) 234-2516 or .

WEE REMEMBER: Big Stone Gap, Lonesome Pine Hospital, July 31, Oct. 30, 7 p.m.; meets quarterly; for families who have experienced the death of a baby; (276) 423-8641.

WEIGHT WATCHERS: Bristol Mall, 500 Gate City Hwy., adjacent to Belk’s, beginning July 2, every Wednesday, 12:15 p.m.; replaces Emmanuel Episcopal Church meeting site; led by Kathy Stanley; (800) 651-6000 or http://www.weightwatchers.com.