Support Groups
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Recognizing that recovery must be achieved not only in the physical and psychological but also on an emotional level, Brooks offers a variety of support groups to assist patients in regaining as fully as possible their ability to lead successful private lives.
The following support groups provide a unique opportunity for the patient to interact and form personal connections with people facing similar challenges. Not only can our patients be inspired by others, but they themselves are in a position to be inspiring.
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Lou Gehrig's Disease
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Lou Gehrig's Disease Support Group
Scheduled Meetings: First Saturday of Each Month, 1-3 pm
Location: St. Luke's Hospital - Auditorium C (first floor), 4201 Belfort Road (at Intersection of J. Turner Butler Blvd.), Jacksonville, Florida 32216
Contact: Judie Benwick, MSH, MPH, Care Coordinator, The ALS Association, Florida Chapter (Toll-free) 888-257-1717, ext. 112 or (Jacksonville) (904) 688-0886
Brain Injury
Inpatient Brain Injury Group (Understanding Brain Injury)
Scheduled Meetings: Monday - Friday, 3:00-4:00pm
Location: Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital, 2nd Floor Room (R2104)
Contact: Therapy Manager, (904) 858-7789; Program Assistant (904) 858-7650
Brain Injury Clubhouse Support Group
Scheduled Meetings: Third Saturday of each month, 10:30 am
Location: Brooks Clubhouse
Contact: Brooks Clubhouse, Phone (904) 674-6400
Neurological
Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group
Scheduled Meetings: Every 2nd Saturday (except August) from 10:00 to 11:30
Location: Shands Towers, 580 W. 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209
Call 904-244-9719 for more information
Pediatrics
Inpatient Pediatrics (Understanding Pediatric Rehabilitation)
Scheduled Meetings: Monday-Friday from 3pm-3:30pm
Location: Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital R2320
Contact: Therapy Manager (904) 858-7789; Program Assistant (904) 858-7650
Spinal Cord
Brooks Spinal Cord Support Group/Stroke Support Group
Scheduled Meetings: Last Thursday of each month, 6:00-7:30PM
Location: Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital, 1st Floor Gym
Contact: Lauren Stutts, Clinical Psychologist, Spinal Cord Injury Program
SCI Info line: (904) 345-7238
Women with Disabilities Support Group
For woman with a disability (e.g, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke/brain injury). This informal support group discusses concerns such as body image, relationships, wheelchair management, and emotional adjustment, among many others.
Scheduled Meetings: Every 2nd Thursday of the Month 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital - Dance Studio (in the Neuro Recovery Center) From the lobby, follow the signs to the pool and the dance studio will be on the right before the pool (there will be a sign on the door).
Contact: Please contact Lauren Stutts at 904.345.6819 For more information
Stroke
Brooks Stroke Support Group/Spinal Cord Support Group
Scheduled Meetings: Last Thursday of each month, 6:00-7:30PM
Location: Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital, 1st Floor Gym
Contact: Lauren Stutts, Clinical Psychologist, Spinal Cord Injury Program
SCI Info line: (904) 345-7238
Inpatient Stroke Groups
Stroke/Cardiac Education Session:
Scheduled Meetings: Monday - Friday, 11-12pm
Location: Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital, Room 3421
Contact: Rhonda Felice, Stroke Program Manager (904) 345-7689 or Shirley Koehler, Ph.D., Phone (904) 858-7655
Tell me about Stroke:
Scheduled Meetings: Sundays, 4:00-5:00pm
Location: Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital, Room 3421
Contact: Rhonda Felice, Stroke Program Manager
Stroke Caregiver Support Group:
Scheduled Meetings: Tuesdays, 5:00-6:00pm
Location: Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital, Room 3421
Contact: Nicholas Deprima
Reading For Life Book Club
Review books, short stories or articles. Study guides provided before each month. Books announced 1-2 months in advance. Support provided for those with reading impairments along with adapted techniques such as books on tape and movies
Scheduled Meetings: Third Thursday of each month, 12pm - 1:00pm
Location: Neuro Recovery Center at Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital
Contact: Ande Welling (904) 345-6812
Toastmaster's Aphasia Group
This group is based on the principles of the Toastmaster’s Club and focuses on learning ways to communicate fluently in various challenging environments such as speaking to a group, talking on the phone and meeting new people
Scheduled meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 3:00-4:00
Location: Brooks Clubhouse
Contact: Ceil Brooks (904) 345-7260







