"It felt like the natural way to go for me," said Gross-Camp, 33, of Sunderland. "I looked at the option of having a midwife assist in a hospital, but what turned me off was the uncertainty of who would be present at my birth. It could be any one of a number of midwives on call. I really wanted to know who would be there and I also felt that delivering in my home would be the most comfortable for me."
Gross-Camp is among a number of women in the Pioneer Valley who are choosing to give birth at home - and drawing upon the assistance of area midwives who are specially trained in homebirth deliveries. Currently, there are eight homebirth midwives based in western Massachusetts listed on the Web site for the Mass Midwives Alliance, based in Stoneham.
The term midwife means "with woman," and the care provided by a midwife who attends homebirths begins long before delivery day. Before the birth, she generally provides nutritional counseling and evaluates the woman's mental and physical health. During the prenatal period, the midwife also checks physical growth and position of the baby, and keeps an eye on the woman's blood pressure and other vital signs.
On the day of the birth, a midwife provides whatever assistance a laboring woman needs, from helping her into the tub and giving her a back massage to providing encouragement to the mother and her partner during difficult periods of labor. The midwife also evaluates the health of the fetus, periodically checking the baby's heartbeat, and will recommend and arrange for transfer to a hospital if an emergency arises, or if the woman chooses a transfer,
There are different categories of midwives and not all attend homebirths, according to information provided by the Midwives Alliance of North America, based in Washington, D.C.
SUPPORT GROUPS
ABUSE
n Safe Passage is an organization for women who have been or are currently being abused, physically or emotionally. Free peer support groups, counseling and shelter. For more information, call (413) 586-1125 or visit www.safepassage.org. To contact the free 24-hour crisis hot line, call (413) 586-5066.
n The Board of Missions of the Congregational Church in Belchertown sponsors a free, bimonthly support group for women who have experienced violence in their lives. Women from other communities welcome. Free child care. Meetings take place in the church's parish house, 18 Park St., Belchertown. For more information, call (413) 323-7442 or visit www.belchertownucc.org.
n A support group for men who experienced childhood abuse and/or neglect meets Fridays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Men's Resource Center, 236 North Pleasant St., Amherst. Donation requested. For more information, call (413) 253-9887, ext. 10 or visit www.mrcforchange.org.
AIDS - Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton holds a weekly support group on Mondays. Pre-screening required. For more information, call (413) 586-8288 or e-mail aidscarehamp@cooley-dickinson.org.
ALCOHOL - Groups meet daily in Hampshire and Franklin counties to offer support to those whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. For more information and meeting times, call (413) 253-5261 or visit www.valleyalanon.org.
ALZHEIMER'S - The Arbors at Amherst holds a group for family members and friends caring for someone with Alzheimer's or a related memory-loss disorder. The group meets the third Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Reflections portion of the Arbors, 130 University Dr., Amherst. Free. To confirm, call (413) 548-6800.
AMPUTATION - A peer-level support, education and advocacy group for individuals and their families who have experienced amputation meets the third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Mercy Medical Center's Deliso Conference Center, 299 Carew Street, Springfield. For more information, call Ray Morin at 413-748-6800 or visit www.mercycares.com.
APHASIA - The aphasia support group meets every Friday at 9:30 a.m. at Mercy Medical Center's Deliso Conference Center, 299 Carew Street, Springfield. Open to people with aphasia, their families and friends. For more information, contact Bob Swanson at (413) 748-6800 or visit www.mercycares.com.
BEREAVEMENT
n Compassionate Friends, a nationwide support group for parents who have lost children, meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Bay State Medial, 300 Main St., Springfield. For more information, contact John and Maureen Sheehan at (413) 527-3305.
n Empty Arms, a support group for parents who have lost babies at birth or shortly after, meets on the 4th Wednesday of every month, from 7 to 9 p.m., in the Locust Street conference room at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. For information, contact Carol McMurrich and Greg Reynolds at 529-1610 or Sally Howland, R.N., at 584-4092.
n St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 34 Jarvis Ave., Holyoke, offers two support groups for those who are grieving the loss of a spouse, parent or loved one. An initial appointment is required before joining one of the groups. People of all faiths are welcome. To make an appointment, call (413) 536-3369.
