Support group and resource directo

Alcoholism
Note: For a complete schedule of AA and other meetings that address addictions in Central Nebraska, call the Central Nebraska Council on Alcoholism at 385-5520.

Alcoholics Anonymous, noon Monday through Friday; and 7 p.m. Thursday; 5:30 and 8: 15 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. and 8:15 p.m. Saturday; and 8:30 and 10 a.m. and 8:15 p.m. Sunday, Alano Club, Fifth and Broadwell (non-smoking).
New Freedom Group, 10 a.m. and 1, 5:30, 8:15 and 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; midnight Friday; 10 a.m. and 2:30, 5:30 8:15, 10 p.m. and midnight Saturday; and 10
a.m. and 2:30, 5:30, 8:15 and 10 p.m. Sunday, 388 N. Broadwell (smoking).

Monday
Alcoholics Anonymous, 7:30 p.m. Evangelical Free Church, 2609 S. Blaine (non-
smoking); 8 p.m., Friendship House, 406 W. Koenig.
Men’s Roving Stag (AA),
6 p.m. fellowship, 7 p.m. meeting, Alano Club, Fifth and Broadwell.
Young Procrastinators, (AA), 8 p.m., St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 422 W. Second (non-smoking).
Al-Anon and Alateen, 7:30 p.m., Evangelical Free Church, 2609 S. Blaine.

Tuesday
Alcoholics Anonymous, 5:30 p.m. St. Leo’s Catholic Church, 2410 S. Blaine (non-smoking); 7 p.m., Blessed Sacrament, 518 W. State (use north doors); (non-smoking); 8 p.m., VA Medical Center, fourth floor north, 2201 N. Broadwell (non-smoking); and 8:15 p.m., St. Francis Memorial Health Center, 2116 W. Faidley (non-smoking).
Al-Anon, 7 p.m., Blessed Sacrament, 518 W. State (use north doors); 8:15 p.m., St. Francis Memorial Health Center, 2116 W. Faidley.

Wednesday
Alcoholics Anonymous,
8 p.m., Friendship House, 406 W. Koenig; and Women’s meeting, 6:30 p.m., Alano Club, Fifth and Broadwell (non-smoking).
Young Procrastinators (AA), 8 p.m., St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 422 W. Second (non-smoking).
Al-Anon and Alateen, 9:30 a.m., Alano Club, Fifth and Broadwell (non-smoking).

Thursday
Alcoholics Anonymous, New Beginnings Group, 8 p.m., St. Francis Memorial Health Center, 2116 W. Faidley; “Never Too Late Group,” 7 p.m., Grand Island Veterans Home, 2212 W. Capital (non-smoking, handicapped accessible).
Al-Anon, noon, St. Francis Treatment Center, 2116 W. Faidley (east door); 8:15 p.m., Alano Club, Fifth and Broadwell (non-smoking).
“Solutions Group,” 7 p.m., United Methodist Church, 202 E. Pine, Alda (open meeting).

Friday
Young Procrastinators (AA), 8:15 p.m., St. Stephen’s Church, 422 W. Second (non-smoking).
Al-Anon, 10 a.m., St. Leo’s Catholic Church, 2410 S. Blaine; 8:15 p.m., Alano Club, Fifth and Broadwell (non-smoking).

Saturday
Alcoholics Anonymous, Resurrected Group, 8:30 a.m., Resurrection Catholic Church, 4130 Cannon Road (non-smoking).
Al-Anon, 10 a.m., Conference Room C, St. Francis Memorial Health Center, 2116 W. Faidley.

Sunday
Alcoholics Anonymous, 10:30 a.m., Friendship House, 406 W. Koenig.


Drug addiction
Narcotics Anonymous,
8 p.m. Monday, St. Francis Memorial Health Center, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, 2116 W. Faidley (non-smoking); 8 p.m. Monday, Salvation Army, 818 W. Third (non-smoking); 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Calvary Lutheran Church, 13th and Custer (women’s meeting); 8 p.m. Wednesday, Friendship House, 406 W. Koenig (smoking allowed); 8 p.m. Wednesday, St. Francis Memorial Health Center, 2116 W. Faidley (non-smoking);
8 p.m. Thursday, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 2200 N. Broadwell, (fourth floor, north; 9:30 p.m. Friday, St. Pauls Lutheran Church, north door, 1515 S. Harrison (non-smoking); and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Messiah Lutheran Church, Seventh and Locust (non-smoking.
Making a Difference
(M.A.D.) Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Monday, (open meeting), the Salvation Army, 818 W. Third; non-smoking, handicap accessible.
Crystal Meth Anonymous, 8 p.m. Sunday, St. Francis Memorial Health Center, partial care room, 2116 W. Faidley. Information: 398-5427.

