tell us!
Groups Offering Help is a free service of The Beacon. Listings are limited to nonprofit organizations and/or to items or services that can be shared between two parties, neither of which can receive financial compensation. Send items to [email protected], fax to (757) 222-5171 or mail to 4565 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
ADDICTIONS + RECOVERY
Addiction Education Support Program For anyone interested in the addiction and recovery process. Meets at Church of the Holy Family, 1279 N. Great Neck Road. Call 481-5702.
Al-Anon, Changing Attitudes Meets Thursdays at 8 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal, 409 Rosemont Road. Call Joan, 460-0949.
Alateen A fellowship for children 18 and younger who are affected by someone else’s drinking. Call 499-1443 for a local meeting information; other areas call (888) 425-2666 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Al-Anon Family Group meetings for adults may also be held at the same time and location.
Alcoholics Anonymous Call 490-3980 for a list of Hampton Roads meetings.
Caring & Sharing Alateen Call 463-7501.
Celebrate Recovery London Bridge Baptist Church, 2460 Potters Road, sponsors 12-step recovery programs with a Christian perspective, including substance abuse for men and women; men’s sexual addiction and women’s co-dependency. Groups meet from 6:30 to 8 Thursday evenings. Child care is available. Call 486-7900, Ext. 40. n
Kempsville Church of Christ, 5425 Parliament Drive, offers Celebrate Recovery weekly at 7 p.m. in Room 14. Visit www.kccfamily.org or call 490-3925. n
Coastal Community Church Glenwood Campus, 2800 S. Independence, offers Celebrate Recovery Friday nights from 6 to 9. Call or e-mail Don, 286-9642, [email protected]; or Michelle, 581-5611, [email protected]
Christian Sex Addiction Recovery Partners Group. Women only meet Friday nights at 7 p.m. at Kempsville Presbyterian Church, 805 Kempsville Road. Call Karen, 672-1072, or e-mail [email protected].
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) A 12-step fellowship for men and women. For local meetings, call the 24-hour hot line, 552-1793, or visit www.codependents.org.
Clutterers Anonymous A 12-step support group for people with too much stuff meets monthly at Kempsville Area Library, 832 Kempsville Road. Call Randa at 286-7378 for specific dates.
Coastal Community Church Glenwood Campus, 2800 S. Independence Blvd., sponsors a faith-based 12-step recovery program Friday nights from 6 to 9. Child care is available. Call or e-mail Don, 286-9642 or [email protected]; Michelle, 581-5611, or [email protected].
Compulsive Eaters Anonymous – Honesty, Open-mindedness, Willingness. A 12-step support group. Meets Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1489 Laskin Road. Call 456- 1435.
Debtors Anonymous Virginia Beach Debtors Anonymous or Virginia Beach Business Debtors Anonymous. Call Bill, 675-8747.
Emotions Anonymous Help for depression, anger, anxiety, panic, guilt, despair and worry. Call Emily, 479-4328, or Dave, 962-1591. Visit www.emotions anonymous.org.
Food Addicts Anonymous A fellowship of men and women meets Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. 5181 Princess Anne Road. Call Karon , 499-6078, or e-mail [email protected]. The group meets Thursday evenings at 7 in the school library at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 7800 Halprin Drive, Norfolk. Call Linda, 588-8980m or e-mail [email protected].
Gamblers Anonymous Meets at 6:30 p.m. Sundays at Sentara Virginia Beach General in the Health Education Building. Call 531-5129, ask for Tony J. or Tom K.
LifeRing Secular Recovery Secular sobriety support. No steps. Meets Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Call Jane, 581-1828, or Tom, 839- 2077. Visit www.unhooked.com.
Nar-Anon Support for family members of addicts. Call 622-1126.
Narcotics Anonymous Call 459-8467.
Nicotine Anonymous Call 482-0108.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder support group. Meets monthly at Virginia Beach Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd. Call Margie, 463-4222.
Open Arms Alateen Call 463-7501.
Open Co-dependency with a Christian perspective. Call 486-7900.
Overeaters Anonymous, a 12-step program for people wishing to stop compulsive eating. Call the Tidewater OA hot line at 456-1530, or visit at www.oa.org.
Recovery for the City A 12-step group with a Biblical basis. Meets Saturdays at Freedom Fellowship Ministries, 836 Regency Drive. Call Rhonda Tatum at 428-3277.
Sexaholics Anonymous, a 12-step program. Call the hot line at 872- 6537 or e-mail [email protected]. Visit www.sa.org .
First Baptist Church of Norfolk, 312 Kempsville Road offers encouragement groups for substance abuse, depression, and conquering codependency at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. Free to the public. Free child care available. Call 461-3226 for specific meeting room information.
