The Sussex County Support Group Directory
2015 – 2016 Compiled and edited by
Michael Adam Reale, Information Services Supervisor With special appreciation to the staff and volunteers of Self-Help Services, a department of Saint Clare’s Health System, a member of Catholic Health Initiatives. Staff:
Aimee Braca-Deo, Program Administrator Wendy Rodenbaugh, Information and Referral Assistant Barbara White, State Program Coordinator Volunteers:
Barbara Blumenfield Pat de la Fuente Howard Learner
Baiba Ozols Dr. Paul Riddleberger, PhD Elaine Romito
In New Jersey: 1-800-FOR-MASH | Outside of NJ dial 973-989-1122 www.NJgroups.org
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abuse Spouse Abuse | Domestic Violence Sexual Abuse | Incest | Rape Addictions/Dependencies Alcohol Abuse Codependency Debt | Overspending Drug Abuse Overweight Sex | Love Addiction Bereavement Bereavement Disabilities Autism | Asperger Syndrome Blind | Visually Impaired Family | Parenting Adoption | Foster Parents | Children Parenting | Grandparenting Parents of Children with Behavioral Problems Health Cancer Caregivers | Families of Nursing Home Residents Diabetes Multiple Sclerosis Stroke Mental Health Families of Persons with Mental Illness Mental Health Consumers Post Traumatic Stress and Trauma Miscellaneous Veterans | Military Youth | Students
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ABUSE
SPOUSAL ABUSE | DOMESTIC VIOLENCE | SEXUAL ABUSE | INCEST | RAPE DASI (Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Intervention Services) Professionally-run. Mutual support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence. Meets in Newton. Call 973-579-2386 or 973-875-1211 hotline (24 hr.); TTY: 973-875-6369 (24 hr). Website: http://www.dasi.org E-mail: info@dasi.org
ADDICTIONS|DEPENDENCIES
ALCOHOL ABUSE Al-Anon Family Groups 12-Step.Fellowship of families and friends of alcoholics. Offers comfort, hope and friendship through shared experiences. Includes groups for children and adult children. Call Al-Anon Information Services 973-744-8686 (Mon.Fri., 9am-5pm); Spanish-speaking 973-268-1260. Website: http://www.northjerseyalanon.org Alateen 12 Step. Fellowship of young persons (ages 8+) whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. An active adult member of Al-Anon serves as a sponsor. Meets Mon., 7:30pm, West Side United Methodist Church, 16 Maxim Dr., Hopatcong. Call Al-Anon Information Services 973-744-8686 (day). Website: http://www.northjerseyal-anon.org Alcoholics Anonymous (BILINGUAL) 12-Step.Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. Call 1-800-245-1377 or 908-687-8566 (24 hr.); Spanish-speaking 973-824-0555. Website: http://www.nnjaa.org
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Codependency Support Group Professionally-run. Support and education for adults whose lives have been affected by substance abuse and addiction of a loved one. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets Mon., 6:30-8pm, Center for Prevention and Counseling, 61 Spring St., 3rd Floor, Newton. Call Ava LaMorte 973-383-4787 ext. 243 (day). Website: http://www.centerforprevention.org E-mail: ava@centerforprevention.org Nurse Recovery Group Professionally-run. Mutual support and information for nurses who are recovering from addictions. Sharing of professional concerns and encouragement. Meets in Newton. Call 1-800-662-0108 (day). Website: http://www.sjsna.org (click on RAMP; next click Peer Assistance) CODEPENDENCY Codependency Support Group Professionally-run. Support and education for adults whose lives have been affected by substance abuse and addiction of a loved one. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets Mon., 6:30-8pm, Center for Prevention and Counseling, 61 Spring St., 3rd Floor, Newton. Call Ava LaMorte 973-383-4787 ext. 243 (day). Website: http://www.centerforprevention.org E-mail: ava@centerforprevention.org DEBT | OVERSPENDING Debtors Anonymous 12-Step.Program for those who wish to stop incurring debt. Meets Fri., 5:30pm, Redeemer Lutheran Church, 37 Newton-Sparta Rd., Newton. Call Toni 973-769-2537 or 1-800-421-2383. Website: http://www.njpada.org DRUG ABUSE Codependency Support Group Professionally-run. Support and education for adults whose lives have been affected by substance abuse and addiction of a loved one. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets Mon., 6:30-8pm, Center for Prevention and Counseling, 61 Spring St., 3rd Floor, Newton. Call Ava LaMorte 973-383-4787 ext. 243 (day). Website: http://www.centerforprevention.org E-mail: ava@centerforprevention.org Nar-Anon Family Group 12-Step.Provides help for family members and friends of drug abusers by offering comfort, hope and friendship through shared experiences. Call Nar-Anon Answering Service 609-587-7215. Website: http://www.naranonofnj.org