Other addictions
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Conference Room A, St. Francis Memorial Health Center, 2116 W. Faidley.
Sexaholics Anonymous; information: (402) 440-4760 or www.SANebraska.org.
Double Trouble in Recovery, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, Goodwill Victory House, 1804 S. Eddy; a 12-step self-help program for people who are both chemical dependent and have an emotional or psychiatric illness. Information: Linda U., 384-7896, ext. 154 (daytime).
Celebrate Recovery, a
12-step, faith-based support group, 7 p.m. Thursday, Abundant Life Christian Center, 3411 W. Faidley
(382-4861); and 7 p.m. Friday, Evangelical Free Church, 2609 S. Blaine (382-1898).
Overcomers Outreach,
a Christian recovery support group using the 12 steps, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, First Church of the Nazarene, 1022 W. Sixth.
Co-Dependents Anonymous, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, St. Francis Memorial Health Center, Room C, 2116 W. Faidley. Information: Bob, 382-4571; Jeanne, 381-2531.
Gamblers Anonymous, noon Tuesday, 12 Promises Room; and 7 p.m. Friday, Conference Room C, St. Francis Memorial Health Center, 2116 W. Faidley.   

Weight control; eating disorders
Christian Support Group, for those struggling with eating disorders, 7 p.m. Thursday, Northridge Assembly Church, 3025 Independence Ave. Information: Carmen, 384-7145.
Overeaters Anonymous, 5:30 p.m. Monday and noon Wednesday, Alcohol Treatment Center chapel, St. Francis Memorial Health Center, 2116 W. Faidley. Overeaters Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who are compulsive overeaters. No dues or fees. Information: Rosemary, 380-6997 (Monday meeting); and Patty, 384-7082 (Wednesday).
Eating Disorders Support Group, 7 p.m. first and third Monday, Conference Rooms 4 and 5, St. Francis Medical Center, 2620 W. Faidley (use Admissions entrance); separate meetings will be held simultaneously for parents and adolescents. Information: Ashli Hoos, 398-5663.
New Life Weight Loss Support Group, 7 p.m.
first and third Monday, Conference Room C, St. Francis Memorial Health Center, 2116 W. Faidley. This meeting is aimed at those people who are either thinking of having gastric bypass surgery or those who have already had surgery. Information: Pat Mattke, (402) 845-2998.
healthy attitude, bariatric support group for those who have had or are considering weight loss surgery, 7 p.m. first and third Tuesday, Litzenberg Hospital conference room, Central City.Information: Hazel, (402) 757-3280 or Jill, (308) 946-3509.
TOPS NE7, Weigh-in, 5 to 6:15 p.m.; meeting at 6:30
p.m. Monday, Grand Generation Center (use north entrance). Information: Esther, 382-6866,
TOPS NE334, 6:15 p.m. weigh-in, meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, First Baptist Church, 10th and Eddy; Information: Mary, 381-0988. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a support group for people  who want to lose weight.
TOPS NE 567, 6 p.m. weigh-in, 6:30 p.m. meeting, Monday, Golden Towers, 804 N. Boggs. Information: Angie, 384-0122.
TOPS NE605, 8:45 a.m. weigh-in, 9 a.m. meeting, Tuesday, Community Room, Golden Towers, 804 N. Boggs. Information: Mae, 382-1115.
TOPS NE 979, weigh-in 8:30 to 9 a.m., meeting at
9 a.m. Saturday, First Baptist Church, 10th and Eddy. Information: Doris, 381-8836.

