SUPPORT GROUPS
Peer support is one of the core services of a center for independent living. Educational topics, social time, and sharing feelings of frustration and joy are all part of the peer support experience. Download a copy of our support group flyer.
- Brain Injury Survivors Group
This group meets every Thursday from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm at Disability Network's Kalamazoo office at 517 E. Crosstown Parkway. Call Miranda for more information at (269) 345-1516 x 120 or email mgrunwell@dnswm.org.
- Spinal Cord Injury Support Groups
A spinal cord injury group meets at least quarterly in Kalamazoo, hosted by All American Roll Models www.allamericanrollmodels.com. The group has an e-mail newsletter so members stay informed and in touch. For more information about the group, e-mail Brian at BrianLCulver@yahoo.com or contact Karen Halsted at Disability Network at (269) 345-1516 x115 or khalsted@dnswm.org. See All American Roll Models members skydive at the Allegan Airport on WZZM and in the Kalamazoo Gazette.
A spinal cord injury group also meets in Charlotte (Eaton County) on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 1-3 pm at the Charlotte Senior Center. Contact Stewart at freedom4sv@sbcglobal.net for more information about this group.
- Women with Disabilities Group
This group meets every Tuesday from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm at Disability Network's Kalamazoo office, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway. Call or e-mail Lisa for more information at (269) 345-1516 x 108 or lwilliams@dnswm.org.
Other Disability-Related Support Groups
Following is a listing of other disability-related support groups in the area, categorized by county then listed alphabetically. Disability Network is not affiliated directly with these groups but makes every effort to ensure the information provided is accurate and up to date. Please call or email the contact person for a group before attending. If you find an error in these listings, please contact Michele at Disability Network at mmcgowen@dnswm.org or (269) 345-1516.
Barry County
Low Vision Support Group: Meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 1:30 pm at the Barry County Commission on Aging. Call Bill at (269) 686-0290 for more information.
Berrien County
Breathe Easier Club for individuals with chronic breathing problems meets the 1st Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm at the Frederick Upton Education Center of Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph. Call Lakeland Respiratory Therapy at (269) 983-8203 for more information.
Depression & BiPolar Support Alliance (DBSA) group meets every Monday at 6:00 pm. Contact Cindy at (269) 369-9154 or Rickie Sue at (269) 201-7048 for more information.
Diabetes Support Group meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm at Lakeland Regional Health Center, 1234 Napier Ave., St. Joseph. For more information, call 927-5465 or 683-5510, Ext. 5465.
Diabetes Insulin Pump Support Group meets the first Thursday of each month in the Community Room of Lakeland Medical Center. For times and more information call (269) 927-5465 (St. Joseph) or (269) 683-5510 x 5465 (Niles).
Diabetes - Family Group for parents and kids with type I diabetes. Meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. Call Francine for location and more information at (269) 757-2310.
Celiac Support Group: Meets the 2nd Saturday of each month from 1:00 - 3:00 pm in the Lawrence Room at Lincoln Township Library, 2099 W. John Beers Road, Stevensville. Call (269) 429-5103 or (269) 429-6320 for more information.
Hearing Loss Association - SW Michigan Chapter meets First Thursday of April through December from 7:00 to 8:30pm at The Chapel Room C214 4250 Washington Ave,St Joseph, MI 49085. For more information contact Darl G. Williams at 269-429-8857 or wilwible@comcast.net or St-Joseph@hearingloss-mi.org .
Parent Support Groups:
@ Lighthouse Center - This parent group meets monthly and is for parents with kids on the autism spectrum. Contact Jack Houser at (269) 429-2351
@ Blossomland Learning Center - This parent group meets quarterly and is for parents whose children and young adults attend Blossomland . They present different topics that deal with topics pertaining to the students they serve. Contact Tina Lawson or Diane Conover at (269) 473-2600
@ Michigan Alliance for Families - This parent group meets monthly. The parent group focus is to support the parents and help them advocate for their children. Contact Margo Pierce or Cindy Gray at (269) 934-9471.
