Support Group listings – Berkshire Eagle

ADDICTIONS
Adult Children of Alcoholics:

Meets Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m., St. John’s Church, upper room, 35 Park St., Williamstown, use middle-door entry; Wednesdays, 7 to 8 p.m., St. Stephen’s Church, Guild Room, 67 East St., Pittsfield, use Allen Street entrance. Info: David, 617-877-1691.
Al-Anon Meetings:

Strength and hope for families and friends of problem drinkers and addicts. Meeting schedule: Sunday: Steps 3, 11, and Higher Power, fragrance-free, 9 a.m., Monterey Firehouse, Route 23, Monterey; 7:30 p.m., Congregational Church, Route 41, Richmond. Monday: 11 a.m., All Saints Episcopal Church, 57 Summer St., North Adams; Step meeting, 7 p.m., Congregational Church, 25 Park Place, Lee; 7:30 p.m., Firehouse, Main Street, Route 23, South Egremont. Tuesday: 10 a.m., Hevreh of South Berkshire, 270 State Road, Route 23, Great Barrington; 7 p.m., First Baptist Church, 88 South St., Pittsfield, newcomer’s meeting same time & place; 7 p.m., Stockbridge, Congregational Church, 4 Main St., Stockbridge. Wednesday: 7 p.m., St. Paul’s Parish House, building behind church, upstairs, 29 Main St., Stockbridge, newcomer’s meeting same time & place; 7 p.m., First Congregational Church, 42 Park St., Adams, meet in rectory building; Step meeting, 7:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 755 Main St., Dalton. Thursday: 10 a.m., Trinity Church Parish Hall, 88 Walker St., Lenox; 7 p.m., First Congregational Church, 906 Main St., Williamstown, newcomer’s meeting at 6:30 p.m. first Thursday of the month. Saturday: 5 p.m., Senior Center, inside Town Hall (old Plain School building), 50 Main St., Stockbridge; 7 p.m., South Congregational Church, 110 South St., Pittsfield, use side door.

Anonymous Meetings: Alcoholics Anonymous, main contact number: 413-448-2382; Narcotics Anonymous, information on daily meeting locations and times: 413-443-4377.

Co-Dependency Support: “The Language of Letting Go: Walking Away from Co-Dependency,” 6 p.m. Thursdays, Berkshire Dream Center, 475 Tyler St. (Morningside Baptist), Pittsfield, 413-522-3495, www.berkshiredreamcenter.org.

Gamblers Anonymous: First-floor conference room at 7 p.m. first and third Wednesdays, BMC Hillcrest Campus, 165 Tor Court, Pittsfield. Info: Charlie T., 413-637-2550.

Learn to Cope: Peer support, education, resources for families dealing with addiction and recovery, overdose education, Narcan training. Meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, HEAL Community Room, Berkshire Medical Cancer Center, first floor of the modern building, 165 Tor Court, Pittsfield. Info: 508-738-5148, learn2cope.org.

Refuge Recovery: Addiction recovery meetings using Buddhist philosophy and meditation as the foundation of the recovery process from addictions of any kind. Meets Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m., The Jack Stern Center, in Priscilla’s Room, 41 Mahaiwe St., Great Barrington. Info: thomlipiczky@gmail.com.

Tobacco Treatment Programs: Men’s program meets Wednesdays at 5 p.m.; women’s program meets Thursdays at 6 p.m., Fairview Hospital conference room, 29 Lewis Ave., Great Barrington; preregistration: 413-854-9608.

Whatever Works Berkshires: For people using medication-assisted treatment for addiction recovery. Meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays at George B. Crane Memorial Center, 81 Linden St., Pittsfield. Transportation help might be available. Info: whateverworks789@yahoo.com or Whatever Works Berkshires page on Facebook.

BRAIN/NERVOUS SYSTEM

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: For those afflicted with the motor neuron disease ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, family and caregivers encouraged to attend, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., first and third Wednesday of the month, BMC Medical Arts Building, fifth floor Rehab meeting room, 777 North St., Pittsfield.

Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts: Support groups for people and family members affected by traumatic or acquired brain injury; second Tuesday, 4 to 6 p.m., BIA-MA at Center for Rehabilitation, Medical Arts Complex, fifth floor, 777 North St., Pittsfield, 413-443-0200; Northern Berkshire Brain Injury Support Group, fourth Tuesday, 5 to 7 p.m., BFAIR, 771 South Church St., North Adams, 413-443-0200; men’s group, second Friday, 1 to 3 p.m., BIA-MA, 180C Elm St., Pittsfield, 413-443-0200; Southern Berkshire Brain Injury Support Group, 4 to 6 p.m., third Tuesday, CHP, 444 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, 413-443-0200 or 888-554-5553.

