Programs & Services
Support Groups
732.321.7089Dates, times and locations of support vary. Please call the phone number that corresponds to the support group you are interested in for additional information.
Support and bereavement groups are designed to provide a platform 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:
Aphasia Support Group
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
JFK Medical Center
65 James St, Edison732-321-7063 (Erin Flynn)
Date/Time/Location:
Every Wednesday, 1:30 to 2:00 p.m.
Free.
Provides communicative opportunities for patients who suffer from significant language deficits.
Brain AVM and Aneurysm Support Group
The New Jersey Neuroscience Institute
Neuroscience Conference CenterJFK Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison
732-321-7000 ext. 68973 (Nancy DePinto, R.N.)
Date/Time/Location:
Fourth Wednesday of every month, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Free.
The AVM and Aneurysm Support Group at The New Jersey Neuroscience Institute (NJNI) began five years ago. It is the only one of its kind in New Jersey and one of just a handful in the country, providing a platform for patients, with brain injury as a result of an AVM or aneurysm, and their family members meet others with similar experiences. Here, participants gain valuable emotional support, develop friendships, and obtain information and resources. Periodically, guest speakers participate and share meaningful information on relevant topics of interest. The support group is led by Dr. Jonathan Brisman, the director of cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery at the NJ Neuroscience Institute, and Nancy DePinto, R.N., clinical neurosurgical nurse specialist. Dr. Brisman, is also the co-medical director of the AVM and Neurological Research Fund (www.avmresearchfund.org/),
a national foundation supporting AVM outreach, research and education. For more information regarding this unique organization, please call 732.321.7000, ext. 68973.
Referrals to the New Jersey Neuroscience Institute for patients with brain aneurysms or brain AVMs should be directed to 732.321.7000, ext. 68998, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.; or, 732.321.7010 for emergencies.
Breastfeeding Support Group
Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center
Park Avenue and Randolph Road, Plainfield
908.226.5811 (Anne Beattie, RN, IBCLC)
Date/Time/Location:
Call for additional information.
Free.
Expectant and new mothers, as well as babies, meet with a health care professional (usually a lactation consultant) to discuss and receive support and help with challenges and concerns of breastfeeding.
Caregiver Support Group
Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center
Kenyon House, Adult Day Health Facility
Park Ave and Randolph Road, Plainfield
908.668.2328 (Linda B. Auman, RN)
Date/Time/Location:
Second Wednesday of each month, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Free.
Caregivers of the Elderly Support Group
Meetings rotate between St. Francis Roman Catholic Church and JFK Hartwyck at Oak Tree.
St. Frances R.C. Church
Main Street, Metuchen
732.548.9770 (Mary Buglio)
Date/Time/Location:
Third Monday of each month, 7:00 p.m.
Hartwyck At Oak Tree
2048 Oak Tree Road, Edison
732.548.9770 (Mary Buglio)
Date/Time/Location:
First Saturday of the month, 10:30 a.m.
This session is offered in conjunction with the Alzheimer's Association.
Free.
The support groups are open to members of the community, and provides individuals who care for an elderly adult to share resources, concerns and discuss problem-solving techniques.
Central NJ Brain Tumor Support and Resource Center
St. Luke's Church
North Plainfield
732.321.7000 ext. 62874 (Patty Phillips)
Date/Time/Location:
Held first Thursday of each month, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m
Free.
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.
Children's Bereavement Group
Haven Hospice
JFK Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison
732.321.7769
Date/Time/Location:
Second and Fourth Monday of the month, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m
Nominal Fee.
Here children can share their thoughts and feelings -- in an age appropriate support group setting facilitated by highly trained social workers -- with peers who have also experienced the loss of a loved one. The bereavement program promotes a natural grieving process where children can heal at their own pace in a compassionate, caring and accepting environment. They work together to better understand their own experience, while building self esteem, trust and hope for the future. The program also utilizes art and other forms of media and creative expression to help children convey their feelings and concerns - such as drawing, puppetry, mask making and storytelling. The goal of these activities is to help children cope with issues surrounding the loss of a loved one, as well as to prevent future conflict and emotional distress, while encouraging children to use healthy methods of coping throughout the grieving process and their development. Parent/caregiver groups run concurrently.