n The Bereavement Ministry of Annunciation Church holds support groups for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one on the first and third Thursday of the month. Program I meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and program II meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Parish Center, 87 Beacon St., Florence. People of all faiths welcome. For more information, contact the church's bereavement office at (413) 584-1753.
n The Center for Pastoral Concerns in Florence offers a group for people who have lost a spouse or significant other. The group meets the first and third Thursday of the month at 10 a.m., with a second group at 6:30 p.m. at 87 Beacon St., Florence. For more information, call (413) 584-1753.
n The Hospice of Franklin County Inc. at 329 Conway St. in Greenfield holds two ongoing support groups. The first group meets on Mondays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and is for adults who have lost a spouse, partner or significant other. The second group meets on Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and is for adults who have lost a loved one. Both groups are free and open to all. Contact Priscilla White or Jean Footit at (413) 774-2400.
n Baystate Medical Center runs a group for those grieving the loss of a loved one. The group meets on the first and third Thursday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. at the American Cancer Society, 31 Capital Drive, West Springfield. To register, call the hospital at (413) 794-2255; Rev. Nancy Dann, (413) 794-0290; Rev. Martin Montonye, (413) 794-2899; or Dennis Young, (413) 599-4711.
n The Garden offers small groups for children and teens as well as parent support groups for families who have lost loved ones at the Hampshire YMCA, 286 Prospect St., Northampton. Free. For more information, call (413) 584-3796 or visit www.garden-cgc.org.
BIRTH
n Parents and their infants up to 4 months old are invited to a free support group on Thursdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Childbirth Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. For more information, call the CDH Parent Education Program at (413) 582-2736.
n Full Circle Adoptions provides a free, confidential and ongoing support group for birthparents. Transportation and child-care help are available. A birthparent buddy network, free individual counseling, a resource library and assistance and referrals for housing, medical services and other supports are all available. By appointment only. For more information, call (413) 587-0007, (413) 584-0441 or (888) 45-ADOPT or visit www.fullcircleadoption.com.
BREAST CANCER
n Cancer Connection offers a free breast cancer support group at 269 Locust St. (Silk Mill), Florence. To pre-register, call 586-1642 or, for more information, visit www.cancer-connection.org.
n Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton runs a support group on first and third Tuesdays of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the hospital's Childbirth Center conference room. Diane Young, MSW, facilitates discussion about issues related to living with breast cancer. For more information, call the CDH Cancer Care Program at (413) 582-2028.
n The Cancer House of Hope offers a Breast Cancer Support Group every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at 946 Plumtree Road, Springfield. Free. For more information, call (413) 782-5500 or visit www.cancerhouseofhope.org.
BREAST-FEEDING
n Cooley Dickinson Hospital offers a free breast-feeding clinic on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 to 12 p.m. No appointment is needed and there is no fee. Lactation specialists are available via phone Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 582-2096 or visit www.cooley-dickinson.org/services/child_birth
n Northampton Area Pediatrics offers a free weekly breast-feeding support group, open to patients of any pediatric practice. Meetings are Wednesdays, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Amherst office, 170 University Drive, Suite 101. For mothers and their babies up to 1 year of age. Partners are welcome. No registration required. For more information, call 584-8700 or visit www.napeds.com.
n Baystate Health Education Center, 361 Whitney Ave., Holyoke, offers Breast-feeding Gathering for Moms and Babies led by a lactation consultant on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, from 2 to 3 p.m. For more information and to register, call 794-2229.
n Mercy Medical Center, 271 Carew St., Springfield, offers free walk-in clinics Tuesdays and Thursday, from 2 to 4 p.m. and private lactation consultation by appointment. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Alice Hodge at 784-729. To contact the Mercy Medical Center 24-hour free breast-feeding support line, call 748-7262.
n La Leche League (LLL) has meetings in Northampton and Amherst. LLL Northampton meets on the first Friday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at the Forbes Library and again on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Lex at 586-5627. For more information about LLL Amherst, contact Ilene at 256-5998. LLL also provides a nationwide 24-hour toll free breast-feeding helpline service: (877) 452-5324. For more information about La Leche League, visit www.llli.org.