Parkinson's Disease Support Group: Meets the 2nd Thursday of every month at 3:00 pm at Lakeland Medical Center, Upton Center Conference Room #1, 1234 Napier Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Contact Sally Bailey at (269) 429-1118 for more information.
Sickle Cell support group: Meets the 2nd Friday of odd-numbered months from 1:30 - 2:30 pm in the Community Room at Lakeland Reginal Medical Center, 1234 Napier Ave, St. Joseph. It is for people of all ages diagnosed with sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease. Family and support people are encouraged to attend. For more information or to register, contact Angie Oliva at 382-0579 or 926-8129, Ext. 5291.
Sleep Apnea Support Group: AWAKE (Alert, Well and Keeping Energetic) is a support group for anyone affected by sleep apnea. For meeting dates and times, contact the Lakeland Sleep Disorder and Treatment Center at 934-8060 or awake@lakelandregional.org
Stroke Support Group: Meets monthly. For stroke survivors and their loved ones. Call (269) 983-8497 for more information.
Branch County
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group: Meets the 1st Monday of the month from 3:00 - 4:30 pm at Pines Senior Respite Service, H&C Burnside Senior Center, 65 Grahl Drive, Coldwater. Call ahead at (269) 279-8847. Respite care is available on site.
Diabetes Support Group: Meets the 2nd Monday of each month from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm at Community Health Center, 274 E. Chicago Street in Coldwater. Call (517) 279-5335 for more information.
Calhoun County
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group: Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 2:30 - 4:00 pm at Burnham Brook Community Center, 200 W. Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49017. Contact Karen Hibbard at (269) 441-6063 for more information.
Arthritis Support Group: Meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 2:00 pm at Burnham Brook Community Center, Battle Creek. Contact Jane Chappell at (269) 96602566 ext 368 for more information.
Bi-polar Disorder Support Group: Meets every other Monday of each month from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm at Burnham Brook Community Center, Battle Creek. Call Fred at (269) 963-4588 for more information.
Diabetes Support Group - Albion: Meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm at the Forks Senior Center. Call (517) 629- 3842 for more information.
Diabetes Support Group - Battle Creek: Meets the first Monday of every month from 1:00 - 2:00 pm at Burnham Brook Community Center. Call Jane Chappell at (269) 966-2566 ext 368 for more information.
Fibromyalgia Support Group: Meets the 2nd Monday of every month from 11:30 to 12:30 at Burnham Brook Community Center. Call Jane Chappell at (269) 966-2566 extension 368 or 441-0948 for more information.
Low Vision Support Group: Meets the 3rd Monday of every month at 9:45 am at Burnham Brook Community Center. Call Murial Walters at (269) 209-9476 for more information.
Lupus Support Group: Meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Burnham Brook Community Center. For more information contact Dorothy Height at (269) 565-0881.
Multiple Sclerosis Support Group: Meets the 4th Monday of every month at 6:00 pm at Burnham Brook Community Center. Call Shawna at (269) 968-8166 ext 595 for more information.
Parkinson's Disease Support Group: Meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 10:00 am at Burnham Brook Community Center. Call Jane Chappell at (269) 441-0957 for more information.
Young Onset Parkinson's Disease Support Group: Meets the 2nd Thursday of every month from 5:00 - 6:00 pm at Burnham Brook Center. Call Jane Chappell at (269) 441-0957 for more information.
Stroke Survivor Group: Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 11:30 am. Location is the Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center Board Room, 393 E. Roosevelt Ave. in Battle Creek. If you have questions please call (269) 965-3206 and press extension 4333 for Gina or extension 4129 for Samantha.
Cass County
Parkinson's Disease Support Group: Meets the 2nd Tueday of the month from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at the Cass County Council on Aging, 60525 Decatur Road, Cassopolis. Call (269) 445-8110 or (800) 323-0390 for more information.
