A helping hand
Once a year we publish a list of support groups and other resources available to residents of the Monterey Peninsula and surrounding communities. Publication does not imply endorsement by Community Hospital. All services are free unless otherwise noted. Care has been taken to ensure accuracy, but information sometimes changes following publication. We are unable to list every group on the Monterey Peninsula, and we apologize for any errors or omissions that may occur.
In addition to this list, Community Hospital offers a wide variety of free and low-cost classes, lectures, and events throughout the year.
For a complete listing, call 625-4708 or visit www.chomp.org.
AIDS
John XXIII AIDS Ministry
Housing, counseling, education, prevention, needle exchange, and emotional and spiritual support for people with HIV/AIDS. 442-3959 or 784-6969
Monterey County AIDS Project (MCAP)
Comprehensive HIV/AIDS support, ADAP (AIDS Drugs Assist Program) evaluations, client services referral, massage, Gay Teen Alliance, substance abuse referral, financial support, education, prevention, food bank, and HIV testing. 394-4747
Outpatient Immunology Services (OPIS)
Support and medical treatment for people with HIV/AIDS. A service of Community Hospital. 625-4972
ALCOHOL, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, AND OTHER ADDICTIONS
Al-Anon and Alateen
A 12-step group for people whose lives have been adversely affected by someone else’s drinking. 373-2532 or 424-6207
Alcoholics Anonymous
A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope so that they may help themselves and others recover from alcoholism. 373-3713 or 424-9874
Community Human Services
A variety of substance abuse services for low-income residents of Monterey County. 658-3811
Monterey County Health Department
Substance and alcohol abuse programs. 796-3066Administrative Office: 755-4510Crisis line: 755-4111
Narcotics Anonymous
624-2055 or 758-1630
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
649-3848
Stop-Smoking Support Group
This support group gives participants the encouragement they need to stay smoke-free. Facilitated by Community Hospital’s stop-smoking instructors. 625-4753
Substance Abuse Treatment
Treatment offered through Community Hospital’s Recovery Center. Call for fee information. 373-0924
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND OTHER DEMENTIAS
Alzheimer’s Association, Monterey County Area
Information and resources for family members and caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.647-9890 or 757-0531 or 385-8813
Alzheimer’s Day Resource Center
Fee: Sliding scale not to exceed $75 per month. 899-7178
Alzheimer’s Family Support Group
For families with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Sponsored by Community Hospital’s Behavioral Health Services. 625-4606
Carmel Foundation
Support groups for caregivers and those with family members in nursing care facilities. Membership required ($25 per year). 624-1588
Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center
Help for caregivers of people with brain damage as a result of brain injuries or head trauma and memory loss or dementia. 424-4359 or 888-499-4156
Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice Community Services
Adult daycare services, visiting nurses, and hospice care. 372-6668
VNA Hilltop Park Adult Day Care Program
Persons with memory loss and frail elderly participate in exercise, socialization, and activities. Fee: $50 per day. Financial aid available. 643-0278
CANCER
American Cancer Society — Monterey Peninsula Unit
Information, research, and resources for people with cancer and their support persons. 372-4521
Cancer Hotline
An information service sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. 800-4-CANCER or 800-422-6237
The Cancer Journey
An 8-session series to help people with cancer develop their own individualized coping plans. Offered by Community Hospital’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. 625-4753
Cancer Wellness©
©Sandra J. Kahn, M.A., M.F.T.
An ongoing therapeutic/educational weekly support group for people with cancer and their support persons. Offered by Community Hospital’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. 625-4753
Caregivers’ Support Group
Support group for the family and friends of loved ones with cancer. 625-4753
Leukemia-Lymphoma Support Group
A monthly education and support group for any person with a blood-related cancer and their family members. 625-4753
Look Good, Feel Better
A 2-hour class on techniques using make-up, wigs, and scarves to help women look better during cancer treatment. Co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society. 625-4753
Patient Navigator Program
One-on-one peer suupport for any person with cancer and their support person. Co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society. 625-4753
Prostate Cancer Self-Help Group of the Central Coast
Offers encouragement, support, and information on the latest treatment options. Sponsored by Hospice of the Central Coast. 658-3772
Reach to Recovery
One-on-one support for women who face a breast cancer diagnosis. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society. 372-4521 or 442-2992 or 623-2501 or 800-227-2345 or 625-4753 (Cancer Center)
Women’s Cancer Support Group
This group for women with cancer offers a time to share common concerns. Offered by Community Hospital’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. 625-4753
CHILDREN/PARENT GROUPS
Cabrillo Family Resource Center Monterey Adult School
Parenting activities. 899-4879
Childbirth Preparation
A variety of classes are offered on an ongoing basis: All About Childbirth; Childbirth: The Sequel; Cesarean Birth: What You Need to Know; Breastfeeding: The Beginning; Breastfeeding on the Go; Family Birth Center: A Guided Tour; and Big Kids and the Baby. 625-4704
Healthy Start
Parenting classes and parent/child activity classes. 392-3827
Kinship Center — Adoptive Parents/Birth Parents Support Group
455-9965 or 800-454-6744 or800-4-KINSHIP
La Leche League
Support for breastfeeding mothers. 645-6767 or 800-525-3243
Pacific Grove Adult School Parent’s Place
Parenting classes and parent/child activity classes. 646-6623
Salinas Adult School Parent Center
Parenting classes and parent/child activity classes. 796-6970
DIABETES
American Diabetes Association
Diabetes research, information, and advocacy. 800-DIABETES or 800-342-2383
Diabetes Support Group
Offered by Community Hospital’s Diabetes Program. 649-7220
Online Resources:
American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International
www.jdf.org National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Disease: www.niddk.nih.gov
EDUCATION
Health Resource Library
(located in the Comprehensive Cancer Center)Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Community Hospital’s lending library, open to the community, offers books, videos, computer searches, and more. 622-2746
Lymphedema Management
Learn about self-management, new research, and tools for living with lymphedema. Offered by Community Hospital. 625-4835
Monterey Public Library
Programs (e.g., Born to Read), books, magazines, and DVDs for all ages.Administration: 646-5669 www.monterey.org/library
GRIEF SUPPORT
Adult Grief Support Groups
Support groups for adults grieving the loss of a loved one. Offered by Hospice of the Central Coast.
