Monday, December 01, 2008

last updated: November 26, 2007 05:44:31 AM

CENTRAL VALLEY AMPUTEE SUPPORT: A self-help group that provides encouragement and aid in coping for amputees, family and friends. Meets at 10 a.m.-noon, the third Saturday of the month, Doctors Medical Center, 1441 Florida Ave., Conference Room 3, Modesto. Contact, Darrell, 521-6730 or Velda, 577-3313.

CENTRAL VALLEY ASPERGER SYNDROME SUPPORT GROUP: This group is forming for children and parents. If interested, call Anne or Tasha for more information, 847-0272.

HEALING HEARTS: A support group for parents, siblings and people with special needs. Meets 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 2200 Coffee Road, Modesto. Call 577-5121; cell, 380-5344; or send e-mail to caroli2d@aol.com.

HEAD INJURY SUPPORT GROUP: A support group for adults who have had a traumatic brain injury. Facilitated by a psychologist. Meets at 4 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month, Doctors Medical Center cafeteria annex room, 1441 Florida Ave., Modesto. 523-0999

LOST CORDS: A support group for people who have undergone a laryngectomy. Facilitated by a speech therapist. Modesto Rehabilitation Hospital, 730 17th St., Modesto. 800-227-2345 or 524-7242 (select Option 3).

MODESTO EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUP: A self-help group that offers emotional support and practical tips to people with epilepsy and their families. Meets from 3 to 4 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month, West Side Medical Center, 401 E. Paradise Road, Modesto. Mary at 524-8843, or www.epilepsyfoundation.org.

MODESTO MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SELF-HELP GROUP: A support group for those diagnosed with MS and their families. Meets the third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to noon, First American Title, 1506 H St., Modesto. Contact Robert Smith, 667-5008, or Pati Hayes, 524-8329.

SPECIAL NEEDS ADVOCATES FOR UNDERSTANDING: A parent-founded nonprofit dedicated to educating parents on the educational and other rights of their disabled children. Offers free advocating advice and services, including attending IEP's with parents. Offers support groups every Thursday, 9 a.m., Heartland Community Church, corner of Main and Acacia, Ripon. Offers moms nights out and other social gatherings. For more information, contact Shirley, 321-6510, or Mary Ann, 599-1050; e-mail: valleysnafu@verizon.net; or check the Web site www.valleysnafu.com.

TURLOCK MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SELF-HELP GROUP: A support group for those diagnosed with MS and their families. Meets the fourth Saturday of each month, (except November and December), 10:30 a.m. to noon, Medic Alert Building, 2323 Colorado Ave. Enter at back employee entrance. Contact Francis Patterson, 667-2184 or Bill White, 664-1427.

DISABILITY SUPPORT GROUP: All people with disabilities welcome, whether you've had your disability since birth or are newly disabled. Share common experiences and learn about useful community services. Meets 3 to 5 p.m. first Thursday of each month at DRAIL, 221 McHenry Ave., Modesto. 521-7260.

PERFECT GIFTS: For mothers of children with special needs. It's a time of prayer, networking and fellowship among moms who understand one another. The Bridges classroom is open to care for children with special needs during group time. Meets from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays, 1324 11th St., Room 709, First Baptist Church, Modesto. 521-0181, ext. 2307. www.fbcmodesto.com.

VISUALLY IMPAIRED SUPPORT: A self-help group for people with macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa, their friends and families. Meets from 2 to 4 p.m. the second Saturday of each month, Doctors Medical Center conference center, 1141 Florida Ave., Modesto. Thom Ingebretson, 527-2119 or VIP House, 522-8477, or www.maculardegeneration.org.

Changes or additions to this list should be made to Healthy Living, Features, The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352 or to living@modbee.com.