Missoula’s Support Groups & Organizations

Download Missoula.pdf

Missoula’s Support Groups & Organizations

Accessing Inner Resources

Contact Zeva Singer, 721-3351

Support group for people experiencing depression, panic attacks, catastrophic loss. Participants must make a four-session commitment. Sliding-scale fee.

Adult Children of Alcoholics

For information, call 721-5818

A 12-step program for adult children from addictive family systems Wednesdays and Fridays, 7 p.m., Unity Church

Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse

For information, call the YWCA Pathways program at 542-1944

For adult women who have experienced child sexual abuse

Al-Anon Family Groups

For information, call 721-5818 or see the Missoulians Lifelines section weekly.

An anonymous fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope in order to solve their common problems. A variety of meeting times and locations are scheduled each week.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Hot line: 543-0011. See the Missoulian’s Lifelines section weekly.

A variety of meeting times and locations are scheduled each week.

Alliance for the Mentally Ill

For information, write Box 5413, Missoula, 59807 or call 251-2754, 543-3055 or 721-1621

Provides support and advocacy for family and friends of the mentally ill. Meets every Thursday, 10 a.m.-noon, Providence Center, lower level. Classes offered to family members, consumers and providers.

Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Support Group

Call Eunice, 251-4608 or Colleen, (406) 677-2517.

For families who have a member with Alzheimer’s disease or any other form of dementia. Meets the fourth Monday of each month (except during June, July and August), 7 p.m. Conference Room B, St. Patrick Hospital

American Cancer Society

Access the National Cancer Information Center by calling toll-free (800) ACS-2345 or logging on to the Web site www.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society National Cancer Information Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The National Cancer Center Information center is an informational resource center for cancer patients, medical providers, caregivers and everyone who has questions related to cancer. The National Cancer Information Center toll-free number will connect the caller with a cancer information specialist who has been trained to know the services provided in the Northwest Division. This person can answer questions, send out information, refer the caller to local services and programs and connect them with an American Cancer Society staff person in their local office. The Web site offers information on cancer, local services and programs and connects the user to the Cancer Survivors Network.

American Parkinson’s Disease Association

Call Carole Kamrath, 251-5338

Meetings are the third Wednesday of each month (except June, July, August) at 12:30 p.m., with a no-host luncheon in St. Patrick Hospital’s Conference Room B, 500 W. Broadway.

Bariatric Support Group

St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center, 500 W. Broadway, 329-5866.

Meets first Thursday of each month from 5:30-7 p.m., for an informational seminar/lecture and the third Saturday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. for post-op patients.

Bereavement Support Group

Call Gretchen Strohmaier, 327-3624.

Education and support on the grief and loss process, sponsored by Partners in Home Care. Three eight-week sessions held each year.

Big Sky Mothers of Multiples

For more information, contact Jan Bixler at 728-0678 or Tracylee Stevens, 777-1499.

A nonprofit support group for mothers and expectant mothers of twins, triplets or higher-order multiple births. Meetings the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m., Community Medical Rehab Center Conference Rooms K and L.

Brain Injury Association of Montana

Local contacts, Jim Mickelson, 728-9117 or Sue Englert, 327-4062. E-mail: biam@selway.umt.edu.

Third Monday of each month at St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center, Conference Rooms B-C. Provides education, prevention and advocacy to survivors of traumatic brain injuries, family members, caregivers, educators and the public.

Breast Cancer Support Group

500 W. Broadway, second floor, oncology conference room. 329-5719.

Meets third Friday of every month from 4:30 to 6 p.m. A free ongoing monthly support group for breast-cancer survivors. Open to newcomers.

Breast Cancer Support Group

St. Francis Xavier Parish Center, 420 W. Pine St. 329-5655.

Meets every Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. Meetings are led by a medical social worker from St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center.

Cancer Support Group

 Montana Cancer Center conference room in Broadway Building of St. Patrick Hospital. 329-6887.

Meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Meetings are led by Chaplain Tom King. Open to all regardless of faith background. Family welcome. Sponsored by St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center.

Catholics for a Free Choice of Missoula

Local contact: Vivian Brooke, 1610 Madeline Ave., 542-2556. vbrooke@marsweb.com

Established in 1973, the group is a national education organization that supports the right to legal reproductive health care, especially family planning and abortion.

Celiac Society of Montana

Missoula contact is Dorothea Caluori, 1440 River St., 542-7499. The state office of the Montana Celiac Socity is at 1019 S. Bozeman Ave. No. 3, Bozeman, Mont. 59715, (406) 586-1285.

