Support GroupsSupport groups allow patients and their families to learn more about diseases, treatment options and other related topics. They also provide a forum that allows patients and family members the opportunity to share their personal experiences, fears and revelations, as well as offer hope and encouragement to others.
Support Groups Resources
Brain Injury Support Group of East Central IllinoisCarle Foundation Hospital Therapy Services
611 W. Park Street
Urbana, IL 61801
Telephone: (217) 383-3520
Fax: (217) 383-3567
Email address: dawn.henry@carle.com
Contact name: Dawn Henry
Persons served: Survivors of brain injury and their friends and family.
Brief description: Purpose is to provide information and resources, advocate for needs and provide a support network to brain injury survivors and their friends and family. Meetings usually consist of short presentations followed by breakout discussion groups. Affiliation with the Park District for community opportunities.
Accessibility: fully accessible
Hours: Meets monthly on the 2nd Thursday, from 7-9 p.m. at the Springer Center. Call to verify location.
Caregivers Education & Support ProgramProvena United Samaritans Senior Services
600 Sager
Danville, IL 61801
Telephone: (217) 443-5635
Fax: (217) 443-5628
Email address: MarthaMPaap@provenahealth.com
Contact: Martha Paap
Persons served: Individuals and families caring for someone who is chronically ill.
Brief description: A support group for caregivers of chronically ill persons meets weekly at Provena USMC, Danville, Sager campus. Meetings include group discussions, speakers and social activities. Also, an education program is offered on topics such as: nutrition, moving and transferring, stress management, behavior problems and medication administration.
Qualifications: Should be caring for someone who is chronically ill, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, etc.
Hours: Meets on Thursdays, 2-3:30 p.m. at Provena USMC Conference Room B.
Family Service -- Self-Help Center
405 S. State St.
Champaign, IL 61820
Telephone: (217) 352-0099
TTY: (217) 352-0160
Fax: (217) 352-9512
Email address: selfhelp@prairienet.org
Web address: www.prairienet.org/selfhelp/
Contact: Sharon Monday-Dorsey
Persons served: Anyone requesting service
Brief description: The Self Help Center serves as a clearinghouse of information on existing self-help support groups in Champaign and surrounding counties and groups in formation, to provide on-going assistance to self-help support groups, to facilitate the development of new groups, and to heighten community awareness. Database, directory, website, newsletter, lending library, educational materials and workshops available.
Qualifications: None. Self-help groups that are listed with the Self-Help Center must be open to lay persons, voluntary and not charge a fee for professional service.
Accessibility: The Self-Help Center of Family Services is wheelchair accessible.
Hours: The center is open Monday-Friday, from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Confidentiality is observed; callers to not have to disclose personal information to receive services.
Holy ToastmasterBlessing Adeoye
Urbana Assembly
2502 S Race Street
Urbana, IL 61801
Telephone: (217) 355-8026
Email address: adeoye1@msn.com
Contact: Blessing Adeoye
Persons served: All
Brief description: To help people to develop communication and leadership skills.
Fees: $18 for 6 months.
Qualifications: At least 17 years of age.
Hours: Mondays, from 6:30-8 p.m.
I-CAN
Carle Foundation Hospital
Therapy Services
611 W Park Street
Urbana, IL 61801
Telephone: (217) 383-6423 or 355-5064
Fax: (217) 383-3567
Email address: dawn.henry@carle.com or jahengst@aol.com
Contact: Dawn Henry or Julie Hengst
Persons served: Adults who have acquired a communication impairment, their friends and family.
Brief description: Provides outreach to individuals with adult onset communication disorder, expand opportunities for communication and educated the community regarding living with communication problems. I-CAN is a chapter of the National Aphasia Association.
Accessibility: Accessible
Hours: Meets one time per month. Call for location and time.
Lakeland College Field Office (Caregivers)Attention: Shirley Stewart
2207 Van Buren
Charleston, IL 61920
Telephone: (217) 348-1489 or (217) 235-0420
Contact: Shirley O'Connell Stewart
Persons served: Caregivers
Brief description: This is an open group that meets the second Thursday of each month in the education building, which is part of Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, located between Mattoon and Charleston.
Qualifications: Open to anyone who is or has been responsible for the caregiving of another family or friend.
Accessibility: This building is completely accessible to people using walkers or wheelchairs.
Hours: Second Thursday of the month, from 1-2:30 p.m.
Research Park Toastmasters Club
Blessing Adeoye
CERL 2902 Newmark Dr
Champaign, IL 61821
Telephone: (217) 352-6511 x7466
Fax: (217) 373-6724
Email address: adeoye1@msn.com
Contact: Blessing Adeoye
Persons served: Anyone
Brief description: To help people to develop communication and leadership skills.
Fees: $18 for 6 months.
Qualifications: At least 17 years of age.
Hours: Thursdays, from 12-1 p.m.
Stroke Support GroupProvena Covenant Medical Center
1400 W. Park St.
Urbana, IL 61801
Telephone: (217) 337-2109
Fax: (217) 337-4590
Contact: Mrs. Beth Romine
Persons served: Stroke survivors and caregivers or friends.
Brief description: Our group meets once a month, March-December. We have speakers every other month that share pertinent information. Other months we have open discussion with two separate groups: stroke survivors and caregivers. We also have 2 social activities each year -- a community outing and Christmas Party.
Qualifications: Have had a stroke, know or care for someone who has had a stroke or persons interested in stroke prevention.
Accessibility: wheel chairs available in lobby.
Hours: Meets in Rehab dining room at Provena Covenant, 4th floor, on the first Monday of each month, from 3-4:30 p.m., March-December.