CANCER
n Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton runs a group for people living with a cancer diagnosis. Free. For more information, call (413) 582-2028.
n Mercy Medical Center offers a group for patients with cancer, as well as their relatives and caregivers. Meets Mondays in the O'Hara Room at the center's Deliso Conference Center, 299 Carew St., Springfield, from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, contact Sandra Hills at (413) 748-9453 or visit www.mercycares.com.
n The Cancer House of Hope's ongoing cancer support group, facilitated by Nancy Ferguson, MA, LCSW, meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7:15 p.m. at 946 Plumtree Rd., Springfield. For more information, call (413) 782-5500 or visit www.cancerhouseofhope.org.
n Cancer Connection offers a cancer support group for people with all types of cancer facilitated by Deborah Burkhalter, LICSW. To pre-register, call (413) 586-1642. For more information, visit www.cancer-connection.org.
n Baystate Medical Center offers a free support group for children, ages 6 to 11, who have a parent with cancer. The group meets one Thursday a month from 6 to 7 p.m. at the hospital's outpatient offices, 3300 Main St., 4th floor, Springfield. Children make a scrapbook, share ideas and feelings and enjoy refreshments. To pre-register, contact Joan O'Connell at (413) 794-7366.
CAREGIVING
n The Sunderland Center for Positive Change holds a free group on the first Wednesday of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 42 Amherst Road (Rt. 116), Sunderland. For more information, call (413) 665-9675 or visit www.sunderlandcenter.org.
n Quabbin Valley Healthcare offers a free group for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's or related dementia. Meets the second Wednesday of the month from 7 to 8 p.m. at 821 Daniel Shays Highway, Athol. Newcomers welcome. For more information, contact Wanda Landry at (978) 249-3717, ext. 334 or visit www.qvhc.com.
n The Bangs Community Center in Amherst hosts a free caregivers support group on Mondays from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. Call licensed social worker Laura Pravits at 268-0218 to pre-register.
n Cancer Connection offers a support group for families and caregivers of people with cancer facilitated by Vivien Weiss, LHMC.. To pre-register, call (413) 586-1642. For more information, visit www.cancer-connection.org.
CHILDREN'S SOCIAL SKILLS - A group designed to help children develop impulse control, problem-solving skills, peer relationships and conflict-resolution abilities. Good for children diagnosed with behavioral problems. Two groups: ages 6 to 8 and 9 to 12. For more information, call (413) 529-1764.
CODEPENDENCY - A fellowship of men and women who want to develop healthy relationships meets every Sunday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 867 North Pleasant St., Amherst. The group applies the principles of 12-step programs. For more information, call (413) 253-4021.
DEPRESSION, MANIC DEPRESSION - The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill offers two support groups in Easthampton and Westfield for those suffering from depression or manic depression. The Easthampton group meets at Easthampton Congregational Church, 112 Main St., every Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. The Westfield group meets in the basement room of the Westfield Library, 6 Elm St. every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For more information, call (413) 786-9139 or (800) 295-2121.
DIABETES - A free diabetes education program meets the first three Thursdays of every other month starting in January from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in Holyoke Medical Center's main conference room. Pre-registration is necessary. To register, call (413) 534-2789.
DISABILITIES - A group offered by Child & Family Service of Pioneer Valley Inc. for parents of children physical disabilities meets on Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on 238 Main St., Greenfield. The group will meet until April 1, 2008. For more information and to register, contact Desiree Lowit at (413) 774-6252, ext. 119.
DIVORCE - The Center for Pastoral Concerns in Florence offers a group for people recovering from divorce or separation. The Divorce/Separation group meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at 87 Beacon St., Florence. For more information, call (413) 584-1753.
DRUG ADDICTION
n Nar-Anon, a support group for family and friends of people with drug addiction, meets every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 455 Island Pond Rd., Springfield. For more information, contact Beth at (413) 783-5641.
n Narcotics Anonymous holds meetings Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst. For more information, call (413) 256-4057.
EATING DISORDERS
n Family and Friends, a support group for family members and friends of people who suffer from any kind of eating disorder or body-acceptance problem, meets the third Thursday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 90 Conz St., Northampton. For more information, contact John and Maureen Sheehan at (413) 527-3305.
n Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, a 12-step program in Amherst for those recovering from addictive eating, bulimia and anorexia, offers two support groups. The first group meets on Sundays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Newman Center at UMass, 472 North Pleasant St., Amherst. The second group meets Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Jewish Community of Amherst, 742 Main St. No dues or fees, no weigh-ins. For more information, contact Teresa at (413) 253-0250.