ABUSE + SURVIVORS
Domestic violence The Samaritan House has many services, including a support group each Thursday evening with child care available. Call 631-0710, or call the crisis line any time , 430- 2120. Visit www.samaritanhouseva.org.
Domestic Violence support group, meets 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Sponsored by the YWCA of Hampton Roads. Call 625-4248.
Families United Human Potential of Tidewater. Adult, mixed-group support for individuals and families who are dealing with the effects of sexual abuse, molestation and incest. Call Linda, 853- 1313
Families of Abused Children For adult secondary victims of sexual abuse. Call 481-9521 or 482-6564.
Family Advocacy Network Services Judicial assistance and support for domestic violence victims. Call 427-4361.
Group For Abused Girls Community Psychological Resources offers a support group for sexually abused girls, ages 8 through 12. The group meets from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays at 249 W. York St., Norfolk. Call 622-6794.
Help and Emergency Response Inc. A shelter for battered woman and children, H.E.R. offers substance abuse screening, evaluation and counseling to domestic violence victims seeking emergency shelter. For information call the 24-hour hot line at 485-3384.
Incest Survivor’s Anonymous A 12-step recovery program for the survivors of sexual abuse. Call 479- 3532.
Survivors of Incest Anonymous Meets Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at Healthy Living Solutions Inc., 3905 Granby St., Norfolk. Call 313- 2313, or visit http://healthy-living-solutions.com.
ANIMAL + WILDLIFE RESCUE
Evelyn’s Wildlife Refuge accepts wildlife native to Virginia for rehabilitation and release. Call 430-2886, or visit www.evelynswildliferefuge.org.
Hope for Life Rescue Inc . helps abandoned, abused and neglected animals. Pets for adoption. Call 491-4609, or visit www.hopeforliferescue.com.
K-9 Newlife Center , a nonprofit rescue center for dogs. Call 721- 227, or visit [email protected].
Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing for the needs of abandoned or surrendered pugs. E-mail [email protected], or visit www.midatlanticpugrescue.org .
Pet Guardian Pet Service Inc. a not-for-profit organization that helps special need, shelter and abandoned pets by providing food, homes and medical care. Call 428-0653, or visit www.petguardianpets.petfinder.org.
Virginia Beach SPCA, 3040 Holland Road. Call 427-0070, or visit www.vbspca.com .
Web of Life Animal Outreach Inc., a nonprofit that provides animal rescue, education and sheltering services for cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits and other small mammals. Call 502-0340, or visit www.weboflifeanimaloutreach.com .
Wildlife Referral Line A 24-hour wildlife help line. Call 427- 0070, Ext. 7.
Wildlife Response Inc. Provides a wildlife hot line, information and outreach programs for groups and schools regarding wildlife. Call 543-7000, or visit www.wildliferesponse.org.
CHILDREN + YOUTH
Advocating 4 Kids Parents of special education students support group meets monthly at Virginia Wesleyan College, 1584 Wesleyan Drive. Contact Jody Fischer, [email protected], or call 431- 1251.
American Guild for Infant Survival Inc. For families who have lost infants to SIDS and other causes. Meetings are in Virginia Beach and are open to all. For information and directions, call 499- 0658 or 463-3845.
Exploring A career education program offered by the Tidewater Council for those ages 14 to 21 who have completed the eighth grade. Young adults may participate in community, civic and professional organizations that match their interests. Call 497-2688, Ext. 26.
Fairy Godmothers of Virginia provides a special high school prom experience for qualified high school girls whose financial situations might otherwise prevent their attendance. The group provides prom gowns, shoes and similar accessories which have been donated to the organization. Visit www.mypromdress.org , or e-mail [email protected] for more information.
His Embrace A foster care and adoptive ministry offered by Atlantic Shores Baptist Church. Meetings are held in the church fellowship hall, 1861 Kempsville Road. Free and open to everyone. Call 479-1133.
The Making A Difference Foundation accepts applications throughout the year from children of Hispanic families in need for its SAT/ACT college preparation, mentoring, tutoring and volunteer programs. Contact Stacia Bobulinski at [email protected] or 615- 6109.
National Alliance for Newborn Angels A nonprofit organization offering layettes to needy premature and newborn children of Tidewater. Call 497-2868.
Rainbows is a nonprofit that offers free support groups for children, adolescents and parents struggling with loss due to death, divorce and separation. Call Rene’e DeVenny May, 622-9852, or visit www.rainbows.org .