Mental health; depression
Mind Matters, 6:45 p.m.  first Monday. Learn how use the power of your mind to set your goals. Learn how to use affirmations to develop an attitude of gratitude that will help you meet your goals.  Mary Ann Kalinay, Patient/family counselor.  Pre-registration required; 398-5050
 Youth Encouraging Support and Parents for Change, 6 to 8 p.m. second Monday, Headstart, 645 S. Locust, Grand Island; 6 to 8 p.m. third Monday, Zion Lutheran Preschool, 465 S. Marion, Hastings; and 6 to 8 p.m. second Tuesday, Region III Conference Room, Eagle Nest Plaza, 4009 Sixth Ave., Kearney. Sponsored by Families CARE, YES is a youth-run, youth-led group for young people ages 10-21 who have a diagnosable emotional, mental and/or behavior challenge and who live in the 22 counties of Region III in Central Nebraska. Parents for Change is a support group for parents who have experience caring for children with emotional, mental and/or behavior disorders. Information: (308) 237-1102 or (877) 225-0500.
National Association for the Mentally Ill of Central Nebraska, 2 p.m. second Tuesday, 2001 Ave. A, Kearney. Meeting open to anyone who is a relative, friend or caregiver of someone with a mental illness. Information: (308) 865-8729.
Recovery Inc., 10 a.m. Tuesday, Faith United Methodist Church, 12th and Eddy streets. Support group for those who want to  learn to manage stress, depression, anxiety and anger. Information: 381-1833.
wings (With Inner Need of God’s Strength), 7 to 8:30 p.m. first and third Thursdays, Group designed to provide support to those with mental illness and their families. Information: 382-0753.

Mental Health Association of Grand Island, 7 p.m. second Friday, Centennial Towers Community Room, 910 N. Boggs. Information: Betty, 384-4241.
National Association for the Mentally Ill/Heartland, call 382-8604 for meeting times and locations. Videos, brochures, speakers available.

Pregnancy, parenting
and families
Grand Island Childbirth Education Association Prepared Childbirth classes, for expectant parents, 7 p.m. Wednesdays or Thursdays, four-week session, fee charged. Taught by registered nurses from the St. Francis Medical Center Maternal Child Department. Information: 382-7326.
“Baby Shower,” a guide to a safe and healthy pregnancy, 2 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 18 and Jan. 24, St. Francis Medical Center, Conference Rooms 3 and 4, 2620 W. Faidley. “Shower includes birthing center tour, community resource information, class information, refreshments, gifts and door prizes. Information: 398-5888.
“Baby Care Basics,” for expectant parents, 7 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 22, Oct. 27. Nov. 24 and Dec. 22, conference rooms, St. Francis Medical enter, 2620 W. Faidly (note location change). Fee charged. Information: 398-5888.
“Sharing Love” Sibling Education Class, for expectant brothers and sisters ages 3 to 10 and their parents as they prepare for the changes a new baby brings, 10 a.m. Saturdays, Sept. 27, Oct. 18 and Nov. 15, Conference Room 3/4, St. Francis Medical Center, 2620 W. Faidley Ave. (use main entrance). Information/registration: 398-5545.
“Preparing for Breastfeeding,” a monthly class for mothers-to-be,
7 p.m. Mondays, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8, St. Francis Medical Center conference rooms, 2620 W. Faidley. Both expectant parents and/or support people are encouraged to attend; fee for materials. Information/registration: 398-5545.
Eat at Mom’s, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Wellness Works, Conestoga Mall (next to Dillards). A support group for breast-feeding moms who want to share their experiences; facilitated by a nurse specializing in breastfeeding. Babies are welcome. Information: 398-5545.

Attachment Disorder Parent Support Group, 7 to 8:30 p.m. second Thursday. Wholeness Healing Center, 2608 Old Fair Road, garden level conference room. Group for parents of children with Reactive Attachment Disorder or attachment issues. Information: 382-5297.
Infant Massage Class,
6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, Nov. 15 and Dec. 20, R&R Therapeutic Massage Clinic, 2343 N. Webb Road. Designed to benefit a child by increasing circulation, digestion, elimination and enhances sleep. Classes are for parents or any family member of newborns, ideally between 2 and 6 weeks of age. Daycare providers or health care providers welcome (limit of two adults with each baby). Taught by Kathy Ripp or Celeste Robertson, licensed massage therapists. Fee charged; information: 389-9177.
ARC/Parent Meeting,
7 p.m. second Monday, Peace Lutheran Church educational wing, 1710 N. North Road. A group for parents and family members of children involved in special education; speakers and topics directed towards students graduating and leaving the school system. Supervised activities provided for students age 14 and older will be available during the parents’ meeting (call ahead if your student will be attending). Information: Cindy Hahn, 385-5624; or Julie Stahla, 384-8514; or Mike Follmer, 384-6876.
C-PASS, a support group for adoptive and foster parents, 6:45 to 9 p.m. second Thursday, Blessed Sacrament Jubilee Center, 518 W. State St. Child care is available with reservations. Information: 382-4495.
Central Health Center, Pap tests, HIV and sexually transmitted infection screening, pregnancy testing, emergency contraception,
9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to
5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, 2337 N. Webb Road. Information and appointments: 384-7625 or www.centralhealthcenter.org.
Birthright, pregnancy testing (no charge); resources and confidential counseling,
1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday; 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday; and 3:45
to 6 p.m. Thursday, 221 W. Second St. Information:
381-7845. Birthright hotline: (800) 550-4900.
Natural Family Planning Classes, call 384-8472 and learn how to postpone pregnancy safely without chemicals or barriers, with a 99 percent effective method of natural family planning fertility awareness.
Mothers Support Group, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, YWCA, 211 E. Fonner Park Road.  Free ongoing program for moms and  mothers-to-be  desiring a support group. Topics will include pregnancy, breastfeeding, care for the baby, etc.; scales available to weigh babies. Information: 384-9922. 
 
