Published: October 07, 2009 10:09 am      

Support groups 10-7

Next Step is a social support group for persons in the early stages of memory loss and their caregivers. The group meets the second Monday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for a dutch treat dinner at the Oakwood Café.

The occasion offers the opportunity for couples to socialize with others who are living with early-stage memory loss.

For more information, call Laurie Parker at (706) 280-7891. The group is sponsored by RossWoods Adult Day Services, the elder law practice of David McGuffey and the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. The Oakwood Café is located on Cuyler Street in Dalton.



Rock Bridge Community Church hosts a breast cancer support group the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at volunteer headquarters. For more information, call (706) 226-5858.



Helping the Hurting Inc. is beginning a support group for abused women. Meetings will be held on Thursdays. There is no charge. For more information, call (706) 264-3248.



The Adopt-a-Grandparent program is a student-run program that works with Morningside Assisted Living in Dalton to pair students with seniors.

Volunteers visit with their adopted grandparent once a week for about an hour. Together, grandparents and grandchildren tell stories, listen to music, read books, go for walks, play games and do craft projects. Volunteers establish relationships with their adopted grandparents, providing consistent companionship and helping improve the quality of life for the residents.

Several special events also occur each semester such as musical performances, wheelchair aerobics and makeover nights.

For more information, call Paula Dilbeck of Morningside at (706) 277-9695.



Families Anonymous meets each Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Calhoun Counseling Center in Calhoun. The group is a self-help group based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Any family or friends concerned about a loved one abusing mind-altering substances are welcome. The Center is at 654 Red Bud Road.



The Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter is offering Next Step, a social support group for persons in the early stages of memory loss and their caregivers.

The group meets for a Dutch treat dinner on the second Monday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Oakwood Café in Dalton. Meetings provide the opportunity for couples to socialize with others who are living with early-stage dementia.

For more information or to register, call Laurie Parker at the chapter office at (706) 275-0819.



A breast cancer support group is held the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Rock Bridge Community Church in volunteer headquarters (downstairs in The Gathering).

For more information, call (706) 226-5858.



The Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter is asking area residents to help restock the Caring Closet shelves.

Currently Pull-Ups (all sizes), briefs (all sizes) and bed pads are needed. Items may be dropped off at either the Dalton Caring Closet at the chapter office or the Chatsworth Caring Closet at the Murray County Developmental Center.

For more information, call Laurie or Sandy at (706) 275-0819.



The Murray County Senior Center hosts a monthly Alzheimer’s support group the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

Anyone who is a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s is welcome. Meetings usually last one hour and will be led by Melissa Boyd R.N. Boyd is experienced personally and professionally with persons with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Amedisys North Georgia Home Health Care will provide refreshments.

The Murray County Senior Center is at 820 G.I. Maddox Parkway in Chatsworth.



The National Association for Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) has a support group for men and women with anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating disorder and their families every first and third Sunday at 6 p.m. at the MCR Foundation.

The foundation is at 1400 McCallie Ave., in Chattanooga. For more information, call Jan Robinson at (423) 991-9730.



Helping the Hurting Inc. is offering Life After Divorce (LAD), each Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at 207 W. King St., Suite A in Dalton.

Life After Divorce is a group meeting that has discussion, review, teaching and videos. Topics include Early Emotions, Moving Toward Acceptance, Moving Through Grief and Loss, The Stages of Grief, Forgiveness, Five Keys to Starting Over, Children of Divorce and Supporting Your Children Through the Divorce.

Each meeting is independent so participants can start anytime. The group meets on an ongoing basis.

The group is led by John Stuman. For more information or directions, call (706) 277-4357.



Family Frameworks is now offering “Dating My Spouse in Dalton.”

Participants commit to date their spouses at least one evening each month. Interested couples may purchase a button for $15 per couple and use it once a month this year for discounts.

Discounts at local restaurants — primarily buy one entrée and get one free — will be available the second week of each month. Participants are also entered for a chance to win a monthly prize from local merchants.

To purchase a button or for more information, call (706) 313-0023 or visit www.marriageisforever.org.



Al Anon Family Groups for families and friends of problem drinkers meet each Monday and Thursday at 8 p.m. in the lower level of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Dalton.

The church is at 901 W. Emery St. For more information, call (706) 217-5953.



In Remembrance is a group of young adults (high school and college age) joined together to honor the lives of friends, family members or classmates who have died.

The group meets twice monthly at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church for lunch and spend time sharing memories about those they loved.

For more information, contact Margie Bruner at (706) 259-6076 or Susan Ewing at (423) 266-7479 or susanferrisewing@hotmail.com.



Ridgewood Manor is currently looking for people to adopt a grandparent for the year.

For more information, call Lucretia Lopez or Joyce Shook at (706) 226-1021. Ridgewood Manor is at 1110 Burleyson Road in Dalton.



Adventa Hospice is looking for activity volunteers who can visit hospice patients in homes or nursing homes.

Activity volunteers support hospice patients through running errands, reading to the patient, sharing a devotional, playing board or card games or just friendly visits. Volunteer by yourself or as a group and as often or as little as your schedule allows.

Individuals or group training is available at your convenience.

For more information, call Robin or Angela at (706) 259-2518. Adventa Hospice is at 1510 N. Thornton Ave. in Dalton.