Seton Youth Shelters offers the following free programs. For more information, call Renee Dupuis , 306-1840: n
Anger Management for Youth. A six-week education program, meets in the evenings at St. Aiden’s Episcopal Church, 3201 Edinburgh Drive. n
Actively Parenting Teens, a six-week education program. Weekly evening sessions begin periodically. Meets at Princess Anne Recreation Center, 1400 Ferrell Pkwy. n
Support Group for Parents of Adolescents, a free support group for parents of teens in crisis, meets 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church . n
Drug Education for Youth, a free 10-week education program for adolescents with a history of using drugs, meets 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Crow’s Nest street outreach center in Virginia Beach.
The STOP Organization accepts applications year-round for its Head Start program. STOP serves economically disadvantaged children ages 3 to 5 and their families without regard to religion, race, sex or national origin. For information, call 858-1383.
Tidewater Youth Enrichment Coalition provides educational, health and empowerment strategies that help teens make sensible choices in regards to high-risk behaviors and help in developing career goals and plans. Agencies within the coalition are the Making a Difference foundation, the lead agency; the Hampton Roads Mexican-American Club; Lakas Ng Loob; the World Affair Council of Greater Hampton Roads and the LaTasha Colander-Richardson Foundation. Call 490-8010 or 495-5009.
Volunteer Tutor/Mentors Community Housing Partners, a nonprofit affordable housing and community development organization, needs volunteers in Portsmouth and Virginia Beach who are willing to commit a minimum of two hours per week to tutor children, as well as provide homework and summer camp assistance for at-risk youth. Call Denise Key, 673-7513; Debbie Markwood, (804) 278-9781, Ext. 17; e- mail [email protected]; or Jerome Levisy, (804) 278-9781, Ext. 27, [email protected]. Visit www.communityhousingpartners.org .
Youth Crisis Network Crisis intervention for youth and their caregivers as a means to maintain the unity of the family. A 24- hour crisis hot line and more than 370 safe sites in South Hampton Roads. Crisis hot line: 623-2627. Business office: 623-0437.
DIVORCE
Divorced/Separated/Alone support group. Call 420-5208.
Divorce Recovery Group meets Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in Room 308 at First Baptist Church of Norfolk, 312 Kempsville Road. A resolution- focused encouragement group for marriage separation meets on the same day and time Room 304. Free and open to the public. Free child care available. Call 461-3226.
Expose, an organization providing knowledge and legal advice concerning divorce or separation for people in the military or retired from the military. Call 499-5386.
Separation and Divorce A support group to help people cope with pain and loss during separation and divorce. Meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Grace Bible Church, 2961 Shore Drive. Call 496-5700.
Singles Moving On meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Sunday of each month at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 5181 Princess Anne Road. Call 754-7067.
Starting Over as a Single For divorced, single and widowed people. Meets at 6 p.m. Sundays at Church of the Ascension, 4853 Princess Anne Road. Call 499-0843 or 495-1886, Ext. 10.
Women’s Divorce Seminars Three-hour seminars, $30. Call 456- 1574.
GRIEF
Bereavement/Grief support group. Meets at 6:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month at Odyssey HealthCare, 6363 Center Drive, No. 6 Lynnhaven Building, Suite 201, Norfolk. Call James Ravenell, 461- 0600.
Bereavement Support Sentara Hospice Program, along with St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, hosts six-week sessions of a bereavement support group. Free and open to anyone 18 or older who has lost a spouse, baby or loved one through sudden death, terminal illness, suicide or accident.. Contact Roger Gauthier at 549-5652 or [email protected], or Sue Bucher at 497-8830 or [email protected]. Visit www.sentara.com/support .
Bereavement Support Group Medi Home Health & Hospice sponsors a bereavement support group the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Unity Renaissance Church, 1120 Eden Way N., Chesapeake. The meetings are free to the public. Call 420-7192.
Compassionate Friends, Tidewater Chapter. Support for bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings following the death of a child. Meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Kempsville Presbyterian Church, 805 Kempsville Road. Call 484-8161 or 482- 5856.
Empty Arms support groups. For parents who have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy or neonatal death. Call 545-2667.
Good Grief Meets Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in Room 313 at First Baptist Church of Norfolk, 312 Kempsville Road. Free and open to the public. Free child care available. Call 461-3226.
Griefshare, a weekly meeting for those grieving the loss of a loved one, meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. each Thursday at Virginia Beach Community Chapel, 1261 Laskin Road. Call 428-1881.
Heartland Hospice offers a weekly bereavement support group Mondays at 10 a.m. at Old Donation Episcopal Church, 4449 N. Witchduck Road. Call 490-9323.
The Parents’ Group For parents or any person affected by the death of a child, regardless of age or cause. Call 426-1358 or 404- 3747.
Peace by Piece A program for grieving children and teens offered by Edmarc Hospice for Children in partnership with Jewish Family Service of Tidewater. Edmarc Hospice is at 516 London St., Portsmouth. Information: 967-9251, [email protected] or www.edmarc.org.