COPD Support Group
Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center
Cardio Pulmonary Rehab. Room
Park Avenue and Randolph Road, Plainfield
908.668.2317 (Karen Boccia)
Date/Time/Location:
Third Tuesday of each month (excluding July & August), 12:30 p.m.
Free.
The group provides support and education to people with similar interests in pulmonary disease.
Coping With Cancer - Patient and Family Support Group
Haven Hospice
JFK Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison
732.321.7769
Date/Time/Location:
Fourth Tuesday of each month, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Free.
The support group provides a safe environment for patients and family members to share their feelings and concerns. Here information relevant to cancer diagnosis and treatment is discussed to help patients and their families become educated partners in their health care.
Diabetes Type 2 Support Group
Diabetes Center of New Jersey
308 Talmadge Road, Edison
800.991.6668 or 732.650.9207
Date/Time/Location:
First Monday of each month, 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Free.
Individuals diagnosed with diabetes and respective family members are invited to share their knowledge, experiences, triumphs, and concerns.
Family Support Group
JFK Hartwyck at Cedar Brook
North Wing Solarium
1340 Park Avenue, Plainfield
908.754.3100 (Carol Cashin)
Date/Time/Location:
Held monthly, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (noon). Meeting dates vary. Please call for dates.
Free.
The Family Support Group helps families adjust to long-term care at Cedar Brook by addressing the stress of having a loved one in a nursing home.
Head Injury Support Group
Center For Head Injuries
JFK Hartwyck at Oaktree
2048 Oaktree Road, Edison
732.906.2640 (Carolyn Weil, Program Coordinator)
Date/Time/Location:
Second Tuesday of each month, 6:00 p.m.
Free.
This group is designed to help patients, who have survived brain injuries such as trauma, stroke or tumors, and their families cope with emotions, learn healthy coping mechanisms.
The Healing Journey - Relaxation for Cancer Patients
Haven Hospice
JFK Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison 732.321.7769
Date/Time/Location:
Third Wednesday of each month, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Free.
This group helps patients develop relaxation and visual skills. Patients interested in participating in their own management and stress reduction are encouraged to attend.
The Healthy Weight Program
Diabetes Center of New Jersey
308 Talmadge Road, Edison
800.991.6668 or 732.650.9207
Date/Time/Location:
Second and Fourth Thursday of each month, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Free.
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 attend two pre-requisite educational sessions prior to attending the classes before an individual meal plan can be designed. (There is a fee for the two pre-requisite sessions.)
Heart to Heart
Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center
Cardio Rehab Room
Park Avenue and Randolph Road, Plainfield
908.668.2317 (Peggy Martina, RN)
Date/Time/Location:
Third Thursday of each month (excluding July & August), 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Free.
The group provides a support and educational environment for patients, diagnosed with heart disease, and their family members.
Huntington's Disease Socialization/Support Group
JFK Hartwyck at Cedar Brook Huntington's Disease Unit
1340 Park Avenue, Plainfield
908.754.3100 (Carol Cashin)
Free.
Insight
The Jewish Community Center of Central New Jersey
1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains
908.668.2247 (Jill, LSW)
Date/Time/Location:Third Thursday of each month, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m..
Free.
Laryngectomee Support Group
JFK Medical Center
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
65 James Street, Edison
732.321.7063 (Lynn Action, Clinical Consultant)
Date/Time/Location:
Third Wednesday of each month, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Free.
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.
Lipreading Group --Lip-reading/ Hearing Aid Education Series
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
Speech and Audiology Conference Room
JFK Johnson Rehabilitation
65 James Street, Edison
732.321.7063 (voice TTY)
Date/Time/Location:
First Three Wednesdays of the month, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Free.