Multiple Sclerosis Support: Meets from 5 to 6 p.m., third Thursday, MS Resource of the Tri-State Area office, 85 Main St., Suite 212, North Adams, 413-664-2011.

Parkinson’s Exercise Group: Mondays, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; medical clearance required, $5 per session, fifth floor, BMC Medical Arts Complex, North Street, Pittsfield, 413-447-3075.

BREASTFEEDING

Breastfeeding Support: Offered by CHP and WIC for women who are expecting a child or who have an infant, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays, CHP Family Services Center, 442 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington. Info: MaryBeth Merritt, 413-528-0457.

CANCER

Breast Cancer Support: Weekly; day and time to be scheduled with participants, facilitated by Amy Jenter, LICSW. Information: Laura Harner, 413-528-2810, ext. 20, lharner@berkshiresouth.org.

Caregiver Connections: For those providing care & support to a person living with cancer, 11 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, BMC Cancer Center, 165 Tor Court, Pittsfield, 413-447-3092.

Fighting with Faith: For those impacted by cancer, meets third Sunday at 6 p.m. for conversation, healing Scriptures, prayer, friendship, First Baptist Church, 131 Main St., North Adams, 413-663-3780.

Mindfulness Meditation: Open to patients & caregivers, learn and practice mindfulness meditation for stress management, anxiety, worry, depression, and pain, 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays, BMC Cancer Center, 165 Tor Court, Pittsfield, 413-447-3092.

Multiple Myeloma: The Southern Vermont Myeloma Support Network (including the northern Berkshires and eastern New York state), third Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m., Community Resource Room, SVMC Regional Cancer Center, 140 Hospital Drive, Bennington, Vt. Information: Jan Martin Bopp, group leader, at svt@imfsupport.org or 802-375-5494.

Support Group for Cancer: Meets at 9 a.m., first and third Thursday of the month, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Park Street, Williamstown.

Women’s Cancer Support & Networking: Second Tuesday, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., BMC Cancer Center, 165 Tor Court, Pittsfield; Second & fourth Thursdays, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Claire Teague Senior Center, 917 Main St., Great Barrington. Info: 413-447-3092.

DEMENTIA/CAREGIVER

Alzheimer’s Support: Weekend group for families and friends of people living with dementia, fourth Saturday at 10 a.m., Home Instead Senior Care, 66 Wendell Ave., Pittsfield. Registration required: Bobbie Orsi, 413-442-0907.

Caregiver Support: For caregivers, family and friends of people with dementia and memory impairments, 1 to 2 p.m., last Tuesday, Sugar Hill Assisted Living, 45 Main St., Dalton, 413-684-0100, ext. 161.

Caregiver Support: Open to all caregivers, facilitated by Joe Choon; 10 to 11:30 a.m., second Tuesday, Elder Services of Berkshire County, 877 South St., Suite 4E, Pittsfield, 413-499-0524; 1 to 2:30 p.m.; third Wednesday, Claire Teague Senior Center, 909 Main St., Great Barrington, 413-528-1881, 413-499-0524, 1 to 2:30 p.m.; fourth Thursday, Spitzer Senior Center, 116 Ashland St., North Adams, 413-662-3125, 413-499-0524.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic Violence Drop-In: For survivors of domestic violence, 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Elizabeth Freeman Center, 43 Francis Ave., Pittsfield. Contact Destiny, 413-499-2425.

Transitions: For people who are having housing issues because of relationship violence or its effects. Support and resources and art activities, 10 a.m. Mondays, Elizabeth Freeman Center, 43 Francis Ave., Pittsfield; Heather, 413-499-2425.

Women Warriors: Peer support, resources, and social activities for survivors of domestic or sexual violence, 2 to 4 p.m., Fridays, Elizabeth Freeman Center, 43 Francis Ave., Pittsfield; Linda P., 413-499-2425.

EATING DISORDERS

Overeaters Anonymous: 12-step meeting, Wednesday, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Berkshire Bank, Community Room, 99 North St., Pittsfield; Friday, noon to 1 p.m., Fairview Hospital, ambulance building, 29 Lewis Ave., Great Barrington; Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Fairview Hospital, fourth floor, 29 Lewis Ave., Great Barrington.