Precious Memories KCP group creates and donates boxes for parents of still-born infants. Nurses and counselors use the boxes to initiate a discussion of grieving. No artistic talent needed. Call 497-2130.
Sentara Bereavement Support Group meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6309 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk. Call Megan Zieger, 388-2631.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. Offers support to military spouses and families who have had a loved one die while in the U.S. military. Call (800) 959-8277, or e-mail [email protected]. Visit www.taps.org
The Virginia Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Alliance. Parents’ support group meets from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 1505 Kempsville Road. Call Terri Newman, 548-7011, or 523-1062; or Carolyn Walker, 382-0584.
Widowed Persons Service Open to all ages who have lost a spouse. Group meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at First Baptist Church Norfolk, 312 Kempsville Road, Norfolk, and 1 p.m. Thursdays at Virginia Beach Christian Church, 2225 Rose Hall Drive (corner of Great Neck Road and Rose Hall Drive). Call 461-9457.
Young Widows or Widowers A bereavement organization that provides a safe environment to men and women who have lost their spouses early in life. Call 468-2144 or e-mail [email protected]. Visit www.ywow.org.
Victims Against Crime holds a homicide support group meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday of each month, except August, at the YWCA, 5215 Colley Ave., Norfolk. Call 625-4248.
HEALTH
Alert, Well and Keeping Energetic A sleeping disorder support group. Call 395-8507.
Alopecia Areata Support Group Call 631-1722 or 638-9706.
Alzheimer’s Association, Southeastern Virginia chapter. Call 459- 2405.
Alzheimer’s Support. Thalia Support Group meets at 7 p.m. third Mondays at Thalia United Methodist Church, 4321 Virginia Beach Blvd. Call Carol Guriolo, 497-5887. Kempsville group meets at Kempsville Area Library, 832 Kempsville Road, at 1 p.m. on the first Thursdays. Call Ann Hathaway at 473-8686.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. An educational support group for patients, family and friends. Meets from 7 to 9 p.m. at Trinity Methodist Church, 903 Forest Ave., Richmond, on the second Tuesdays. Call (804) 789-1215.
American Diabetes Association offers free diabetes information. Visit www.diabetes.org or call (800) 342-2383.
American Parkinson’s Disease Association, Tidewater chapter. Meets the last Monday of the month at 1:30 p.m. in the Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd., and the Coffee Break Group meets the first and third Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 717 Tucson Road. Call Barb, 538-0655 or Bart, 671- 1029.
Amputee Support Association of Hampton Roads meets from 1 to 3 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month (except June and December) in a room in the back of Sentara Leigh Hospital cafeteria, 830 Kempsville Road, Norfolk. Call Richard Childers, 200-3876 or e-mail [email protected]. Hot line, 558-1052.
Angel Flight, a nonprofit group, provides free air transportation to patients needing distant, specialized medical treatment, diagnosis or evaluation. Call 318-7149.
Anorexia Nervosa and associated disorders. Call 404-3010.
Autism Society of America Tidewater chapter. Call 461-4474.
Aware Worldwide Inc. presents Positive Living, a support group for people living with HIV/AIDS. Call 310-8764 or visit awareworldwide.org.
Blood Pressure Clinic Enoch Baptist Church, 5641 Herbert Moore Road, offers a free blood pressure clinic on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 10 to 11 a.m. Call 552-0620.
Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center, 150 Kingsley Lane, Norfolk, offers ongoing community education classes, support groups and senior activities and events for all members of the community. Classes include Lamaze, childbirth preparation, breast feeding, newborn care, diabetes education, infant massage and CPR. Support groups include breast cancer, diabetes, dizziness, headache, leukemia and lymphoma, schleroderma, perinatal loss and stroke. Senior events and services include mall walking, AARP driving, exercise classes, day trips, outings, cruises and line dancing classes. Call 889-2273.
Breast Cancer Support group. Meets monthly in Portsmouth. Call 393-2829.
Brain Tumor Support Group of Hampton Roads. For patients and families of those suffering from a brain tumor. Meets at Sentara Leigh Hospital, Norfolk, classroom one, the first Tuesday of each month. Call 714-6240.
Cancer Support Group Call 395-8686.
Caregiver Support Group For caregivers of impaired or elderly adults. Meets monthly from 10 a.m. to noon at Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd. Call 385-4135.
Celiac Sprue Association Tidewater Chapter No. 71. Norfolk support group. Call 410-5245.
Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters offers free and low- cost monthly classes, lectures and programs for parents and children including safe sitting for teens; parenting; Project Link; positive discipline; behavior disorders; child safety; and “Healthy You” weight control sessions for children and teens. Call 668-7035 for registration and fee information. Tuition assistance is available for qualified families.
Chiropractic Doctors On Call A free phone service for anyone with questions about chiropractic care. Call 495-0907.