Kalamazoo County
ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease): Meets the 2nd Sunday of each month in room 201 of First United Methodist Church, 212 S. Park Street, Kalamazoo. Call 1-800-387-7121 for more information.
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Groups:
- 1st Tuesday of each month from 1:00 - 2:30 pm at Fourth Reformed Church, 6339 Atlantic, Kalamazoo
- 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7:00 - 8:30 pm at Borgess Health & Fitness Center, 3025 Gull Road, Room 3, Kalamazoo
- 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7:00 - 8:30 pm at Portage Senior Center, 320 Library Lane, Portage. Respite care is available on site.
- 4th Wednesday of each month from 2:30 - 4:30 pm at The Fountains, 1700 Bronson Way, Kalamazoo
Amputee Support Group: Meets 7 to 9 p.m Wednesdays, Lawrence Educational, Wing Borgess Medical Center. For more information, call Hangar Prosthetics at 269-345-1117 or contact Bob Bollinger at either 269-349-3803 or bob67impss@charter.net.
Aphasia Support Groups: A variety of groups meet for individuals with aphasia as well as a group for spouse/friends/caregivers of people with aphasia. For more information contact Sandra Glista at sandra.glista@wmich.edu or 387-8064. www.aphasia.org is a link to the National Aphasia Association.
Asperger Society of Michigan - Information & Support 5047 West Main Street #358, Kalamazoo, MI 49009-1001
www.aspergermichigan.com or info@aspergermichigan.com
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Support Group: CHADD of Kalamazoo meets the 2 nd Tuesday of each month from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at the Gilmore Education Center at Bronson Hospital. Contact http://www.kazoochadd.com or www.CHADD.org. No December meeting.
Blind & Visually Impaired Support Group: Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 10:30 am – 12:00 noon at Senior Services, 918 Jasper Street, Kalamazoo. Transportation provided. Call (269) 553-4960.
Blind Starfish Group: A group for people who are blind or have low vision. Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 7:00 – 8:30 pm at Disability Network's Community Building, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway. Call (269) 383-1544 for more information. Spouses, partners, family members & other interested persons welcome.
Kalamazoo Council for the Blind: Meets every other 2nd Thursday @ 5:30 in the Community building at Disability Network Southwest Michigan, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo. Please contact Patricia Bailey at (269) 226-0217 for more information.
National Federation of the Blind, Kalamazoo Chapter: Meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at University Roadhouse, 1332 West Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49006-4541 5:30 dinner; 6:30 meeting. Call (989) 284-7915 for more information.
Celiac's Disease Support Group: Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Gilmore Education Center at Bronson Hospital. The group is for anyone who follows a fluten-free/wheat free diet because of Celiac's Disease, autism, or any other reason. Call 492-5278 or 342-5278.
Depression & Bipolar Support Group Meetings: Meets every Monday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church (S.W. corner of Romence & Oakland Drive, Portage). Call 599-2782 or go to www.freewebs.com/dbsa_kazoo for more information.
Diabetes Support Group: Meets the 1st Thursday of each month (September through May) from 4:00 - 5:30 pm at Bronson Methodist Hospitals' Gilmore Center for Health Education, 7 Healthcare Plaza. Call (269) 341-8585 for more information.
Diabetes: Children's Diabetes Support Group meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month 7:00 pm at Bronson Hospital's Gilmore Center in Kalamazoo. It meets to educate and provide information and resources for young people with diabetes, their families and friends. Contact Windee (269) 649-1777 or mwzwagner@aol.com or Cyndi Brown at cyndigb@quixnet.net for more information.
Diabetes: Comstock Diabetes Support Group meets at Comstock Community Center at 6330 King Highway, Comstock, MI. Contact Sidney at (269) 329-4551 for more information.
Diabetes: P.U.G. Pump Users Group Contact Amy Lohrrmann at (269) 344-5791 for the next meeting site or e-mail her at alohrrman@juno.com This is a fun group that meets at various restaurant sites on a Friday night, around 6:00 or 6:30 PM, every other month.
