Support Groups
The following support groups provide a unique opportunity to interact and form personal connections with people facing similar challenges. Not only can our patients be inspired by others, but they are in a position to be inspiring. Please call ahead to ensure the group is meeting the day you plan to attend.
Brooks Rehabilitation offers a variety of support opportunities for patients, caregivers, and families.
Use the links below to navigate directly to the section that best meets your needs:
Brooks Rehabilitation Support Group
Connections provides opportunities to connect with resources, activities and a support network. We welcome all individuals living with a disability in the community, as well as caregivers, family and friends. Join us for an evening of food, fellowship and friendship!
Scheduled meetings: Third Monday of each month, 5:30-7 p.m.
Location: Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital – University Campus, 1st Floor, Assembly Rooms 1 & 2
Contact: (904) 345-7314
Visit the support group’s Facebook Group to find upcoming events or email us to be added to email alerts.
Motor Speech Support Group
Join us for the motor speech support group for adults with apraxia of speech and dysarthria of speech. This support group is intended for adults who have difficulty producing speech sounds as a result of a neurological condition/event. Participants are encouraged to bring a loved one to the events.
In person meetings: Last Wednesday of each month, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: YMCA at Nocatee
Virtual meetings: First Wednesday of each month, 1-2 p.m.
Location: Zoom, Meeting ID: 993 9977 8382
For more information, contact Jackie Hurst using the email below.
Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech (PPAOS) Friends Support Group
The purpose of this group is to connect those living with PPAOS while also providing support and guidance through navigating the diagnosis. Caregivers and loved ones are encouraged to attend.
Scheduled meetings: Last Wednesday of each month, 4-5 p.m.
To receive the virtual link please email us below.
Virtual Dysphagia Support Group
Join us for our monthly Virtual Dysphagia Support Group for adults and caregivers (18 years & up) living with Dysphagia.
Scheduled meetings: Fourth Thursday of every month, 3-3:45 p.m.
Location: Microsoft Teams, Meeting ID: Dysphagia, Passcode: Swallow
For more information or to be added to our list, please email Lauren De Meno, meeting leader and inpatient SLP.
Aphasia Support Groups
Aphasia Communication Partners Support Group
The purpose of this group is to connect communication partners who have loved ones with aphasia or primary progressive aphasia (PPA). The group offers support and guidance through discussions, sharing ideas, and providing access to experts and resources.
Scheduled meetings: Third Thursday of each month, 3-4 p.m.
Location: Zoom, Meeting ID number: 908 997 8588
Contact: (904) 345-6780
We invite you to join our private Facebook group exclusively for aphasia communication partners. There, you can share ideas and connect with others. Visit the link below to request to join.
Aphasia Conversation Group – Orlando
Scheduled meetings: Every Friday, 10:15-11:45 a.m.
Location: Brooks Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic – Metrowest (Orlando)
For more information, contact Ashley Trowbridge at (689) 204-2221.
Aphasia Conversation Group – Orange Park
Scheduled meetings: Every Monday and Wednesday, 12:30-2 p.m.
Location: Brooks Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic – Orange Park
For more information, contact Madelyn Adams at (904) 278-7890.
Aphasia Conversation Group – Daytona
Scheduled meetings: Every Monday, 2 p.m.
Location: Mid-Florida Housing Partnership, 1834 Mason Ave Building 11834, Daytona Beach, FL 32117
For more information, contact Ginny Wiley at (727) 559-2937.
Aphasia Zoom Groups
Join us for weekly Zoom groups designed to connect and support individuals with aphasia. Each group focuses on a specific topic to encourage conversation, sharing and connection. Participants are welcome to join as many groups as they can.
Weekly Schedule:
-
Monday, 1-2 p.m.
Topic: Conversation – Each week will have different conversation topics. -
Tuesday, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Topic: Conversation Group – Each week will have different conversation topic. -
Wednesday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Topic: Mental Health – Support and share with others living with aphasia. -
Wednesday, 12:30-1:10 p.m.
Topic: Music Therapy with Olivia – Use music to enhance verbal expression.
How to Join:
- Visit: https://zoom.us/j/7140156298
- Meeting ID: 714 015 6298
- Password: aphasia
For questions or assistance, contact us at [email protected] or call (904) 345-6780.
Caregiver Support Groups
Hospital – Bartram Campus
Location: Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital – Bartram Campus, Third Floor, Multipurpose room
Scheduled meetings: Every Wednesday 2-3 p.m.
Contact Rickey Walters, LCSW for more information (904) 809-8022 | [email protected]
Hospital – University Campus
Location: Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital – University Campus, Third Floor, Room 3202
Scheduled meetings: Every Thursday, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Contact Joey Guarnaccia, LMHC for more information (904) 345-7600 | [email protected]
Other Resources
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Support Group
The ‘Tales of the CRPS’ is a local support group with national representation. Events are scheduled during the year and announced in the Facebook Group and in the community.
North Florida ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Lou Gehrig’s Disease Support Group
Scheduled Meetings: Second Tuesday of each month, 2-3 p.m.
Additional Support Groups
Visit Mayo Clinic’s support group page to find additional support groups in the area.
Caregiver Training
Free confidential service for St. Johns County residents and families to help assess your needs and provide access to services. Free six-week training program for caregivers.
St. John’s County Council on Aging
COA’s Community Care-Giving offers free Virtual Caregiver Support Groups via Zoom.