Chronic Pain and Illness a Christian group that shares support and clinical knowledge. For day, location and time, call Ellen, 496- 9614.
Crohn’s and Colitis support group. Family, friends also welcome. Call 479-0029, or e-mail [email protected].
Crohn’s and Colitis Adult support group for the Hampton Roads area. Meets last Sunday of the month. E-mail [email protected] or call Mike at 870-7095.
Colon Cancer support group. For newly-diagnosed patients and those who have completed treatment. Meets the second Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Virginia Oncology Associates, 5900 Lake Wright Drive, Norfolk. Call 437-1617 or 498-9738
Diabetes support group. Call 395-8836.
Full Circle Prostate Cancer support group. Help for newly diagnosed patients as well as those who have completed their treatments. Spouses and friends welcome. Call Bob or Carol Schultz, 486-5511 or 860-8125.
Lyme disease support group Meets quarterly. Call Debbie Suddeth, 546-9864.
Mid-Atlantic Carcinoid-Neuroendocrine Tumor Association meets the third Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. on the third floor of the Norfolk Public Health Department, 830 Southampton Ave. Provides support and information for those with carcinoid cancer and other neuroendocrine diseases. Call Dina, 482-3298, Susan, 464-0642 or Sandi, 456-5331.
HIV Health Services Planning Council of Greater Hampton Roads. Offers medical and support services to people with HIV, and allocates Title I funds. The council meets on the first Thursday of the month at the Norfolk Health Department, 830 Southampton Ave., classroom A, third floor. Meetings are open to the public. Call 441- 1403.
Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation Hampton Roads chapter. Group strives to advocate, educate and eradicate breast cancer. Call Eunice McMillan at 393-2829.
M.O.W. A nonprofit advocacy group for people in Hampton Roads with disabilities. Meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Eggleston Services, 1161 Ingleside Road, Norfolk. For information, call 671-1971 or e-mail [email protected].
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network meets meetings the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital’s Community Resource Center conference room, 1080 First Colonial Road. E-mail [email protected].
Hearing Loss Association of America-Virginia Beach Chapter meets at 10:30 a.m. the first Saturday of the month except during holiday conflicts, then meets the second Saturday, at Virginia Career Institute, 100 Constitution Drive. Call Stana Piazza, 460-0074 or Ed Cooper, 496-1308.
Down Syndrome Association of Hampton Roads. Call 466-3696.
Epilepsy support network. Call 499-7155 or the Epilepsy Association of Virginia at 459-8376.
Friends with Diabetes For parents and their children in kindergarten to high school. Call 431-4026.
HIV/AIDS Social Support Group Call 622-2989.
Lee’s Friends Helping people live with cancer. Visit www.sites.communitylink.org/leesfriends or call 625-3115.
Making Better Bodies Nutrition education for HIV and AIDS diagnosed individuals. Call 343-5287.
Man-to-Man Cancer Support A one-to-one program for men with prostate cancer with help provided by trained cancer survivors. Call (888) 227-6333. Held in cooperation with Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. Call 395-8686.
Mended Hearts Virginia Beach Chapter 233. A network of patients, family members, friends and medical professionals dealing with heart disease. Meets monthly at Tidewater Cardiac Institute. Call 395- 8662.
Mercedes Connection Pre- and post-liver transplant support. Call 467-9102, e-mail [email protected] or visit http://members.cox.net/jacq/
Multiple Myeloma support group Call Jerry Walton, 495-8432.
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America offers free services to local people with MS. Call (800) 532-7667 or visit www.msaa.com
Myasthenia Gravis Support Group Call 431-0262.
Narcolepsy Support Group Confidential. Call 436-3047 or 479-3297 or e-mail [email protected].
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Call 490-9627; or Southside morning support group, 424-3393.
Orthopedic Care for children 18 and younger. The Khedive Shrine center will treat free of charge: scoliosis, brittle bone disease, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, club foot, rickets juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, as well as cleft lip and palate treatment. For a screening appointment, call 420-4510.
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Team Hope PanCAN of Tidewater. For support and meeting information, e-mail Ellen Zeltmann at [email protected], or visit www.pancan.org.
Parkinson’s Disease Young Onset Support Group meets at 3 p.m. the first Sunday of the month at First Baptist Church, 312 Kempsville Road, Norfolk. Call Ann Perkins, 486-5677.
The Phoenix Longevity Center sponsors free support groups for cancer patients and those awaiting an organ transplant. Virginia Beach groups meet weekly. Call Donna Kennon, 460-6500.
Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group Call 518-8086 or 484-4177.
Project Lifesaver Virginia Beach Police Project Lifesaver program provides a transmitter bracelet for family members with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. Call 385-2721, 580-5966 or e-mail [email protected].
