Support Groups
(732) 321-7089
Dates, times and locations of support groups vary. Please call the corresponding phone number to the support group you are interested in for additional information.
Support and bereavement groups are designed to provide a safe place for individuals to release powerful emotions they may otherwise keep to themselves. They are known to improve a participant's mood and decrease psychological distress, and provide an emotional connection when individuals feel isolated from friends and family. Together, participants provide and share information ranging from disease research and new medications to how a bereaved person can cope during the first year after a loved one's death. The following support and bereavement groups (listed in alphabetical order) are offered to community residents:
Speech Audiology Services
Aphasia Support Group
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
JFK Medical Center
65 James St, Edison
(732) 321-7063
Contact: Janice Dibling
Date/Time:
Every Wednesday
1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Provides communicative opportunities for patients who suffer from significant language deficits.
Laryngectomee Support Group
JFK Medical Center
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
65 James Street, Edison
(732) 321-7063
Contact: Patti Shanes
Date/Time:
Third Tuesday of each month
4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
A monthly support group for patients who have undergone a laryngectomee (removal of voice box). The latest speaking techniques and available products are discussed and "helpful hints" shared. Patients and family members are welcome.
Pediatric Services
Pediatric Epilepsy Support Group
New Jersey Neuroscience Institute
Conference Room
JFK Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison
(732) 321-7000, ext. 67245
Contact: Diane Poracky, RN
Time/Date:
Second Wednesday of each month
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tumor Services
Brain Tumor Support Group
St. Luke's Church
North Plainfield
(732) 321-7000 ext. 66785
Date/Time:
First Thursday of each month
Please call for meeting time.
The Central NJ Brain Tumor Support Group and Resource Center is an independent, non-profit organization, providing an agenda that alternates between general support group meetings and scheduled informative speakers.
Benign Brain Tumor Support Group -- For Patients & Survivors
Location varies -- please call for meeting location
(732) 371-5338
Contact: Beth Rosenthal
Date/Time:
Second Monday of each month
7:00 p.m.
Head Injury / Stroke / Rehab Services
Cardiopulmonary Support Group
Johnson Rehabilitation Institute
Cardiac Rehab. Therapy Gym
65 James Street, Edison
(732) 321-7000, ext. 67049
Contact: Chris Wade
Date/Time:
January 27, February 17, March 17
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The group provides support and education to people with similar interests in pulmonary disease.
Head Injury Support Group
Center For Head Injuries
JFK Hartwyck at Oak Tree
2048 Oak Tree Road, Edison
(732) 906-2640
Contact: Sabrina Wisniewski
Date/Time:
Second Tuesday of each month
6:00 p.m.
This group is designed to help patients who have survived brain injuries such as trauma, stroke or tumors, and their families cope with emotions and learn healthy coping mechanisms.
Middlesex County Stroke Support Group
JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute
Therapeutic Recreation Room
JFK Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison
(732) 969-2097
Contact: Frank Roche
Date/Time:
Second Wednesday of each month
7:00 p.m.
Wives of Stroke Victims
JFK Outpatient Conference Room
JFK Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison
(732) 752-2644
Contact: Rosemarie Picciuto
Date/Time:
Third Tuesday of the month
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cancer Services
Radiation Therapy Orientation (for Patients & Families)
Radiation Oncology Department
JFK Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison
(732) 321-7769
Date/Time:
Every other Friday throughout the year
Call for specific times
An orientation group for new radiation patients and their families designed to provide information, dispel myths, decrease anxiety, and explore community resources. Members are introduced to the procedures and methods used during treatment and a brief instructional video. For further information, call 732 321 7000 x 66224.
"Insight" Cancer Support Group
The Jewish Community Center of Scotch Plains
1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains
(732) 321-7769
Date/Time:
Third Thursday of each month
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
A monthly support group for patients and their caregivers to share feelings and concerns. Information about cancer diagnosis and treatment is provided allowing patients to make informed health decisions. Meetings held the third Thursday of the month from 7:00pm-9:00pm at the JCC of Scotch Plains. For further information, call 732 321 7769.