They provide a packet for new patients, a physicians’ manual, gluten-free dietary counseling, medical resources, brochures and the quarterly newsletter Gluten-Free Friends. Hosts an annual convention. Celiac disease is an autoimmune genetic disorder caused by an inborn intolerance to a gluten protein in the cereal grains wheat, rye, oats and barley. CD affects one person in 120, primarily in the Caucasian population. Chronic symptoms include infections, dry skin, skin eruptions, hair loss, constipation/diarrhea, anemia, diabetes, thyroid disease, bone pain, muscle cramps and rheumatoid disorders as well as autoimmune complications. Symptoms among children include underweight, short stature, dental dysplasia, seizures, ADHD and uncharacterisitc fatigue. Treatment is the adoption of the gluten-free diet, which requires strict avoidance of these four grains in all forms.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

For more information, call 329-5845, 329-5847 or 329-2826.

Support group for people with asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Meets monthly at the Providence Center, 902 N. Orange St.

Community Care Inc.

Contact Community Care Inc., 330 E. Main St., 59802, or call 549-2890. E-mail: comcare@montana.com; Web site: communitycaremissoula.org.
A group committed to the prevention of and early intervention into alcohol/drug problems experienced by youth. Community Care provides and coordinates education, awareness and support activities.

Compassionate Friends

Contact Susan Moore and Charles Renner, 543-8840 or Michelle, 721-3764

Provides friendship, support and understanding to bereaved parents. Meets the last Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 300 E. Main St., except June, July and August, when meetings are at a member’s home.

Connections

Contact Pat, 327-1519; Nancy, 543-4668 or Peggy, 721-7850

Connections a training and support group for foster, adoptive and kinship parents. Meets September through May, first Monday of the month (second Monday in September) at Atonement Lutheran Church, 2205 34th St. Potluck dinner is at 6 p.m.; training, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; and group connections and support, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Training hours apply for state certification.

COPD Support Group

Community Medical Center, 2827 Fort Missoula Road. 327-4269. For people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other chronic respiratory problems. Meets 1:30-3 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month.

CPAP Support Group

St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center, 500 W. Broadway, 329-5650.

For patients, staff or family members who use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (CPAP) for sleep apnea. Affiliated with St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center and the Sleep Disorders Center. Web site: www.saintpatrick.org

Crisis Line

Call 542-1944

YWCA Pathways 24-hour crisis line for victims of sexual and domestic violence, their friends and family. Staffed by trained volunteer advocates.

Diabetes Support Group

Call Amy Bateman at 329-5781.

St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center, 500 W. Broadway. Group is offered third Tuesday of every month with the exception of December, June, July and August.

DivorceCare

Call Dave or Pam at 728-0353 or the church office at 542-0353

Weekly seminar and support group for people working through separation and/or divorce. Sponsored by the Christian Life Center. Meets every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at 3801 Russell St. Babysitting provided.

Domestic Violence Support Group

For more information, call 542-1944.

For women and children who have experienced or are experiencing abusive relationships. Groups meet Tuesday 6:30-8 p.m., YWCA, 1130 W. Broadway. First-time attendees are asked to arrive 15 minutes early.

Domestic Violence

Hours are Monday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. 542-1944.

Walk-in hours available at the YWCA, 1130 W. Broadway, for women and children and families and friends looking for support, information, referrals, library, on the issues of domestic and sexual violence.

Families First

Call 721-7690 to sign up

Families first facilitated parenting groups provide an opportunity to share and exchange ideas with parents facing the same challenges. Groups start throughout the year based on demand: New Mothers Group, Grandparents Parenting, Fathering Through Divorce, Mothering Through Divorce, After Birth Circle and Seasons After School Group. Fees vary (reduced fees are always available).

Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

Contact Judy, 251-6679.Futures. A free support group for parents, 21 and younger. Mondays, 2-4 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 300 E. Main St. Call Naomi at 543-3550 or Patty, 543-3550. Futures for young fathers 23 and younger. Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., at Teen Family Resource Center at Dickinson Lifelong Learning Center. Call Ron at 542-4900. Call if transportation is needed,

Gamblers Anonymous

Peer-support group for individuals who have a gambling problem. Meets each Monday at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, 6:15 p.m. and Friday, 5:30 p.m., at St. Patrick Hospital, 500 W. Broadway.

Healing Hearts for Moms

Call Phyllis, 549-4333 or Judy, 549-8482

Healing Hearts for moms caring support group for mothers who have experienced the death of a child. Meets third Monday evening of every month.

H.O.P.E., a.b.c

546-7006

Helping Other Parents of Emotionally and Behaviorally Challenged Children. The group offers support and information about services to parents of children with emotional and behavioral difficulties. Child care is available.

Hospice Bereavement Support Group

See full listing under Bereavement Support Group, this section.