Safe Return An Alzheimer’s Association program that returns loved ones who have wandered away from home. Financial assistance is available. Call 459-2405 to register.
Scleroderma support group meets at Bons Secour DePaul Medical Center, 150 Kingsley Lane, Norfolk. Call 855-5200, or e-mail [email protected].
Self Help for Hard of Hearing Meets on the first Saturdays of the month in room 104 of the Virginia School of Technology, 100 Constitution Ave. Call 460-4390 or 461-8007.
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital support groups. A free service for cancer patients and their families. Call 395-8686.
Sisters Network Inc. Raising breast cancer awareness in the African-American community. Call Sharon Scott at 545-5531.
Sjogren’s Syndrome Support Group Call 523-5221. Visit www.sjogrens.com for details on the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation Inc.
Southside Well Spouse Group For those caring for seriously ill spouses. Call 424-3393.
Stroke support group. Call 481-3321, Ext. 37.
Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis support group for teens and adolescents. Call 425-8521.
Tidewater Brain Injury Support Group Call Joann Mancuso at 493- 0300.
Tourette Syndrome Association, meets regularly at the Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd. Call Jessica, 713-4881 or Stephen, 292-9329.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Association Information, assistance and regular meetings for those suffering from the cranial nerve disorder. Call Joyce Russell at 424-6117 or e-mail [email protected].
Turbans for Transformation, a faith-based, nonprofit organization provides turbans to those with hair loss. Call Pat Bessey at 426- 6393.
Vestibular/Vertigo Disorder Support Group. Call 889-5201 or 889- 4394.
Women’s Health Source Registered nurses offer information on health and Sentara services for women. Call 436-3622.
MENTAL HEALTH
Alliance for the Mentally Ill A nonprofit organization to help families of persons with mental illness. Family support group meets 7 p.m. first Wednesday of each month at Beach House, 3143 Magic Hollow Blvd. Call Gerald Lavandosky at 424-0856.
Hope House Foundation has a speakers bureau to provide information about adults with mental retardation to provide information to civic, church and community groups. Call Stephanie Knowles, 625-6161, Ext. 24.
Tidewater Child Development Services, an affiliate of the Virginia Department of Health, offers mental health assistance and evaluation and diagnosis of developmental, behavioral, emotional and learning disorders to children and young adults through age 21 of families in need throughout southeastern Virginia, regardless of ability to pay. Children are seen by a team of professionals. Counseling is available. Call 683-8770.
Attention Deficit Disorders The Tidewater Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder meets the first Thursday of each month for parents of children with ADD/ADHD (adults only, no children) and the second Thursday of each month for adults who have ADD/ADHD. Both meet from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. at the Barry Robinson Center, 443 Kempsville Road, Norfolk. Call 479-9993, or visit www.tidewaterchadd.org.
Concerned Citizens for Special People An advocacy group for family members of people of any age with developmental disabilities. Meets at Thalia Baptist Church, 4392 Virginia Beach Blvd. Call 490- 0499.
Suicide Crisis Line A 24-hour suicide and crisis intervention service. Call 622-1126.
Depressive/Manic Depressive Support Group. Meets Thursdays in the library at Eastern Shore Chapel, 2020 Laskin Road, from 7 to 8:45 p.m . Call 340-3820.
The Mental Health Substance Abuse Division of the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services offers the following services. Call LeAnne Brant, 437-5787. n
Chit Chat is an on-going support and education group for people whose lives are affected by the substance use of another, particularly those waiting to start the next session of Friends and Family or people who have completed Friends and Family Education. The group meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Human Services Building, 3432 Virginia Beach Blvd. Free, with no residency requirement. n
Friends and Family Education classes for adult family members and friends of people whose substance use is affecting their lives. Free six-week sessions start periodically and meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. n
MESA Family Workshops for parents, siblings, spouses or other relatives of adults with mental illness. Free twelve-week sessions meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. n
A speakers bureau is available to visit churches and other faith- based communities and speak on mental illness issues.
Norfolk Mental Health Services’ psycho-social day program offers a speaker for free presentations to groups and organizations interested in learning about mental illness and its impact on patients, families and friends. Call John Creekmore, educational specialist, at 441-1170.
Regent University Psychological Services Center, staffed by doctoral students in the clinical psychology program, accepts referrals for psychological testing and counseling. Call 226-4488.
MISCELLANEOUS
Adventist Community Services A nonprofit organization that offers food, clothing, disaster relief and employment services to the sick, elderly and home-bound. The group offers companionship, housework help, grocery shopping and transportation. Call 479-2147 or 479- 0699.
Birthright An emergency pregnancy service that provides counseling, a hot line and community resource referrals. Call 489- 0222.
