Support Groups

Writing for Healing and Growth

Monday, April 27, 2020 | 10:00-12:00pm

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, $15 per month. 

PLEASE CONTACT JENNIFER CREWS at (434) 974-7756 IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THIS GROUP.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Chronic Pain Support Group

Tuesday, April 28, 2020 | 1:00-2:00pm

Tuesdays, 1:00-2:00 pm

Chronic pain is something that never goes away.  If you have it, you know that often doctors and medicine can't help.  But you can learn to help yourself.  The American Chronic Pain Association support groups provide support, validation and education in basic pain management and life skills.  The groups do not focus on symptoms or provide treatment of any kind, rather they are a means for people to share what they have learned about living with pain and to encourage others to create more satisfying lives. Mary Hughes is the facilitator. Free and open to the community.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

TOPS - Take Off Pounds Sensibly

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 | 12:00-1:00pm

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 $26.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Contact: Mary Frances Howell (434) 985 – 7713

Fee: free

Overeaters Anonymous

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 | 7:00-8:30pm

Overeaters Anonymous is a 12-Step Program of recovery for compulsive overeaters. We welcome everyone who wants to stop eating compulsively, including those who are overweight, bulimics, and anorexics. There are no dues or fees; we are self-supporting.  Our primary purpose is to abstain from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors and to carry the message of recovery through the Twelve Steps of OA to those who still suffer.”

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Alcoholics Anonymous

Thursday, April 30, 2020 | 10:00-11:00am

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.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Bereavement Support Group

Friday, May 1, 2020 | 3:00-4:30pm

Facilitated by Hospice of the Piedmont-trained counselors, the group offers opportunities to discuss grief topics, learn about healthy ways of coping, and share support with others going through similar experiences. This support group meets EVERY Friday. Free.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Contact: Senior Center 434.974.7756

Fee: free

Support Group for Caregivers of Parkinsons Patients

Thursday, May 7, 2020 | 10:45-11:45am

Group is open to anyone who cares for someone with Parkinson’s Disease. Free and open to the public.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Fee: free

Essential Tremor Support Group

Thursday, May 14, 2020 | 4:00-5:00pm

“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

Fee: free

Pet Loss Support

Saturday, May 23, 2020 | 10:00-12:00pm

The loss of our beloved pet friends can be painful and challenging to navigate. Long-time social worker Marguerite David is offering this two-hour class for those dealing with pet loss. You will gain understanding of the grieving process and can explore your loss. Resources and ideas for honoring your pet will also be provided.  For more information, you can contact Marguerite at 434-760-1330 or offtheleashcoaching@gmail.com

Marguerite has a master’s degree in Social Work and is committed to helping people create purpose, meaning, and joy, as they make several life transitions – retirement, pet loss, health changes, aging parents, relationship changes, to name a few.

Please leave your pets at home, thank you.

Free, but please RSVP.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Seats available: 9