Art Play Workshops
Therapeutic art workshops offered by Berrien County Cancer Service for children and adults whose lives have been impacted by cancer of a family member or close friend as well as stable pediatric oncology patients. The event is offered in conjunction with the Rainbows of Hope Cancer Support Group. For more information, call 269.429.3281 or visit www.bccancerservice.org
Bariatric Surgery Support Group
The Lakeland Comprehensive Weight Loss Center offers a free support group for individuals who have undergone weight loss (bariatric) surgery or medical weight loss. The program is open to former patients of the weight loss center as well as those who’ve had surgery at other facilities. All sessions are from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.; topics vary monthly. Registration is encouraged by calling 269.687.4673
Breastfeeding Support Group
This group is for all breastfeeding mothers (and their babies) as well as expectant mothers. Led by Certified Lactation Consultant Denise Lenardson, RN, IBCLC, the group provides a forum for breastfeeding women to gain confidence, support, and guidance. A scale for weighing babies will also be available during the meetings. For more information, call 269.927.5355
Every Wednesday (except holidays)
Noon to 1 p.m.
Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph
OB Conference Room on OB floor
Cancer Support Group — Niles
This group is for patients, family members and caregivers. Please come share your successes, feelings, fears, and practical methods of coping with the physical and emotional aspects of living with the diagnosis of cancer. The group meets the third Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the Niles Senior Center on Bell Road. Learn more, call 269.429.3281
Cancer Support Group - St. Joseph
This support group is for cancer patients, family members, and caregivers. The meetings serve as a forum for sharing successes, fears, and practical methods of coping with the physical and emotional aspects of living with the diagnosis of cancer. Meets on the second Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Kinney and Ward conference rooms at the Marie Yeager Cancer Center. For more information, call 269.429.3281
Caring for Your Loved One Support Group
Caring for a loved one can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. At times it can also be overwhelming, challenging, or lonely. This support group provides individuals who are caring for a loved one with an outlet to develop or expand their support system. Participants will be provided with the opportunity to talk with others who are experiencing the same joys and challenges that caregivers face, to problem solve difficult situations, to develop new ways to cope with the demands of caregiving, to give and receive encouragement, and to be empowered and strengthened as a caregiver. For more information you can call Caring Circle, St. Joseph, 269.429.7100
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Michiana
DBSA Michiana offers education and support to adults, teens, parents, family members and friends. We have all felt the isolation and despair that often results from depression and bipolar disorder, but together we have found connectedness and inspiration. We invite you to join us. Meetings are held regularly in St. Joseph. For meeting information call 269.861.1334, email harvickchevy@aol.com or visit www.dbsalliance.org
Diabetes Support Online - Advanced Insulin Management (AIM) Group
Living with insulin-dependent diabetes can be challenging, scary, and lonely. Participants have an enriching experience that enables them to meet those walking similar paths with their health and to know that they are not alone. This group meets virtually on the first Thursday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. For more information, call 269.556.7171.
Diabetes Support – Niles
This weekly group offers support for people living with diabetes. The focus will be on exercise, recipes, and daily management tips. Meets every Wednesday from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Ferry Street Resource Center. For more information, call 269.687.9860
Families Living with Diabetes
This group offers a place where parents and children with type 1 diabetes can connect. Meets the second Tuesday of each month from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. For the location and more information, please call Francine Jordan at 269.757.2310
Myasthenia Gravis Support Group
Patients, families, and friends of those affected by Myasthenia Gravis are invited to attend for a group discussion to talk about topics or questions that are of interest to you. The meeting is a positive place to learn from those who have lived with MG for a number of years. For more information, include a complete schedule, call 616.956.0622 or email myasthenia.info@gmail.com
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
This is a monthly support group to improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson and Young-Onset Parkinson disease and their support people. Meetings will feature discussion topics highlighted with speakers as well as the opportunity to meet others being challenged daily with PD. The goal of the group is to provide support, advocacy, and education The group is affiliated with the Michigan and National Parkinson Foundations. Meets the second Thursday monthly from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Caring Circle, St. Joseph. Call Barbara Ford at 269.429.3675 or email BCPDSupport@aol.com
Scleroderma Foundation Michigan Chapter
The Scleroderma Foundation Michigan Chapter is on a mission to bring awareness to scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease, and make a difference in the lives of patients and the community. As part of our mission, we host monthly support groups around the state of Michigan. The groups are for scleroderma patients, friends and families, and cover a wide range of topics. Meeting for 2020 are held on Saturdays, February 22, May 23, August 29, and November 21. For more information email Stace98smith@gmail.com
Southwest Michigan Ostomy Association
This is a monthly support group to improve the quality of life for people who have an ostomy or who may be candidates for an ostomy. Meetings will feature discussion topics highlighted with speakers as well as the opportunity to meet other ostomates. The goal of the group is to provide support, advocacy, and education for ostomates and their families or caregivers. The group is affiliated with the United Ostomy Association of America. Meets on the second Thursday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. For more information, call 269.983.8804
Spinal Cord Injury Support Group
This free support group is for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The program focuses on peer-to-peer discussion and caregiver support. The program is open to any community member with a SCI.
Second Wednesday of each month
Please contact Savannah Bares, PT, DPT, with questions at 269.428.2799