Barrett Haven Inc., a nonprofit corporation, provides housing and employment opportunities to single and single pregnant homeless women. Call 624-6990.
Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia Inc. offers support groups and classes that meet on an ongoing basis. These include: n
Anger management classes; court-approved classes for adults. Call 467-7707. n
Consumer credit counseling services and home ownership classes held throughout the area. Call 484-0703. n
Mediation services to help couples requiring assistance in resolving conflict. Call 467-7707. n
“Alcohol 101,” a court-approved class for ages 16 to 21. Counsels young people on the consequences of alcohol use. Call 467-7707. n
Caregiver Support Group; call 533-5217 n
Free baby layettes for mothers in need. Call 490-4931 . n
Free pregnancy screening and counseling. Call 467-7707 . n
Help for Elderly People project assists low-income seniors with transportation to medical appointments and to run errands, and provides friendly visiting. Call 490-4931 n
Respite Care provides short-term in-home care by appointment for a fee. Call 533-5217. n
Grandparents as parents or relatives as parents support groups. Call 467-7707 . n
Cooperative parenting classes for individuals who are parenting from two separate homes. Call 467-7707.
The Community Mediation Center may help to resolve civil court conflicts in a confidential setting, at no cost, through its certified mediation program. Assistance is available to anyone with a civil case scheduled in the Virginia Beach General District Court on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays. Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process sanctioned by the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Virginia Beach courts. If an agreement is reached, the case may be dismissed. If no agreement is reached, the judge will hear the case on the same day. Talk to certified professional mediators in the hall outside Courtroom 3 or 4, or call 480-2777. Visit www.ConflictCrushers.org .
Funeral Consumers Alliance of Tidewater Local chapter of the national Funeral Consumers Alliance. A nonprofit membership organization not connected with the funeral or cemetery industries that promotes simplicity and economy in funeral arrangements. Call 428-5134 for meeting information, or visit www.funerals.org.
Grow-Line Call a Virginia Beach master gardener volunteer at 427- 8156.
Helping Hands/Partners in Clean A Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission program that links the efforts of residents with community resources to assist senior citizens or physically challenged people in maintaining their yards. Call 427-4104 for a site recommendation form.
International Seaman’s House, 1222 W. Olney Road, Norfolk. Services to crews of ships entering local ports. Transportation, clothes closet, computer, recreation room, food and beverages. Religious services and counseling. Call 623-4222, or e-mail [email protected].
Loving Incarcerated Persons LIPS holds monthly meetings in Portsmouth as an outreach ministry of Tidewater Baptist Women’s Missionary and Educational Convention to support people with loved ones in jail or prison. Call 393-9407.
Oasis Opportunity Center, 1420 Chestnut St., Portsmouth. A nonprofit that aims to end homelessness. Soup kitchen, food pantry and thrift store. Job-related services, literacy education and housing assistance. Call 398-1970.
Operation Blessing offers help to children and families who need food, medical care, disaster relief, education and life essentials. The group needs donations, too. Call (800) 730-2537, or visit www.ob.org.
Project Light Learning Center at Providence Presbyterian Church, which helps children and adults improve reading skills, learn English as a second language or prepare for the GED test, has several seats available, at no charge, for students. After-school and evening classes are held twice a week at the church, 5497 Providence Road. Call Sandra Rushton, 467-2095.
Sher-Ker’s HOPE Inc. A nonprofit organization offering help to families with dire needs. Food, clothing, infant supplies and house hold items are provided to local families. Visit http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/sherkershopeinc/ or call Keri, 467-0090.
Small Business Help Free counseling by retired executives on Thursdays at 222 Central Park Ave., Suite 1000. Call 385-6412.
Virginia Beach Jaycees offers help to groups and organizations with community projects. Call 499-8822 and leave a message.
Women’s Therapy Child and Family Services of Eastern Virginia offers a therapy group for women in assertiveness and overcoming fear of conflict and anger from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at 222 W. 19th St. Sliding scale fee. Call Mary Brantley, group facilitator, 622-7017.
MILITARY + VETERANS
Hampton Roads Auxiliary assists active-duty and retired service members as well as their families and survivors. Call 425-5789.
Disabled American Veterans, Virginia Beach Chapter 20. Certified male and female service officers assist veterans, widows, spouses or survivors file claims for benefits. Free. Call 519-9931, Ext. 4.
Military Wives Support Group, meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at London Bridge Baptist Church, 2460 Potters Road. Child care is provided. Call 486-7900, Ext. 40.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Call 423-8830.
Navy Retired Activities Office Help for retirees, their family members, surviving spouses and former spouses of retirees in finding their entitled services and benefits. Call 462-8101 or 462-7763.