GAMBLING - Anonymous group meets every Thursday at 10 a.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. at the First Church of Christ, 736 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow. Free. For more information, call the Massachusetts Gambling Anonymous Hotline at (617)338-6020 or visit www.gamblersanonymous.org.
GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER ISSUES
n GLBT Alcoholics Anonymous meets on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. (6:15 p.m. for newcomers) at St. John's Episcopal Church, 48 Elm St. Northampton.
n LBT Women's Alcoholics Anonymous meets on Monday at 7 p.m. in Seelye Hall at Smith College.
n The Gay/Bisexual/Questioning men's group meets Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Men's Resource Center, 236 North Pleasant St., Amherst. For more information, call (413) 253-9887, ext. 10 or visit www.mrcforchange.org.
n East Coast Female-to-male Group (ECFTMG) is a free, peer support group for the full spectrum of masculine-identified, female-born persons including female-to-male transgenders, transsexuals, cross-dressers, gender queers, dual gendered, gender blended, questioning, and our significant others. ECFTMG meets twice monthly in Northampton. For more information, visit www.ecftm.org.
n Lesbian Empowerment Group, a support group for lesbians age 55 and up meets on the second Monday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (unless it's a holiday). For more information, contact Jennifer Higgins at (413) 587-1228.
n Straight Spouses, a support group, confidential phone and email networking as well as free, non-homophobic information for spouses whose partners are coming out as homosexual or transgendered. Straight Spouses meets on the third Sunday of every month. For more information, contact Jane at (413) 625-6636.
n The Sunshine Club, a social, support and educational group for members of the transgendered community, significant others and allies meets monthly on Saturdays. For more information, visit www.thesunshineclub.org or call (413) 586-5004.
HEAD INJURIES
n A group for survivors of head injuries and their family members meets the last Wednesday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Franklin Medical Center, 164 High St., Greenfield. An intake interview is required before joining the group. For more information, contact David Landry at (413) 773-2411.
n For people who have experienced a head injury. The group meets the third Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. at Mercy Medical Center's Deliso Conference Center, 299 Carew Street, Springfield. For more information, contact Sharon Abdalla at (413) 748-6800 or visit www.mercycares.com.
HEART DISEASE - Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton offers a free support group, Caring for Your Heart, on the second Thursday of the month at 2 p.m. Walk-ins welcome. Call Kathleen Bowers at 582-2404.
HEPATITIS C
n The following hepatitis C support groups meet monthly. All groups meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For more information, contact John Helin at (413) 533-3472 or (413) 575-6064.
4 Mercy Hospital, third Wednesday, Rose Garby room, lower level
4 Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Northampton, third Tuesday, east wing conference room.
4 Holyoke Medical Center, Holyoke, second Tuesday, main conference room, first floor.
4Noble Hospital, Westfield, second Thursday, Bronson Music Room, second floor.
4 UMass Medical Wing Memorial Hospital, second Wednesday, patient lounge, second floor.
4 Mary Lane Hospital, Ware, third Thursday, Health Information Center conference room.
4 Cadigan Building, Amherst, first Thursdays, 38 Woodside Ave.
HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE - The Massachusetts Chapter of the Huntington's Disease Society of America sponsors a free support group for people with Huntington's disease, family members, caregivers and those at risk. Meets the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Springfield. For location, contact Dr. Amy Fowler at (413) 58[2/3]908. For more information, visit www.hdsa-ne.org.
INCEST - Greenfield Women's Survivors of Incest Anonymous Group, for all women abused as girls, meets Fridays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 14 Miles St., Greenfield. Contact Karen regarding disability access at (413) 687-8783.
INFERTILITY - A Resolve infertility discussion group will meets the first Wednesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Arbors at 130 University Ave., Amherst to discuss infertility issues. Free to Resolve members, $5 for nonmembers. For more information and to pre-register, call (781) 890-2225, e-mail admin@resolveofthebaystate.org or visit www.resolveofthebaystate.org.
INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS - Group meets first Monday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Tom Carr Room of the Springfield Building at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield. To confirm, call (413) 794-2413.
LEISURE - Weldon Center for Rehabilitation offers a support group focusing on leisure activities for recently discharged or current patients. For more information, call (413) 748-9000.
LEUKEMIA, LYMPHOMA - The Cancer House of Hope offers a support group for adult patients and family members coping with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease or multiple myeloma. Meets the first Tuesday of the month from at 7:15 p.m. at 946 Plumtree Rd., Springfield. Free of charge, no preregistration required. For more information, call (413) 782-5500 or visit www.cancerhouseofhope.org.
LUPUS - The Lupus Foundation of Massachusetts holds free support group meetings on the third Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Arthritis Treatment Center, 3377 Main St., Springfield. For more information, contact Nancy Pohorylo at (860) 745-9947.
MELANOMA
n The Greater Springfield Melanoma Group meets the second Tuesday of the month from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Springfield Cancer House of Hope. Free. For more information, call Sarah Aasheim at 323-8652 or email her at saasheim@yahoo.com.
n Cancer Connection offers a support group facilitated by Pat Riggs, MSW, LICSW for men and women who have experienced melanoma. To pre-register, call (413) 586-1642. For more information, visit www.cancer-connection.org.
MEN WITH CANCER - Cancer Connection holds a support group for men with cancer facilitated by Diedrick Snoek, PhD. To pre-register, call (413) 586-1642. For more information, visit www.cancer-connection.org.
MEN'S ISSUES - Three separate support groups for men seeking connection with and support from other men around men's issues. All are free, open, drop-in groups. (1) Amherst group meet Sundays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Men's Resource Center, 236 North Pleasant St. (2) Northampton group meets Tuesdays from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. at the Council on Aging office in Memorial Hall, Main Street. (3) Greenfield group meets Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Network Chiropractic, 21 Mohawk Trail. For more information, call (413) 253-9887.
MENTAL ILLNESS
n The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) offers support groups for families and friends of people with mental illnesses. For more information and listings, contact the NAMI Massachusetts state office at (781) 938-4048 or visit www.namimass.org. The following groups are offered:
4 Greenfield group meets at Community and Support Option, 215 Shelburne Rd., on the last Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Contact Jane at (413) 773-5644.
4 Northampton group meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 10 Main St. in Florence. Enter building on Chestnut St. and take elevator to third floor. Call (413) 586-6641.
4 Orange group meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Quabbin House at 25 West Main St. (downstairs). Call (978) 544-1859.
4 South Hadley group meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lutheran Church at 319 Granby Rd. Call (413) 737-0257.
4 Springfield group meets at 1400 State St. at the Parkview Specialty Hospital on the last Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Contact Myrtle at (413) 796-8528.
n The Freedom Center offers a free support group for human rights and holistic alternatives for people labeled "mentally ill." The group meets Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. in downtown Northampton. For location or more information, call (413) 582-9948 or visit www.freedom-center.org.
NERVOUSNESS - Recovery Inc., a self-help support group for those with depression, panic attacks, anger, fears, phobias, stress or other nervous illnesses, meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Holyoke. Free. Registration is not required. Family members and friends are welcome. For more information, call (413) 567-4510 or visit www.recovery-inc.org.
OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER - The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) offers a free and confidential support group for people with OCD and their family members and friends the first Tuesday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. in the basement meeting room of First Baptist Church, Holyoke. Contact Leslie or Dan Hennessey at (413) 536-2490 or Rod Lisee at (413) 796-7187. For more information, contact the NAMI Massachusetts state office at (781) 938-4048 or visit www.namimass.org.
OSTOMY - The Ostomy Association of Greater Springfield offers ostomy information and support with meetings on the third Sunday of the month (except June, July and August) at 2:30 p.m. at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. For more information, call (413) 567-1666 or visit http://people.umass.edu/support/oags.html.
OVARIAN CANCER - Cancer Connection offers a support group for women living with ovarian cancer facilitated by Vivien Weiss, LHMC. To pre-register, call (413) 586-1642 or visit www.cancer-connection.org.