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Narcotics Anonymous 12-Step.Fellowship of men and women seeking recovery from drug addiction. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using drugs. Several meeting locations throughout the county. For meeting information call 1-800992-0401 or 732-933-0462. Website: http://www.nanj.org Nurse Recovery Group Professionally-run. Mutual support and information for nurses who are recovering from addictions. Sharing of professional concerns and encouragement. Meets in Newton. Call 1-800-662-0108 (day). Website: http://www.njsna.org (click on RAMP; next click on Peer Assistance) OVERWEIGHT Overeaters Anonymous 12-Step.Fellowship who meet to help one another understand and overcome their common problem of compulsive overeating. For information on local meetings call 973-746-8787. Website: http://www.njioa.org TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Provides emotional support and encouragement through weekly weigh-ins, informational material and weight-loss lessons. Also open to children 7 years and older. For meeting information call Suzy Cress 856-797-8601 (leave message). Check website for local meetings. Website: http://www.tops.org SEX | LOVE ADDICTION Sexaholics Anonymous 12-Step.God-centered. Mutual support for those who want to stop their sexually self-destructive thinking and behavior to become sexually sober. Call NJ Intergroup 201-377-7272. Website: http://www.njessay.org (click on meeting list)
BEREAVEMENT
BEREAVEMENT Bereaved Catholics Referrals to groups for emotional, spiritual support and social activities for bereaved men and women. Groups are sponsored by various churches throughout the county and are open to people of any faith. For information call Family Life Ministry, Catholic Diocese of Paterson 973-777-8818.
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Coping with Loss Support Group Professionally-run. Support for those grieving the loss of a loved one through death. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets 1st Wed., 12:30-2pm; 3rd Wed., 12:30-2pm and 2nd Mon., 7-8:30pm, Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center, 61 Spring St., Newton. Call 973-940-0412 (day). Website: http://www.karenannquinlanhospice.org E-mail: bereavement@karenannquinlanhospice.org Coping with Loss Support Group Professionally-run. Support for those grieving the loss of a loved one through death. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets 4 th Tues., 10-11:30am, Milford United Methodist Church, 206 East Ann St., Milford, PA. Call 973-940-0413 (day). Website: http://www.karenannquinlanhospice.org E-mail: bereavement@karenannquinlanhospice.org Northern NJ Motherless Daughters Group Provides an opportunity for women to share stories, experiences and strategies for coping with the loss of their mother. Meets in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex and Union counties. Check website for meeting information. Website: http://www.meetup.com/northern-newjersey-motherless-daughters Pet Loss Support Group Professionally-run. Support for individuals coping with the loss of their companion animal to work through feelings of grief and mourning. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets 3rd Mon., 12:30-1:15pm, Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center, 61 Spring St. (use Trinity St. parking lot and lower entrance), Suite 100, Newton. Pre-registration required. Before attending call Diana Sebzda 973940-0411 (day). Website: http://www.karenannquinlanhospice.org E-mail: bereavement@karenannquinlanhospice.org
DISABILITIES
AUTISM | ASPERGER SYNDROME ASPEN Family Support Group Support and information for adult family members of individuals with Asperger syndrome, PDD-NOS and high functioning autism. Guest speakers. Meets 3rd Tues., 7:30-9pm, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 200 Route 23 South, Wantage. Call Jannine Zerres 973-875-3764 (day). E-mail: jezerres@hotmail.com
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BLIND | VISUALLY IMPAIRED Adjustment to Vision Loss Groups Mutual support for persons dealing with vision loss to exchange helpful information, offer and obtain emotional support while learning practical solutions for dealing with vision loss. Group in Newton and Sparta. Call Trisha Ebel 201-996-9100 ext. 10 (day).
