Support Groups

TOPS - Take Off Pounds Sensibly

Wednesday, November 30, 2022 | 12:00pm-1:00pm

Wednesdays, 12:00pm-1:00pm

Established in 1948, TOPS is the original, nonprofit, weight-loss support and wellness education organization. This local chapter of TOPS meets to provide peer support. Annual membership is $32. (Please note that this program is in partnership with The Center and annual membership dues are paid to TOPS).

For more information, please contact Ruth Walker at whales89@aol.com

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Contact: Ruth Walker (434) 295-1435

ReConnect Support Group

Wednesday, November 30, 2022 | 3:00pm-4:30pm

 Wednesdays 3:00-4:30pm

We now live in a difficult world full of change and loss, much of which we can't control; and this can make us feel down, discouraged, and disconnected. We can learn to cope more successfully with these losses. If we can't change the world, we CAN change ourselves...how we think, what we do.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Alcoholics Anonymous

Thursday, December 1, 2022 | 10:00am-11:00am

Thursdays, 10:00am-11:00am

AA Meeting Growth and Recovery Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

This is an Open meeting.

Open meetings are for anyone, including students or family members of alcoholics, who wishes to attend. Free.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Writing for Healing and Growth

Monday, December 5, 2022 | 10:00am-12:00pm

Mondays 10:00am - 12:00pm

Anyone who has ever kept a journal, written stories about his or her life, or just let the pencil do the talking knows that writing is indeed a powerful instrument for fulfillment, growth, and healing. Writing that comes from the heart and mind gives expression to that which is uniquely us. Experience the adventure of writing in this weekly workshop. The emphasis is on—but is not limited to—the writing of memoirs. This is not a critique group; it is designed to provide the support that people need to tell their stories. Strict rules of privacy and confidentiality will be observed. Leonard Tuchyner facilitates. Members only, limited availability. Fee is $15/month for standard members; free for Prime members. 

PLEASE EMAIL JENNIFER CREWS at jennifer@thecentercville.org IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THIS GROUP.  

Members only.

Location: The Center

The Aftermath

Monday, December 5, 2022 | 12:00pm-2:00pm

Monday December 5, 12:00-2:00 pm

Author of “Virginia Tech - Make Sure It Doesn't Get Out”, two textbooks and multiple books on gun violence and mass shootings, David Cariens, shares his personal loss during the first school shooting of Virginia in 2002. The author will address the aftermath of mass shootings from several perspectives. David has 40+ years of work in intelligence and crime analysis; he will discuss his findings and what victims and survivors can expect in terms of their own emotions and more. Lastly, David plans to share more insights found from being on the Governor’s Commission to Investigate the Virginia Beach Mass Shooting of May 31, 2019. Open to all, Registration Encouraged.

Perspectives Covering:

• First, he lost the mother of his oldest grandchild at the first school shooting in Virginia in 2002.
• Second, he has written three books analyzing mass shootings as well as numerous articles on the subject;
• Third, he has 40+ years of work in intelligence and crime analysis. He will discuss his findings; what victims and survivors can expect—both in terms of their own emotions as well as from people in positions of authority;
• Fourth, insights from being on the Governor’s Commission to Investigate the Virginia Beach Mass Shooting of May 31, 2019

Brief Bio on Instructor:

The instructor has spent 50+ years working in intelligence and crime analysis. He is a retired CIA officer and has designed courses and taught intelligence and crime analysis for 30+ years. He is the author of two textbooks on the subject and three books on gun violence and mass shootings. He also brings to his experience the loss of a family member in a mass shooting here in Virginia. Author -Advocate | David Cariens (davecariens.com)

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Coffee and Caregiving

Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 9:30am-11:00am

Meets the first Tuesday of every month at 9:30 am

This is a casual setting and discussion time for those who care for a person with dementia. Share ideas, engage in informal discussions and enjoy a cup of coffee from Greenberry's.  

Open to all.

Location: The Center

AA Closed Big Book Women's Group

Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 6:00pm-7:30pm

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Families Anonymous

Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 6:45pm-8:00pm

Tuesdays 6:45–8:00 pm  

Families Anonymous is a twelve-step program supporting those who are concerned about someone very near to them due to drugs, alcohol, or related behavioral problems. When you come into an FA meeting you are no longer alone, but among friends who have experienced similar problems. Free and open to all. No rsvp needed. Contact Deborah if you have questions about the program.
 

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Essential Tremor Support Group

Thursday, December 8, 2022 | 4:00pm-5:00pm

Second Thursday of each month, 4:00–5:00 pm 

November 10 - Dr. Williams Dalrymple of the UVa Neurology Department is the guest speaker.

December 8 - Professor Emily Peron from the Department of Pharmacology at VCU will be the guest speaker.

The meeting will take place in person at The Center, or join online:

"We believe that our group members and our programs provide help and information about a condition that can be difficult and embarrassing,” says group leader John Watterson. Essential tremor is a neurological condition that causes shaking of the head, hands, and voice. An estimated 10 million people in the United States have essential tremor (ET). While not life-threatening, ET is a serious and progressive condition that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life—socially, professionally, and emotionally. People with ET often have difficulty with everyday activities such as getting dressed, eating, drinking, speaking or writing. Of 20-plus different kinds of tremor, essential tremor (ET) is the most common. Also known as familial tremor, benign essential tremor or hereditary tremor, ET is a neurological condition often confused with Parkinson’s disease and dystopia. Due to misguided beliefs and lack of awareness, many people with this condition never seek medical care though most would benefit from treatment. This group is both educational and supportive, and free. We meet on the second Thursday of each month, from 4:00-5:00pm.

International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF) The IETF funds research to find the cause of essential tremor (ET) that leads to treatments and a cure, increases awareness, and provides educational materials, tools, and support for healthcare providers, the public, and those affected by ET. Learn more about the IETF. Other links you may find helpful: tremoraction.org

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Contact: John Watterson 434.973.2510

Alzheimers Caregiver Support Group

Tuesday, December 20, 2022 | 9:30am-11:00am

A collaboration between Alzheimer's Association, JABA and The Center

3rd Tuesday of every month, 9:30-11:00AM

Are you providing caregiving for someone with Alzheimers?  This monthly program will enable you to build a support system with people who understand.  Alzheimer's Association support groups, conducted by trained facilitators, are a safe place for caregivers to develop a support system, exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions, talk through issues and ways of coping, share feelings, needs, and concerns, and learn about community resources.

Free and open to all.  Register below. 

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Caregiver Discussion Group

Thursday, December 22, 2022 | 3:00pm-4:00pm

4^th Thursday of every month, 3:00–4:00 pm

This meeting is designed to foster support, assistance and education to help caregivers manage the stresses associated with taking care of someone. It’s a great time to share similar experiences and exchange helpful advice. Free and open to all. Please register below.

Open to all.

Location: The Center