OVEREATING - Western Massachusetts Intergroup of Overeaters Anonymous holds meetings daily throughout Western Massachusetts. The Northampton group meets on Mondays at noon at the First Congregational Church. The Holyoke group meets at Holyoke Soldiers' Home, and in Greenfield at St. James Church and at Osgood Street Associates. For meeting times and locations, call 783-4198.
PARENTS
n The Recover Project offers a weekly support group for parents coping with a child using drugs or alcohol. The group meets every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. in room 125, 55 Federal St., Greenfield. For more information, call Tom at (413) 625-8145.
n A group for parents concerned about their child's alcohol or drug use meets Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at 10 Main St., Florence, third floor. A professional counselor leads the first meeting of the month. Free. For more information, call (413) 582-0213.
n The Support Network for Families of Western Massachusetts facilitates support groups for parents and caretakers of children with emotional and behavioral disorders. Meetings are free and confidential, and child care is provided. For more information, call Margery Jess-Reid at (413) 536-2401, ext. 3005.
n A support group for parents meets throughout the year at the Sunderland Center for Positive Change, 42 Amherst Rd. (Rt. 116), Sunderland. Free. New groups form continually. For more information, call (413) 665-9675 or visit www.sunderlandcenter.org.
n Parents Helping Parents offers support groups for parents who are at risk of abusing their children or who want a better relationship with their children. Volunteers are needed to facilitate groups. For more information, call (800) 882-1250 or visit www.parentshelpingparents.org.
PCOS - PCOSupport Western MA is an online support group for women with polycystic ovary syndrome. For more information, call (413) 529-9204 or visit www.psosupport.org.
PRE- AND POST-NATAL EXERCISE - The Birthing Center at Holyoke Medical Center offers an exercise class for expectant women and new mothers on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:45 to 7 p.m. Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information, call (413) 534-2700 or visit www.holyokehealth.com.
PRENATAL YOGA - Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton offers weekly classes on Mondays from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. at 170 University Dr., Amherst in the CDH building community room and on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. at CDH's conference room, Northampton. Admission is rolling. Cost is $65 for six sessions or $13 per session. Financial assistance is available. To pre-register or for more information, call (413) 582-2736.
PROSTATE CANCER - The Cancer House of Hope offers a Prostate Cancer Support Group for Men and their family members who are coping with the cancer. Meets the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at 946 Plumtree Rd., Springfield. Free. For more information, call (413) 782-5500 or visit www.cancerhouseofhope.org.
SEX, LOVE - Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous meets the first Tuesday of the month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Edwards Church, Northampton. For more information, call the Western New England Intergroup at (617) 625-7961 or visit www.geocities.com/wneislaa.
SEXUAL ABUSE BY PRIESTS - The Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests (SNAP) holds a monthly support group for women and men who were sexually abused by spiritual elders (Catholic priests, brothers, nuns, ministers, teachers, etc.). Meetings are generally held on the third Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Survivors, family members and supporters of individual survivors are welcome. For time and location, contact Peter at (413) 247-3271 or visit www.survivorsnetwork.org.
SINGLE PARENTS - Support group meets the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Center at Annunciation Church, 87 Beacon St., Florence. Women and men in the group explore the pain, sorrow, loneliness and joy of single parenting. For more information, call (413) 584-1753.
STUTTERING - Meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Arnold House, Room 10. For more information, call the UMass Speech Center at (413) 545-2565.
STROKE - Cooley Dickinson Hospital offers a support group for adult stroke survivors, their loved ones and caregivers on the second Thursday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the hospital's Conference Room B, 30 Locust St., Northampton. For more information, call (888) 554-4234.
TMJ - Noble Hospital offers a support group for trigeminal neuralgia (TMJ) patients on the third Saturday of the month at 1 p.m. Free. For more information, call the local trigeminal neuralgia office at (413) 739-1789 or visit www.noblehospital.org/support-groups.html.
VISION LOSS - MAB Community Services (formerly the Massachusetts Association for the Blind) offers peer support groups for individuals age 55 and over coping with vision loss in Northampton, Holyoke/South Hadley and Greenfield. A mixed-ages evening group is available in Springfield. Groups meet once a month. For more information, call (413) 734-7343.
Hampshire County Unit office at (413) 734-6000, option 3.COUNSELING - Social Work Therapy Referral Service offers free, confidential referrals for individual, couple, family and group therapy, matched
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