658-3772 or 753-6045
Community Health and Hospice Resource Center
2 Upper Ragsdale Drive, Suite D-110
Monterey, CA 93940-5730
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
658-3772
Good Grief for Kids
A six-week educational and support program for children, teenagers, and families who have experienced the loss of someone close. Includes parent grief classes. Offered by Community Hospital’s Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Hospice of the Central Coast Griefbusters Program. 625-4753
Grief and Loss Resource Line
Referral service offered by Community Hospital. 622-2745 or 888-985-0550
Griefbusters
Grief support and reference materials for children and adults. One-on-one and ongoing group support are available. Offered by Hospice of the Central Coast. 658-3772 or 753-6045
Grief Support Services for Survivors of Suicide and Sudden Death
Grief support group and individual counseling for people who have lost a loved one through a sudden death or suicide. Sponsored by the Suicide Prevention Service of the Central Coast. Administration: 375-696624-hour crisis line: 649-8008 or 877-663-5433
S.H.A.R.E. (A Source of Help in Airing and Resolving Experiences)
Bereaved parents who have lost a baby in pregnancy or infancy meet every other month to share support. Registration required. Offered by Community Hospital. 622-2704
HEART AND LUNG HEALTH
Breathe California Central Coast (formerly American Lung Association of the Central Coast)
373-7306
Cardiopulmonary Education Series
Support and education for people with heart or lung problems. A monthly series with changing topics offered by Community Hospital. Everyone is welcome. 625-4765
SHARE (Stroke Handicapped Adult Rehabilitation and Education)
This program is a joint effort between the Monterey Peninsula School District and the Visiting Nurse Association, providing adults impaired by a stroke or other physical disability individualized rehabilitation and therapy, education, and peer support. Fee: sliding scale up to $100/month. 899-7178
Stroke Support Group
For individuals who have survived a stroke, and for their families and caregivers. 625-4835
MENTAL HEALTH
24-Hour Crisis Line: Community Hospital Behavioral Health Services
Crisis intervention and emergency evaluations/referrals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 625-4623
Community Human Services
A variety of mental health services for low-income residents of Monterey County. 658-3811
Interim, Inc.
Programs providing a bridge between homelessness or institutionalization and independent living for adults with serious mental illness. Crisis intervention, residential treatment, 24-month homeless transitional housing, social support groups, education and employment services, and permanent, supported affordable housing. Most services are free or low-cost. 649-4522
Mental Health and Psychiatric Treatment
Treatment is offered through Comunity Hospital’s Behavioral Health Services. Call for fee information. 625-4600
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Monterey County
Self-help advocacy and support group for the family and friends of the mentally ill.
Administration: 648-7059 or 800-950-NAMI or 800-950-6264
Our Voices
A self-help, drop-in support group for people who have been treated for mental illness. 649-4399
Suicide Prevention Service of the Central Coast
24-hour crisis line: 649-8008 or 877-663-5433
Administration: 375-6966
PHYSICAL/SEXUAL ABUSE
Family Service CenterA program of Community Human Services
Dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse, and mental health counseling. 394-4622 or 757-7915 or 796-3905
Men’s Alternatives to Violence
Sponsors groups to discuss domestic violence and abuse. Fee: sliding scale.
443-6288 or 753-7660
Rape Crisis Center
24-hour crisis line: 375-HELP or 375-4357 or 633-5900
General information: 373-3955
Women’s Crisis Line
24-hour crisis line: 757-1001 or 888-757-1001
General information: 757-1002
YWCA 24-Hour Crisis Line for Domestic Violence
372-6300 or 800-992-2151
OTHER SUPPORT GROUPS
Amputee Support Group
For amputees, family members, and friends to discuss and learn new coping and living skills. Offered by Community Hospital. 625-4835
Arthritis Support Group
Discover new ways to manage medication, pain, and exercise. Co-sponsored by Community Hospital and the Arthritis Foundation. 625-4835
A.W.A.K.E. (Alert, Well, and Keeping Energized)
An educational, social, and mutual self-help group for people with sleep apnea. Offered by Community Hospital. 649-7210
Chronic Pain Support Group
Learn about self-management, new research, and techniques for living with chronic pain. Offered by Community Hospital. 625-4753
Compassionate Care Alliance
Provides access to information and resources on end-of-life care. Raises awareness and creates opportunities for dialogue about end-of-life issues, care choices, and planning. 655-9506
Epilepsy Support Group
For persons with epilepsy, their family, and friends to obtain support and get information about the challenges of living with epilepsy. Offered by Community Hospital. 649-7780
Fibromyalgia Support Group
Learn about self-management and ways to cope and live with fibromyalgia. Co-sponsored by Community Hospital and the Arthritis Foundation. 625-4835
Overeaters Anonymous
646-2311
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