Diabetes: Portage Senior Center Support Group meets at Portage Senior Center at 320 Library Lane, Portage.
This support group is open to the public and meets the 3rd Friday of each month at 10:00 am. Contact Carol Ebel at (269) 329-4555 for more information.
Dual Recovery Anonymous: For anyone facing substance abuse and mental health challenges seeking recovery. Meets every Tuesday 10:30 am - 12:00 noon at InterAct of Michigan, 610 S. Burdick, Kalamazoo. For more information, call Patrick at 381-3700.
Epilepsy: HUGS - (honesty understanding group support) meets the 4th Tuesday of every month from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Gilmore Center @ Bronson Hospital, 601 John Street. The group is for children and teens with epilepsy and their families. For more information, contact Rhonda Frohriep at (269) 679-2245.
Epilepsy support group -- meets 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the last Wednesday of every month at Bronson Methodist Hospital's Gilmore Center for Health Education, 7 Healthcare Plaza. Call (269) 694-1016 for more information.
Friends with Epilepsy: Meets every Saturday from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. This is a social group. The group goals are to meet other people with epilepsy, raise money for epilepsy research, make new friends, and have fun! Call Matt at 352-4189 between 11 am - 4 pm for questions about ths group.
Hearing Loss Association – Kalamazoo Chapter: Meets the 2nd Saturday of each month at 9:00 am at Perkins Restaurant, 3810 Cork Street, Kalamazoo. Call (269) 342-2134 or kalamazoo@hearingloss-mi.org or howard-potrude@juno.com.
HIV/AIDS mutual support group: Meets the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month. Call 381-2437 or 1-800-944-2437 for more information.
Laryngectomy Support Group: Meets the 4 th Saturday of every month at 10:00 am at Oakwood Neighborhood Assocation, 3320 Laird Ave, Kalamazoo. Call (269) 343-0363.
Mental Health Peer Support groups through the Recovery Institute of Southwest Michigan: Includes a Vet-to-Vet Peer Support Group. Follow link above fore more information, or go to www.recoverymi.org.
Multiple Sclerosis Support Groups : HOOPLA (Hope On Our Path through Life’s Adventure) meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 11:00 – 12:30 am at the Borgess Health & Fitness Center, 3025 Gull Road, Kalamazoo. Call (269) 382-4991, (269) 668-4248 or (269) 321-0868 for more information.
Muscular Dystrophy Support Group: meets the 1st Wednesday of each month from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm at Bronson Gilmore Center Forum Room A. Call Jen Volkers at (616) 459-4331 for more information.
NAMI of Kalamazoo (National Alliance on Mental Illness): is a self-help and advocacy group that meets the first Thursday of most months at Pathways, 119 W. Vine Street, Kalamazoo. The meeting starts at 6:30 pm. Contact Mike for more information at (269) 343-6952.
Ostomy Support Group: Meets the 3rd Monday in the months April, July & October at 7:30 pm at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1747 W. Milham Avenue, Portage. Anyone interested in this issue is invited to come. Call Don Bregger at (269) 674-8382 for more information.
Parent Network Meetings: Parent to Parent of Southwest Michigan's (P2P) parent group meets monthly at the First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South Street, Kalamazoo from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm on the first Thursday of every month (October - May). Call (269) 345-8950 for more information. Childcare is available.
Parent Support Group: The Advocacy Services for Kids (ASK) parent support group is for parents and caregivers of youth with mood, behavior, and emotional disorders or challenges. It meets the first Monday of every month at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1747 W. Milham Ave. Child care is provided. Call 343-5896 for more information.