PARENTING
Adoptive Parents Support Group Provides education and support. Call Melinda Spence at United Methodist Family Services, 490-9791, Ext. 18, or e-mail at [email protected].
Adoption and Foster Care United Methodist Family Services offers free training and child placement to people who are interested in becoming an adoptive or foster parent. Financial assistance available. Call 490-9791.
Cooperative Co-Parenting, classes for parents who do not live in the same house. Sessions meet 5 to 9 p.m. third Tuesdays, and 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. first or third Saturdays at the Community Mediation Center offices, 588 Virginian Drive, Norfolk. The class fulfills Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court mandatory requirements for parents in custody hearings to attend a parenting class and is taught by certified family mediators. Cost is $40; couples, $60 and financial aid is available. Registration is required. Call Daryl Parks at 480-2777, Ext. 251, or visit www.ConflictCrushers.org.
Divorced Dads with Daughters A support group for separated or divorced dads who have visitation on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Dads will participate in activities such as dining out, in-line skating, bike riding, boogie boarding and shopping trips. Call 377-0400.
Exceptional Family Member Support for families with children with medical, educational or emotional needs. Call 460-1236.
Families of Autistic Children in Tidewater E-mail [email protected] or call 481-0970.
Foster Care Training United Methodist Family Services provides free training and child placement to individuals interested in becoming an adoptive or foster parent. Call 490-9791.
Grandparents as Parents support group. Call 490-4931.
Hampton Roads Families With Children from China welcomes families who have adopted or are preparing to adopt children of Chinese origin. Contact [email protected]
Moms Offering Moms Support club. To find a nearby chapter, e- mail [email protected], or visit www.momsclub.org. The Virginia Beach Southeast chapter (Red Mill, Strawbridge, Princess Anne, Ocean Lakes, and Creeds school districts) meets the first Monday of the month at 10 a.m. at Nimmo United Methodist Church, 2200 Princess Anne Road. E-mail [email protected]. Virginia Beach North (23452 and 23455 zip codes) meets the first Monday of the month at 10 a.m. at Thalia Trinity Church, 420 Thalia Road. Call Maureen, 692-6307.
Mothers of Multiples in Tidewater A support group for mothers and mothers-to-be of twins, triplets and more. Meets at Bayside Presbyterian Church, 1400 Ewell Road. Call 721-2329 or 427-2263.
Mothers with Bipolar Children and Adolescents. A support group meets on the second Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. at The Psychotherapy Center, 327 W. 21st St., Suite 205, Norfolk. Call 622-9852.
Parent Connection A support group that offers classes for parents of younger children and teenagers. Call 622-9622, Ext. 19.
Parents Without Partners A nonprofit support group for separated divorced, widowed or never married parents. Chapter 216, call 498- 2666 or 471-5650; and Chapter 166 (offering dances as well as support), call 428-2566.
TOUGHlove Parent Support A program for parents troubled by unacceptable teenage behavior. Call 481-7674.
Virginia Fatherhood Initiative Call 545-3237. Statewide nonprofit focusing on issues affecting fathers and their children. Call 545- 3237.
SENIORS
AARP Driver Safety Program offers classroom refresher courses to persons 50 or older. Classes are $10 and are held regularly in the local area. Some drivers age 55 or older may receive auto insurance premium reduction after completing the course. Call (888) 227-7669 for class location and times. Class information is also available at www.aarp.org/drive .
AARP Foundation Senior Employment Service has job openings in Virginia Beach. Individuals 55 and older may call 625-7001.
The Citizen’s Committee to Protect the Elderly offers visits to the elderly in long-term care facilities. Call 518-8500, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.
ElderCare Legal Services hosts monthly seminars for seniors and baby boomers on “Protecting Your Assets and Inheritances: Finding Funds for Long-Term Care Costs.” Call 486-6570 or visit www.eldercarelegal services.com.
Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia Long-term care services designed to identify, inform and assist older Virginians through providing access to services, resources and care coordination; special employment programs for seniors; a senior nutrition program and some transportation for doctor appointments between 8:30 a.m. and noon. Call 461-9481 or visit www.ssseva.org.
Tidewater Association For Continuity of Care. Call Linda Tilley, 672-8465.
Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission offers a program that helps senior citizens and disabled homeowners maintain their properties with the help from volunteers. Residents can nominate themselves or be nominated by family or neighbors. Call 385.4104 or visit www.vbgov.com/vbclean .
WEIGHT ISSUES
Taking Off Pounds Sensibly Meetings every day in Virginia Beach. Call (800) 932-8677 to find out more.
Weight Loss Surgery Support Group Weekly meetings for post- operative patients during their time of rapid change. Contact Dr. Beverly Shropshire Orr, 474-6004, Ext. 405.
(c) 2007 Virginian – Pilot. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
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