FAMILY|PARENTING
ADOPTION | FOSTER PARENTS | CHILDREN Foster and Adoptive Family Services Mutual support for foster parents, adoptive parents and relative care providers. Guest speakers, literature, social events and newsletter. Meets 4th Mon., 7pm (except July and Aug.), Division of Child Protection and Permanency, 20 East Clinton St., Newton. Before attending call 1-800-222-0047. Website: http://www.fafsonline.org PARENTING | GRANDPARENTING Family Success Center Sometimes offers support groups for parents/families that meet for a few weeks at a time. Also offers educational programs on parenting, budgeting, housing, social services and other helpful programs. Sussex County Family Success Center at Project Self-Sufficiency, 127 Mill St., Newton. Call 973-940-3500 (day). Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support for grandparents raising grandchildren. Building is handicapped accessible. Guest speakers, literature and newsletter. Meets 2nd Wed., 10:30am-noon (except July, Aug., Sept.), Family Partners of Morris and Sussex, 67 Spring St., Newton. Pre-registration required. Before attending call 973-940-3194 (day). PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS Parent Networking Group Professionally-run. Support for parents and caregivers who are raising children with emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges. Meets Fri., 5-6:30pm, Family Partners of Morris and Sussex Counties, 67 Spring St., 2 nd Floor, Newton. Pre-registration required. Before attending call 973-940-3194 (day). Parent Support Group Professionally-run. Provides support, education and advocacy to parents and caregivers of children with emotional, behavioral or mental health challenges. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets 2nd Wed., 10:30am, Family
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Partners of Morris and Sussex Counties, 67 Spring St., 1st Floor, Newton. Preregistration required. Before attending call 973-940-3194 (day).
HEALTH
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE | DEMENTIA Alzheimer’s Association Caregivers Support Group Professionally-run. Support for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. Opportunity to share practical information, exchange community resources, solve problems and learn ways to cope with dementia-related issues. Meets in Newton and Sparta. For meeting information call 1-800-883-1180 (day). Check website for additional meeting information. Website: http://goo.glEyMID Alzheimer’s Support Group Professionally-run. Support for caregivers and their families to discuss the challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets 3rd Wed., 7-9pm, Visiting Nurse Association, 191 Woodport Rd., Sparta. Call Linda Schurmann 973-729-7078 (day). Email: lindaschurmann@saintclares.org BRAIN INJURY | BRAIN TUMOR | COMA Sussex County Brain Injury Support Group Professionally-run. Emotional support and education for persons with brain injuries, their families and friends. Meets 2 nd Tues., 7pm (except Dec., Jan., Feb.), Redeemer Lutheran Church, 37 Newton-Sparta Rd., Newton. Call Vince D’Orio 703-297-7726 (day). E-mail: vincentd54@msn.com CANCER Breast Cancer Support Group Professionally-run. Support for women with breast cancer. Guest speakers. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets 2nd Tues., 6pm, Sparta Health and Wellness Center, 89 Sparta Ave., Suite 130, Sparta. Call Toni McCambridge 973-726-0005 ext. 251 (day). Cancer Support Group Professionally-run. Support and education for those whose lives have been affected by any form of cancer. Families and caregivers are welcome. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets 4th Thurs., 3-4pm, Newton Medical Center, 175 High St., Newton. Pre-registration is required. Before attending call 973-579-8620 (day).
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CAREGIVERS | FAMILIES OF PERSONS IN NURSING HOMES Spousal Caregivers Support Group Mutual support for persons who are caring for a chronically ill or disabled spouse. Exchange of practical, day-to-day information. Building is handicapped accessible. Usually meets 1st Tues., 6-9pm, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 3-7 Route 97, Vernon. For meeting information call Rose 973-7643429. DIABETES Support Group for Those with Diabetes Professionally-run. Provides support and education for those with diabetes. Rap sessions and guest speakers. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets 1st Wed., 10am, Newton Medical Center, 175 High St., Newton. Before attending call Diabetes Education Dept. 1-800-247-9580 (day). MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS National MS Society Support Group (Multiple Strengths) Fellowship of multiple sclerosis patients meeting for information, networking and creative exchange of ideas. Guest speakers, discussions and socials. Before attending call Nick 973-841-3197. Website: http://www.nationalmssociety.org Hamburg Meets 1st Wed., 12:45pm, Sussex County YMCA, 15 Wits End Dr. Sussex Meets 3rd Wed., 7pm, Saint Clare’s Health Center - Sussex, 20 Walnut St., Cafeteria. Enter through main entrance. Email: marchesan17@aim.com STROKE Stroke Support Group Professionally-run. Support for persons recovering from a stroke. Caretakers are welcome. Meets 4th Tues., 6-7pm, Newton Medical Center, 175 High St., Newton. Call 973-579-8620.