Voices of Healing - Breast Cancer Support Group
JFK Medical Center
Physicians Rehab Conference Room
65 James Street, Edison
(732) 321-7000, ext. 62458
Contact: Tracy Grafton
Date/Time:
First Tuesday of each month
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
A monthly support group for patients with breast cancer. The goal of the group is to decrease feelings of isolation and provide a sense of belonging. Empowerment, body image and family roles are discussed. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Diabetes / Weight Management Services
Diabetes Insulin Pump Therapy Support Group
Diabetes Center of New Jersey
308 Talmadge Road, Edison
(800) 991-6668 or (732) 650-9207
Date/Time:
Second Tuesday of each month
7:15 p.m.
Diabetes Support Group
Diabetes Center of New Jersey
308 Talmadge Road, Edison
(800) 991-6668 or (732) 650-9207
Date/Time:
First Wednesday of each month
1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Individuals diagnosed with diabetes and respective family members are invited to share their knowledge, experiences, triumphs, and concerns.
Medical Weight Management Program
Diabetes Center of New Jersey
308 Talmadge Road, Edison
(800) 991-6668 or (732) 650-9207
Date/Time:
Second and Fourth Wednesday of each month
1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
This program is designed to guide patients to a healthier way of eating. Here new food plans, behavior modification, fitness education, body analysis and much more will be discussed. Participants must be a patient of the Diabetes program to attend.
Bariatric Support Group
Muhlenberg Campus
JFK Medical Center
Park Avenue & Randolph Road, Plainfield
(908) 226-4200
Date/Time:
Third Thursday of each month
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Women & Children's Services
New Moms and Babies Network -- Post Partum Support Group
JFK Medical Center
5th floor Conference Room
65 James St
Edison, NJ 08820
(721) 632-1632
Contact: Donna Wiegers, RN
Date/Time/Location:
Second Wednesday of each month
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
A support group for new moms (and their babies) to discuss the "adjustment to parenthood" with other moms going through the same experience. This group is open to all community members; and delivery at JFK Medical Center is not required. Guest speakers (such as pediatricians and representatives from the hearing and dental programs) will occasionally present on relevant topics of interest and participate in a general question and answer session.
Bereavement Support Groups conducted by Haven Hospice
Spousal Bereavement Group--The “One and Only” Club
Date/Time/Location:
Whispering Knoll Assisted Living Facility across the street from JFK Medical Center
Fourth Wednesday of each month
10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
A spousal loss group for people who are 55 years of age and older. The Group is designed to help spouses, who have been bereaved for as long as two years, understand the grief process and share their feelings with others with the same experiences, while adjusting to new roles. Guest speakers periodically address topics of common concern such as "cooking for one" and relaxation techniques The program is open to members of the community. Registration is required. Please call 732-321-7000 x62377 for information.
Young Spousal Bereavement Group
Haven Hospice
JFK Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison
(732) 321-7769
Date/Time/Location: To Be Determined—Call for information
A spousal loss group for people who are younger than 55 years of age. The Group is designed to help spouses, who have been bereaved for as long as two years, understand the grief process and share their feelings with others with the same experiences, while adjusting to new roles. Guest speakers periodically address topics of common concern such as "cooking for one" and relaxation techniques.
Growing through Grief (for children, teens, and adults)
A monthly group for adults and their children , ages three to 18 years of age, who have experienced a significant loss within the last two years. The children are in groups based upon their developmental age, while the adults meet in their own group with other parents. The children’s group utilizes play and arts & crafts to promote the healing process. Registration is required. Please call 732 321 7769 for more information.
Date/Time/Location:
Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of every month
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Whispering Knolls Assisted Living Facility across the street from JFK Medical Center
Hugs and Bugs Retreat
Hugs and Bugs is the culmination of the Growing Through Grief program. Participants are invited to a day away from the stresses of life where young grievers and their caregivers can begin to embrace and enjoy life even in the face of loss. The one day event is typically held in the summer in a natural setting.
Date/Time/Location:
To Be Announced
The Path Most Traveled
A general group for adults grieving the death of a loved one. Registration is required. Call 732-321-7769 for more information.
Date/Time/Location:
Meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of the month
7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
JFK Medical Center Rehabilitation Conference Room
“It’s Complicated”
This time-limited group runs twice annually for people who have experienced multiple losses, a traumatic loss, or are simply feeling “stuck” in their grief. For further information, call 732 321 7769.
Date/Time/Location
To Be Announced
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