Grief
Next Step Grief Support Group, 5:30 p.m. second Tuesday, Home Health Services, 2121 N. Webb, Suite 304. Information: Ramona Reed, 398-2612.
Men’s Grief Luncheon, for those who have lost a loved one to death, 11:30 a.m. third Thursday, Tommy’s Restaurant, 1325 S. Locust. Sponsored by
St. Francis Medical Center’s Hospice Department; participants pay for their own meals. Information: Melinda Rowse, 398-5487.

Domestic violence
Domestic Violence Support Group, 6:30 to
8 p.m. Tuesday; sharing and learning group for women who have been in or are in an abusive relationship. Information and group location: Crisis Center, 381-0555. Services are free and confidential.
Children’s Domestic Violence Support Group, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday;
age-appropriate setting for children to learn safety plans, non-violent techniques for feelings and positive relationships. Information and group location: Crisis Center, 381-0555. Services are free and confidential.
“In Our Best Interests,” 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday;
16-week supportive and educational program for women in controlling relationship. Program is modeled after the nationally recognized Duluth, Minn., program of the same name. For group location, call the Crisis Center, 381-0555. All services free and confidential.
Grupo de apoyo de Violencia domestica en espanol — Grupo de compartir y aprender para mujeres que han estado en relaciones abusivas. Para la localizacion del grupo contacte la linea de crisis al 381-0555. Tambien hay grupo para los niños de cualquier edad. Asi que puede traer sus hijos. Todos los servicios son gratis y confidenciales.

Cancer
Look Good/Feel Better,
10:30 a.m. fourth Monday, Cancer Rehab conference room, St. Francis Memorial Health Center, 2116 W. Faidley. A program to learn how to handle the personal appearance changes that may result from chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Information: 398-5450.
Cansurmount, 5:15 p.m. first Wednesday, Wellness Works, Conestoga Mall. Information: Mary Ann Kalinay, 398-5450.
Young Women’s Breast Cancer Support Group, for young women diagnosed with breast cancer, 7 p.m. second Tuesday, Wellness Works, Conestoga Mall. Information: Cindy Schimmer, 381-2924; or Mary Ann Kalinay, 398-5450.
From Surviving to Thriving, a support group for people who have completed cancer treatment, 6 p.m. second Wednesday, Wellness Works, Conestoga Mall. Information: Mary Ann Kalinay, 398-5450.
Multiple Myeloma Support Group, 10 a.m., third Wednesday, Home Federal basement, 3311 W. Stolley Park Road. Information: Mary Lou Russell, 382-5624; or Dr. Jim Omel, 381-0289.
Breast Cancer Support Group, 10 a.m. second Saturday, Cancer Rehab conference room, St. Francis Memorial Health Center, 2116 W. Faidley. Group is for people who have breast cancer, their family members or significant others who are seeking support and education regarding cancer. Information: Beth Gonnerman or Mary Ann Kalinay, 398-5450.

Heart disease
Heart Club, 4 p.m. (en Español, 5 p.m.) Thursday, Sept. 25; and Thursday,
Oct. 16, Wellness Works, Conestoga Mall (near Dillards). Information: 398-5050 or www.wellnessworksonline.org.

Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s Support Group, an informal support group for friends and family members of those with Alzheimer’s Disease,
7 p.m. fourth Tuesday, CountryHouse Residences, 833 Alpha St. (next to Regency Retirement). Information: Stacy Glock, 381-1988.