La Leche League

Call 549-1779 or 544-3746

For breast-feeding mothers; dads and kids welcome. Free, on the second Tuesday of each month, Missoula Public Library, large meeting room, 301 E. Main St.

Legal and Medical Advocacy

To request an advocate call 542-1944.

For women survivors of domestic and sexual violence, who are dealing with the criminal justice system, lawyers, hospitals, etc. YWCA Pathways advocates are available to accompany a woman during any stage of these processes to help and support her.

Living Art

For information, call 549-5329.

Offers free workshops and low-cost retreats utilizing the whole person healing through the expressive arts and nature based experiences for people facing illness and loss. No art experience necessary. See full listing under Health section.

Loan Closet

Call 1-800-ACS-2345

Wigs, turbans and hats are available for cancer patients free of charge. Service provided by the American Cancer Society.

Look Good, Feel Better

Call (800) ACS-2345 or (800) 395 LOOK (5665).

Look good, feel better, a partnership of the American Cancer Society, the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association, is a program for cancer patients experiencing appearance-related side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatment. The program provides information and hands-on instruction on makeup and skin care and suggestions for using wigs, turbans and scarves. The participants are given make-up kits to use during the session and they can take the leftovers home. The society trains cosmetologists to facilitate the group sessions.

Missoula AIDS Council.

Call 543-4770

Provides prevention, education and support for those infected and affected by HIV. 127 N. Higgins Ave., Suite 207, Missoula, 59802.

Missoula Parkinson Support Group

Call Carole Kamrath, 251-5338

Meetings are the third Wednesday of the month at St. Patrick Hospital, Conference Room B, at 12:30 p.m. No meetings in June, July and August.

Missoula Family Violence Council

Write to Box 2545, Missoula, 59807, or call Dawn Hayden at 543-6691.

Promotes interagency coordination and communication. Promotes effective prevention, intervention and treatment and an improved response to family violence. Meets at noon the first Wednesday of the month in City Council Chambers, Missoula City Hall.

Missoula Five Valley Ostomy Association.

Call 329-5782, or visit St. Patrick Hospital library for information.

Information and support group for people with ostomies (urostomy, ileostomy, colostomy) or candidates for ostomies and their families.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group

Contact Nancy at 721-0877

Community Rehabilitation Center, 2827 Fort Missoula Road. Monthly meeting for individuals with multiple sclerosis, their families and caregivers. Monthly speakers. Meets from 10 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of the month from September through May at Community Rehabilitation Center.

Narcotics Anonymous

For information, including meeting locations and times throughout Montana, call (800) 990-6262.

A 12-step program for people recovering from drug addiction. Missoula NA. Sunday: Freedom Group, 7:30 p.m., Providence Center (basement), Room B, 902 N. Orange St., open, nonsmoking. Monday: Freedom Group, 7:30 p.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church (upstairs), 202 Brooks St.,open, nonsmoking. Tuesday: Seeking Serenity Group, 7 p.m., women’s meeting (no addict turned away), St. Paul Church (upstairs),nonsmoking; and Freedom Group, 8:15 p.m., Providence Center (basement), open, nonsmoking. Wednesday: Freedom Group, 8:15 p.m., Providence Center (basement), open, nonsmoking. Thursday: Freedom Group, 6:30 p.m. Providence Center (basement), open, nonsmoking. Friday: Freedom Group, 6:30 p.m., Providence Center (basement), open, nonsmoking; and, Acceptance Group, 8:30 p.m., St. Paul Church (upstairs) open, non-smoking. Saturday: Acceptance Group, noon, St. Paul Church (upstairs) open, nonsmoking); and, Freedom Group, 8 p.m., Providence Center (basement), open, nonsmoking.

Hamilton NA. Monday:
6:30 p.m., St. Francis Catholic Church, 411 S. Fifth St., open, nonsmoking. Thursday: 6:30 p.m. St. Francis Church, open, nonsmoking.
St. Ignatius NA. Thursday: Rocky Mountain Wildfire Group, 7 p.m., CMA Church, Third and Glacier View Drive, open, nonsmoking.
Ronan NA. Friday: 7 p.m., CMA Church, 519 Terrace Lake Road, open, nonsmoking. Saturday:
6 p.m., CMA Church, open, nonsmoking.
Polson NA. Tuesday, 7 p.m., End of the Road Group, Alano Club, 8 Third Ave. W., open, nonsmoking.

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) of Missoula

Call 251-5122

For parents, friends and relatives of the mentally ill. Meets each Thursday, 10 a.m.-noon, Providence Center, 902 N. Orange St.

National Osteoporosis Foundation Greater Missoula Area Support Group.