FAMILY

Berkshire County Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Meets from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. every other Monday, First United Methodist Church, Fenn Street, Pittsfield; use the Pearl Street entrance. Info: Michelle, 413-446-8224, michellazzo@aol.com. or Genie, 413-447-7734, ebr914@Yahoo.com.

Grandfamilies: Grandparents/aunts/uncles/friends Raising Others’ children support groups. First Tuesday, 5:30 to 7 p.m., R.H. Conwell Elementary School library, 147 Huntington Road, Worthington, light dinner & child care; Fourth Wednesday, 10:15 to 11:45 a.m., Hilltown Family Center, 9 Russell Road, Route 20, Huntington, child care provided. Info: Pat Keith, 413-834-4073, patkeith@unitedarc.org.

nbCC’s The Family Connection: Parent support group run by parents, connect with other parents on the joys and struggles of parenting while gaining parenting skills, 6 to 7:30 p.m., fourth Wednesday, UNO Community Center, 157 River St., North Adams. Info: The Family Place, 413-663-7588.

nbCC’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Meets from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., first and third Tuesdays, The Family Place, 61 Main St., Suite 208, North Adams. Info: 413-663-7588.

Parents Helping Parents: Share experiences and get support and encouragement from other parents, free, confidential and anonymous, Wednesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Location/information: 617-926-5008, ext. 102.

Pregnancy Support Services of Berkshire County: Free and confidential counseling; maternity and infant furnishings and referrals; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 34 Depot St., Room 204, Pittsfield, 413-443-7351.

GRIEF

Grief Support: Free support group for adults, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 10 through Feb. 21, Hospice of Western and Central Mass. office, 55 Church St., Pittsfield. Preregister to reserve a place by calling Dennis Castella, 413-442-0045.

Healing After Suicide Loss: Peer (survivor) facilitated. Meets the first Thursday of every month, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Berkshire Children & Families, Family Resource Center, 480 West St., Pittsfield. Information: Peggy Morse, 413-441-6316, peggyf@verizon.net.

Monthly Drop-in Support Groups: For anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. Info: HospiceCare in the Berkshires, 413-443-2994.

Second Wednesday, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Dalton Senior Center, 40 Field St. Ext., Dalton.

Second Thursday, 6 to 7:30 p.m., HCIB, 877 South St., Pittsfield.

Fourth Thursday, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Fairview Hospital, 29 Lewis Ave., Great Barrington.

Spouse/Partner Loss: Free drop-in group. No affiliation with hospice required. Meets third Tuesday, 10 to 11:30 a.m., HospiceCare in the Berkshires, 877 South St., Pittsfield. Register: 413-443-2994.

Spouse/Partner Loss for Men: No affiliation with hospice required. Meets second Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m., HospiceCare in the Berkshires, 877 South St., Pittsfield. Register: 413-443-2994.

LGBTQIA

Berkshire Trans Group: Support/discussion group, 7 p.m., first Thursday, Yellow House Books, 252 Main St., Great Barrington; 7 p.m. every other Monday, Berkshire Athenaeum, 1 Wendell Ave., Pittsfield. Info: transberkshires@gmail.com.

LGBTQ Support Group: For those in the LGBTQ community impacted by relationship violence or sexual assault. Safe and confidential, supportive atmosphere, optional creative arts and meditation. For time and meeting place: Jenn at 413-499-2425.

LUNG DISEASE

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): For patients, family members, caregivers and friends of those affected by IPF and other interstitial lung diseases, meets fourth Thursday, from 4 to 6 p.m., private dining room B, Berkshire Medical Center cafeteria, 725 North St., Pittsfield. Info: 413-684-5015.

MENTAL HEALTH

National Alliance on Mental Illness: Free structured group for family members of someone living with mental illness facilitated by a trained family member. Meets second Thursday at 6:30 p.m., private dining rooms, Berkshire Medical Center, 725 North St., Pittsfield. Facilitators: Ed and Marsha Burniske.

WEIGHT LOSS

TOPS: Take Off Pounds Sensibly, two weight loss support groups, 4 p.m. Thursdays, Ralph Froio Senior Center, third floor, 330 North St., Pittsfield, 413-770-0429, 413-822-9593; and 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, Morningside Community School, Burbank Street, Pittsfield, 413-442-0829 or 413-442-3964.


If you’d like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.

Thank you
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/support-group-listings,559004