Diabetes
Diabetes Support Group, designed to assist those diagnosed with diabetes,
7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, Wellness Works, Conestoga Mall. Information: 398-5050 or www.wellnessworksonline.org.
Diabetes Update, 4 p.m. (en Español, 5 p.m.) Friday, Sept. 26; 11 a.m. (en Español, noon) Friday, Oct. 3;  4 p.m. (en Español, 5 p.m.) Thursday, Oct. 9; 11 a.m. (en Español, noon) Friday, Oct. 17; and  4 p.m. (en Español, 5 p.m.) Thursday, Oct. 30, Wellness Works, Conestoga Mall (near Dillards). Information: 398-5050 or www.wellnessworksonline.org.
kids in the Diabetes zone (KIDZ), family support group, meets several times a year in Grand Island, Hastings or Kearney. In addition to offering support to families who have a child with diabetes, the group offers a free lending library of resource materials. Information: Melissa, (402) 751-2751; or Kim, 381-2458.

Other illnesses
CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT GROUP, 7 p.m. last Thursday, Trinity United Methodist Church parlor, Fifth and Elm streets. Group offers support for those suffering chronic or severe pain, and information and ideas to manage pain. Information: Kathy, 382-1062.
Brain Injury Support Group, 7 p.m. third Monday, Conference Room A, St. Francis Memorial Health Center, 2116 W. Faidley. A group for people affected by brain injuries, their friends and families. Information: Christa McElroy, 398-5396.
Epilepsy Support Group, 7 p.m. second Sunday, Blue Flame Room, 515 W. Third.
Parkinson’s Disease Education/Support Group, 1:30 p.m. first Tuesday, Tiffany Square Care Center, 3119 W. Faidley Ave. A support group for those affected by Parkinson’s and their friends and families. Information:
Lori Mills, 398-5322.
Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 7 p.m. first Tuesday, St. Leo’s Catholic Church, 2410 W. Blaine. A support group for people affected by MS and their friends and families. Infor-mation: Lori Mills, 398-5322.
Stroke Support Group,
7 p.m. fourth Monday, Balance and Mobility Center, 810 N. Diers. Information: Melissa Kjar, physical therapist, 398-2170.
Nebraska Visually Impaired Support Group, 1:30 p.m. fourth Tuesday, Trinity United Methodist Church, Fifth and Elm. All interested people are welcome. Information: Howard Simons, 381-8003.
Fibromyalgia Support, group no longer on a regular basis, but information and support are available; Jean Parachini, (308) 536-3326; Deb Blogett, (308) 946-3199; Bea Fiala, 384-9459.
Kearney Area Ostomy Chapter, 2 p.m. first Sunday, Conference Room E, Good Samaritan Hospital, 31st and Central, Kearney (use new north entrance and walk left in green hallway past telephone and take elevator to the second floor). The Ostomy Association is a support group for individuals and their families who have experienced ostomy surgery. Information: Marlys Bauer, (308) 237-3407.

Miscellaneous
SOS (Starting Over Support Group), 7 to 8:30
p.m. second Tuesday, Suite 100A, US Bank, 2121 N. Webb Road. Support group for anyone who is starting over due to divorce, death of a loved one, job loss, etc. Topics discussed include anger, finances, parenting skills, stages of grief and building relationships. Free child care available if requested in advance. Information: Church office, 382-0753.
Caregivers Support Group, 10 a.m. third Wednesday, YWCA, 211 E. Fonner Park Road. Group
is for those involved in providing care for a child, spouse, parent or friend. Information: Sheere Gleason, 384-9922.
Caregivers Support Group, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. third Monday, St. Paul Senior Center, 808 Howard Ave., St. Paul. Information: Marge Jerabek, (308) 754-7850.
South Central Nebraska Marine Parents, support group for parents of Marines who have poolies, recruits, active or former U.S. Marines. Next meeting tentatively set for Oct. 23; location TBA. Information: Jill Weiser, (308) 216-0112 or SCNMPSupport@gmail.com.
Open Hearts Reconciling Community, support group for persons of faith who are GLBT or gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender and family, friends and allies, 3 p.m. third Sunday of every other month during the school year, the Gathering Place, Trinity United Methodist Church, Fifth and Elm. Group is part of the Reconciling Ministry Network, which works for full acceptance, inclusion and participation of all persons in faith communities. Information: 382-1952.
“Nikos,” a support group for those wishing to leave alternative lifestyles and family members of those in alternative lifestyles, 7 p.m. first Friday, room 109, Evangelical Free Church. 2609 S. Blaine. The group is affiliated with Parents and Friends of Ex-gays and Gays (PFOX). Information: 382-1898.