Contact Linda Hightower, 327-4205.
Community Medical Center, 2827 Fort Missoula Road. A New Song, resource center for grief, loss and life transitions. 1303 Washburn St. 59801. 543-6635. Seeks to provide resources to help people during life’s difficult journeys. Owned and operated by Dan and Pat Kendall. Hours, Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Parents Let’s Unite for Kids (PLUK)

See listing in Disabled section for details. Call toll-free (800) 222-PLUK, or Virginia DeLand at 728-1822 or (888) 888-1822.
Parents Support Group. A self-help support group for parents struggling with raising their children. In weekly meetings, parents learn to deal constructively with their emotions while also gaining effective discipline, communication and anger-management skills. No fees, free child care for children under 12. Meets Mondays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Contact the Parenting Place, P.O. Box 3805, Missoula, 59806; 728-KIDS (5437).

Phoenix

Call 243-4155

A University of Montana group working to support nontraditional students. Offers assistance on making the transition to college life by putting students in contact with those who can help with course selection, advising, financial aid and problem solving.

Puzzle Club Brain Injury Support Group

Contact Jim Mickelson, 251-0535

Friends helping friends with brain injuries. Meets 9 a.m., Saturdays at Paradise Falls for no host breakfast.

Rape Survivors support group

For more information call the YWCA Pathways program at 542-1944.

For women who have experienced rape or sexual violence, child sexual abuse or sexual assault as a teenager and/or domestic violence.

Reach to Recovery

Call (800) ACS-2345 for more information

An American Cancer Society program designed to help people cope with their breast cancer experience. Reach to Recover volunteers are trained breast cancer survivors who visit with newly diagnosed patients. The volunteers offer support to the patient at any point in their experience with breast cancer.

Road to Recovery (American Cancer Society)

Call (800) ACS-2345 for more information.

Road to Recovery volunteer drivers donate their time and gasoline mileage to transport cancer patients to and from life-saving cancer treatments.

Second Chance Support Group

Call office of Dr. Carolyn Goren, 329-2945

For people with implanted defibrillators.

Sexual Assault

Walk-in hours available at the YWCA, 1130 W. Broadway, for women and children and families and friends looking for support, information, referrals, library, on the issues of domestic and sexual violence. Hours are Monday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. 542-1944.

Stroke Support Group

Call Marilyn Eaton Gaub, 542-8371, or Sue Englert, 728-4100, Ext. 4062

Monthly meeting for individuals surviving a stroke, their families and caregivers. Meets fourth Wednesday each month, 7 p.m., Community Rehabilitation Center, 2827 Fort Missoula Road.

Suicide Survivors

Call Pat Kendall, 543-6635

Support Group for those grieving a loss by suicide.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) No. 428.

Call 251-4555

Meets Tuesday at 9 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 300 E. Main St. Call 543-8529. TOPS No. 177, meets Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2512 Sunset Lane.

University of Montana Women’s Center

Call 243-4153.

Provides education and awareness of women’s issues and referrals for domestic violence, gay and lesbian issues, psychological support, eating disorders and reproductive health. Office hours 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., 210 University Center Lounge, Missoula, 59812.

Volunteer Parent Aid Program

Contact the Parenting Place, P. O. Box 3805, Missoula, 59806; 728-KIDS (5437)

Matches volunteers one-on-one with families isolated without social or family support. The volunteer models positive parenting skills and becomes a friend to the family.

Western Montana Gay & Lesbian Community Center

615 Oak Street (corner of Fourth and Oak), Missoula, 59801. 543-2224. Web site: www.gaymontana.com/wmglcc E-mail: wmglcc@gaymontana.com.

Provides a friendly, inviting space for support groups, social groups and events, community organizing and education about STD risk reduction. Houses the largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender resource library in the state and provides free Internet access for members. Groups meeting currently at the center include a lesbian chat group, a men’s group, and a monthly transgender support group. Call or stop by for more information.

Word of Hope

 Call 549-6565 or write Box 8476, Missoula, Mont. 59807.
Offers spiritual help for anyone who is suffering from PAS: Post Abortion Syndrome, regardless of whether the abortion experience was recent or decades ago. Services are free and confidential (and include one-on-one care-giving, forgiven and set free Bible study, as well as group sessions ).

WOW (Widows/Widowers on Wheels)

Call Mick Kron at 251-5902 or Bev Williams at 543-4442.

Meets third Saturday of each month for lunch at Golden Corral, 4015 Brooks, at noon. A chance to meet new friends in similar circumstances.

YWCA Pathways

24-hour crisis line 542-1944. Domestic violence support groups available for women and children. Closed groups available for sexual assault and adult survivors of child sexual abuse; call 542-1944 or (800) 483-7858 for more information.

A program for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Offers services, information and referrals on the issues of domestic violence, sexual harassment, and stalking.