The series consists of three distinct classes that focus on topics important to the hearing impaired person and his/her family members. Each week a different topic will be discussed including: Understanding Hearing Loss, Maintenance/Care of Hearing Aids, Assistive Listening Devices, and Dealing with Hearing Loss. Communication strategies to enhance hearing include speech reading /lip-reading.
Those patients with hearing loss who desire to learn more about their hearing loss and hearing aid as well as improve their lip-reading skills are welcome to attend. Family members and/or significant others are encouraged to join in.
Mall Walkers Club
Diabetes Center of New Jersey
308 Talmadge Road, Edison
800.991.6668 or 732.650.9207
Date/Time/Location:
Group meets by Woodbridge Center Mall (by Fortunoff & Chick-Fil-A)
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.
Free.
This group is associated with the healthy weight program and participants must have attended the pre-requisite education sessions to walk. Participants with medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease or any one wanting to walk are welcome. We recommend that participants wear comfortable walking shoes and test blood sugar prior to exercise (as necessary). Additionally, for those participants interested in an individual meal plan, he/she must attend two pre-requisite educational sessions prior to participating in the walks. (There is a fee for the two pre-requisite sessions.)
Mending Hearts
Haven Hospice
JFK Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison
732.321.7769
Date/Time/Location:
Winter and summer series. Please call for information.
Nominal Fee.
This group provides a support and information network for bereaved adults who have lost someone close to them within the past 18 months. The time-limited group will meet for eight consecutive weeks. Participants will learn about normal grief reactions while exploring various coping skills and strategies.
New Moms and Babies Network -- Post Partum Support Group
JFK Medical Center
5th floor Conference Room
65 James St., Edison
721.632.1632 (Donna Wiegers, RN)
Date/Time/Location:
Second Wednesday of each month, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Free (but, registration is requested).
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.
Prostate Cancer Support Group
Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center
Board RoomPark Avenue and Randolph Road, Plainfield
908.668.2388 (Diane Applebaum, RN)
Date/Time/Location:
Third Tuesday of every month, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Dates are subject to change, call for more information.)
Free.
The group provides a supportive and educational environment for individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer and their family members. Sponsored by the Urology Department.
Spousal Bereavement Group
Haven Hospice
JFK Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison
732.321.7769
Date/Time/Location:T
Third Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. and Last Tuesday of each month, 12:00 (noon) to 1:30 p.mFree.
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.
Spousal Support Group
JFK LIFEstyle Institute
Adult Medical Day Room
2050 Oak Tree Road, Edison
732.548.9770 (Mary Buglio)
Date/Time/Location:
Last Friday of each month, 3:00 to 4:15 p.m.
Free.
The program is designed to offer support, resources and solutions to the challenges faced by the caregiver for a spouse in an adult day program or who requires care at home.
Stroke Prevention and Management -- Middlesex County Stroke Support Group
JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute
Day Rehab Dining RoomJ
FK Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison
Date/Time/Location:
Second Wednesday of each month, 7:00 p.m.
OR
Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center
The Quality Fitch Room
Park Avenue and Randolph Road, Plainfield
Date/Time/Location:
Fourth Wednesday of every month, 6:00 p.m.
Free.
Tourette Syndrome Association - Support Group
NJ Neuroscience Institute
2nd floor, Neuroscience Library
JFK Medical Center
65 James St., Edison
732.283.1439 (Debbie Kaserkie, Group Leader)
Date/Time/Location:
Second Thursday of every month, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Free.
This support group focuses on the parents of children with tourette syndrome and how it has affected their lives. The program consists of occasional speakers, videos, and general discussions, with ample information provided.
Voices of Healing - Breast Cancer Support Group
Haven Hospice
JFK Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison 732.321.7769
Date/Time/Location:
First Tuesday of each month, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Free.
This group is designed to help women with breast cancer decrease their feelings of isolation, while providing a sense of purpose and belonging to women with the same experiences. Empowerment, body image and her role in the family are addressed and members are encouraged to discover the strength of their inner resources.
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