Parent Support Group for Hispanic parents: We are a group of parents who want share experiences and advice on how to educate, support and enjoy our sons and daughters who learn differently. Join us on our first meeting! For any questions please contact Frances Vega at: 342-9801 ext 204 or send an email to: fvega-costas@communityadvocates.org Grupo de Apoyo para Padres Hispanos Somos un grupo de padres que compartimos experiencias en como criar, educar y disfrutar a nuestros hijos que aprenden de forma diferente. Únete en nuestra primera reunión. Cualquier pregunta puede llamar a la Sra. Frances Vega en 342-9801 ext-204 o escribir a fvega-costas@communityadvocates.org
Parkinson's Disease Support Group: The Kalamazoo Area Parkinson's Group now meets at Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, 2400 Portage Road. Small groups meet the 2nd Thursday of most months from 1:30 pm - 3:00pm at Wyndham Apartments; Individuals with Parkinson's meet in the Amber Way Conference Room - Caregivers meet in the Wyndham Private Dining Room. Educational meetings with presentations and Q&A are the 3rd Friday of most months at 11:00 am at Wyndham Apartments. Contact Morgan Douglass at mdouglass@heritagecommunity.com or (269) 343-4389 for more information.
Recovery International: for people trying to cope with stress, anxiety, panic, depression, worry or other emotional concerns. Meets Mondays from 5 pm - 7 pm at 2nd Reformed Church, 2323 Stadium Drive in Kalamazoo. Also meets Wednesdays from 7 - 9 pm at First Congregational Church, 129 S. Park Street in Kalamazoo. For more information please call Fran at 344-9193 or email jerrfran@sbcglobal.net.
Reflex Sympathic Dystrophy syndrome (RSD): Meets every other Wednesday from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Parchment Community Library, 401 S. Riverview Drive in Parchment. For more information, call Colleen Westra at (269) 381-2283.
Schizophrenics Anonymous: Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6:00 – 7:00 pm at Pathways, 119 W. Vine Street, Kalamazoo. Call (269) 342-0173.
“Living with Stroke” Support Group meets the first Thursday of each month from 1-2 pm at Borgess Health and Fitness Center in Classroom #3. All stroke survivors, caregivers, family, and friends are invited. Call 269-226-8135 or 800-828-8135 for more information.
new! Stroke Survivor Support Group: Meets 11 a.m. to noon the third Thursday of each month (except July and August) at Bronson Methodist Hospital's Gilmore Center for Health Education, 7 Healthcare Plaza, Kalamazoo. Call (269) 341-7500 or visit www.bronsonhealth.com/stroke for more information.
Stroke Support Group: Meets the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month at 1:30 pm at Senior Services, 918 Jasper Avenue. All stroke survivors, spouses & caregivers welcome. Call Margaret Keleman at (269) 327-9520 for more information.
St. Joseph County
Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Groups:
- Sturgis - meets the 3rd Monday of each month from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at Thurson Woods, 307 N. Franks Avenue. Respite care is available on site.
- Three Rivers - meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7:00 - 8:30 pm at St. Joseph County Commission on Aging, 103 S. Douglas.
Stroke Club: Meets the first Tuesday of every month from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon at the Wellness Pavilion at Three Rivers Health, 501 S. Health Parkway, Three Rivers. This is an education and support group for stroke survivors and their families. For more information, contact Chris Whitehead at (269) 278-1145 ext. 332.
Van Buren County
Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Groups:
- Paw Paw - Meets the 4th Tuesday of each month from 7:00 - 8:30 pm at Lakeview Hospital, 408 Hazen.
- South Haven - Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 1:00 - 2:30 pm at Warren Senior Center, South Haven Senior Services, 220 Broadway. For respite care and transportation call (269) 637-3607.
Fibromyalgia Support Group: Group meets monthly to share information and has occasional guest speakers. They meet the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 5 pm - 6:30 pm in Classroom 1 at Lakeview Community Hospital, 408 Hazen Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079. Call (269) 657-3141 for more information.
Visually Impaired Persons Support Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at 1:00 pm. Meeting location is the Warren Senior Center, 540 Williams Street, South Haven. For more information call (269) 637-1418.