Programs & Services
Support Groups
732.321.7089Dates, times and locations of support grups vary. Please call the corresponding phone number to the support group you are interested in for addi.
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:
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 to 2:00 p.m.
Free.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 - 4:30 p.m.
Free.
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.
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 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.
Free.
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 to 8:30 p.m.
CANCER SERVICES
Radiation Therapy Orientation (for Patients & Families)
Raditaion Oncology Department
JFK Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison
732.321.7769
Date/Time:
Every other Friday throughout the year
Call for specific times
Coping With Cancer - Patient and Family Support Group
Haven Hospice
JFK Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison
732.321.7769
Date/Time:
Fourth Tuesday of each month
2:00 p.m. - 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 healthcare.
The Healing Journey - Relaxation for Cancer Patients
Haven Hospice
JFK Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison
732.321.7769
Date/Time:
Third Tuesday 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.
"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 to 9:00 p.m..
Free.
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 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.
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.
Free.
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 to 3:00 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 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 - 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
721.632.1632
Contact: 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.
BEREAVEMENT SERVICES
Spousal Bereavement Group
Haven Hospice
JFK Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison
732.321.7769
Date/Time/Location:T
Third Tuesday of each month
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Free.
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.
Young Spousal Bereavement Group
Haven Hospice
JFK Medical Center
65 James Street, Edison
732.321.7769
Date/Time/Location:T
Second Tuesday of each month
7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Free.
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.