MENTAL HEALTH
FAMILIES OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) - Family Support Professionally-run. Support and education for family members or caretakers of individuals with a mental illness. Building is handicapped accessible. Guest speakers and literature. Meets Wed., 7pm, Intensive Family Support Services, 191 Woodport Rd., Suite 202, Sparta. Call 201-317-6139 (day).
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NAMI Family Support Group Support for families of those diagnosed with a mental illness. Meets 1st Tues., 7pm, Newton Medical Center, 175 High St., Emergency Department Conference Room, Newton. Call Jeri 973-214-0632 (day) or Alicia 973903-4162 (day). Website: http://www.nami-sussex-nj.org Parent Networking Group Professionally-run. Support for parents and caregivers who are raising children with emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges. Meets Fri., 5-6:30pm, Family Partners of Morris and Sussex Counties, 67 Spring St., 2nd Floor, Newton. Pre-registration required. Before attending call 973-940-3194 (day). Parent Support Group Professionally-run. Provides support, education and advocacy to parents and caregivers of children with emotional, behavioral or mental health challenges. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets 2nd Wed., 10:30am, Family Partners of Morris and Sussex Counties, 67 Spring St., 1st Floor, Newton. Preregistration required. Before attending call 973-940-3194 (day). MENTAL HEALTH CONSUMERS A Way To Freedom Community Wellness Center Consumer-run self-help center where mental health consumers are able to support each other. Advocacy, education, socialization and recreation. Mutual sharing, rap sessions, literature, guest speakers, phone help, food bank, MICA (mental illness chemically addicted) support and parttime consumer employment opportunities. A Way To Freedom, 29 Trinity Street, Newton. For meeting information and hours call 973-300-0830. E-mail: bmcteague@cspnj.org NAMI Connection Recovery support group for people living with a mental illness. Meets 2nd and 4th Mon., 7-8:30pm, A Way To Freedom Community Wellness Center, 29 Trinity St. (entrance in back), Newton. Call 973-214-0632. E-mail: nami.sussex@yahoo.com NAMI Connections Veterans Support Group Support for veterans recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder or other effects from serving in combat. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets Tues., 7-9pm, Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services, 93 Stickles Pond Rd., Newton. Call 973-214-0632. E-mail: nami.sussex@yahoo.com Youth Partnership Group Adult supervised activities for youth (ages 14-21) with complex emotional, mental health or behavioral issues to help them express what they have been through and share concerns. Rap sessions. Building is handicapped accessible on street level. Meets Fri., 5-6:30pm, Family Partners of Morris and Sussex Counties, 67 Spring St., Newton. Pre-registration required. Before attending call 973940-3194 (day). 10
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS & TRAUMA NAMI Connections Veterans Support Group Support for veterans recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder or other effects from serving in combat. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets Tues., 7-9pm, Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services, 93 Stickles Pond Rd., Newton. Call 973-214-0632. E-mail: nami.sussex@yahoo.com
MISCELLANEOUS
VETERANS | MILITARY NAMI Connections Veterans Support Group Support for veterans recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder or other effects from serving in combat. Building is handicapped accessible. Meets Tues., 7-9pm, Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services, 93 Stickles Pond Rd., Newton. Call 973-214-0632. E-mail: nami.sussex@yahoo.com YOUTH | STUDENTS Youth Partnership Group Adult supervised activities for youth (ages 14-21) with complex emotional, mental health or behavioral issues to help them express what they have been through and share concerns. Rap sessions. Building is handicapped accessible on street level. Meets Fri., 5-6:30pm, Family Partners of Morris and Sussex Counties, 67 Spring St., Newton. Pre-registration required. Before attending call 973940-3194 (day).
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DISCLAIMER
The New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse produces this directory of support groups annually. Information, phone and email contacts, locations, facilitators, meetings days and times are always changing. New groups are added and disbanded groups removed. Therefore, we advise you not to depend solely upon entries in this directory past one full year of its publication. At, or before that time, please call us to inquire about the availability of the next director edition. At any time you may also call our helpline, through which we distribute the most up-to-date information on support groups and helplines.
SELF-HELP GROUP CLEARINGHOUSE HELPLINE:
NJ RESIDENTS CALL 1-800-367-6274 | OUTSIDE NJ CALL 973-989-1122
The New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse is a program of Saint Clare’s Health System and is made possible by funding from the NJ Division of Mental Health and Addictions Services.
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