Wellness Briefs – Posted on Sept. 23, 2009
Sep, 21-2009 3:11 pm
Free flu shots
Free flu shots will be provided by the Atlantic City Department of Health and Human Services’ Public Health Division at the follow times and locations:
3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 at Sovereign Avenue School, 111 N. Sovereign Ave. and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 at the Spanish Community Center, 3900 Ventnor Ave. For information call (609) 347-6876.
Atlantic County Senior Centers Host September Open Houses
The average American is living longer. According to statistics, the average lifespan has increased by as many as eight years during the last century to reach 78 years for women and 73 years for men.
Atlantic County Senior Centers recognize our increased longevity by providing a number of programs and services to help residents age 60 and above to enjoy happy, healthful and fulfilling lives.
To learn about the activities offered at the county's nine senior centers, residents are invited to a series of open houses during the month of September during which National Senior Center Month is celebrated. Each center is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. In addition to social activities, informative programs, exercise and volunteer opportunities, the centers provide a daily lunch at no charge. Participants are asked to call the center of their choice two days prior to their attendance to reserve a lunch. Transportation is also available.
Open houses will be held as follows:
Friday, Sept. 18
Ventnor Senior Center
6500 Atlantic Ave.
(609) 822-9239
Thursday, Sept. 24
Buena Senior Center
604 Central Ave., Minotola
(856) 697-0698
Thursday, Sept. 24
Leinweber Senior Center
235 Dolphin Ave., Northfield
(609) 645-5954
Monday, Sept. 28
Egg Harbor Township Senior Center
5045 English Creek Ave.
(609) 272-8179
Tuesday, Sept. 29
Egg Harbor City Senior Center
341-351 Cincinnati Ave.
(609) 965-1457
Wednesday, Sept. 30
Hammonton Senior Center
310 Bellevue Ave.
(609) 567-3200
Wednesday, Sept. 30
Jeffries Towers
227 N. Vermont Ave., Atlantic City
(609) 344-4106
For information about the Atlantic County Senior Centers, call the Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services at (888) 426-9243.
Grants for Arthritis Pool Classes at Bacharach
Seniors (60 years old or older) who live in Atlantic County, have a doctor’s diagnosis of arthritis, and are-eligible for Medicaid, the PAAD program or Senior Gold, may apply for an Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program grant offered by the County Division of Intergenerational Services.
The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program is a gentle exercise program for seniors. Classes encourage flexibility, increased range of motion and promote circulation.
The class meets 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays or Thursdays in the heated therapy pool at Bacharach in Pomona. The grant covers the cost of 10 classes (10 weeks) for eligible participants. After completing the grant, participants are welcome to self-pay for the program at $90 for 10 classes.
Participants must provide their own transportation.
For information, or to register for the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program, call (609) 748-5250.
“Minority and Multicultural Health Month”
The City of Atlantic City will sponsor two events free and open to the public in September in support of “Minority and Multicultural Health Month,” which is observed during the month of September as proclaimed by the State of New Jersey. This year’s theme is “Take Control of Your Health: Managing Chronic Diseases.”
On Wednesday, Sept. 30 there will be mini workshops and presentations on Managing Chronic Illness 5 to 7 p.m. at the All Wars Memorial Building (Soldiers’ Home) at 1510 Adriatic Ave.
This initiative is being co-sponsored by New Jersey Office of Minority and Multicultural Health and local communities including Atlantic City.
For information call (609) 347-6442 or (609) 347-5556.
ALS Resource Group
An ALS Resource Group specifically designed to help residents of Southern New Jersey deal with the challenges of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) will meet 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 at the Holy Redeemer Health System, 6550 Delilah Road, Airport Commerce Center – Suite 501 in Egg Harbor Township.
Sponsored by the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of The ALS Association, the support group meets on a monthly basis to allow family, friends and patients with ALS to share and receive information beyond that of a customary physician or clinic visit. The group is free to ALS patients and caregivers.
For directions or information, or to RSVP, contact Hand-Kowchak at (609) 457-9261.
Wiggles and Words workshops
AtlantiCare’s Center for Community Health in collaboration with the Stanley M. Grossman Pediatric Center at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center City Campus, will offer Wiggles and Words workshops 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 8; Nov. 12 and Dec. 10 at the AtlantiCare LifeCenter, 2500 English Creek Ave., Egg Harbor Township. Wiggles and Words takes place the second Thursday of each month. Registration is required.
Designed for children 3- to 6-years old, Wiggles and Words puts an active twist on story hour. The workshop encourages children to get moving by acting out scenes in a book. Participants receive a copy of the book of the month for attending the workshop.
To register call (888) 569-1000. The fee is $15 per child; $10 for each additional child per workshop. For information visit www.atlanticare.org.
Ongoing
Zumba/Kukuwa class
Enrollment is open for Zumba/Kukuwa class 1 p.m. Thursdays (beginner and intermediate levels welcome); Evening Zumba Tuesdays at 6 p.m. (all levels welcome); and Women-Only Boot Camp four weeks 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call Miracles Fitness at (609) 677-1022. Miracles Fitness is located at 1418 New Road in Northfield.
DivorceCare Support Group
Seaview Baptist Church, 2025 Shore Road in Linwood, is offering an ongoing DivorceCare Support Group for people going through separation and/or divorce. Group meets Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. The cost is $30 for the 13-week series. For information call Karen or Ned at (609) 601-2718 or check out www.divorcecare.org.
Mom to Mom
Moms can get together and share their experiences 1 to 2 p.m. every Monday in the Jenkins Room at Shore Memorial Hospital. New moms are encouraged to bring their babies. Valet parking is available. Call (609) 653-3238 to register.
Bacharach Spinal Cord Injury Group
The newly formed Spinal Cord Network will hold monthly events on the first Thursday of every month. Some meetings will take place at Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation and some will take place at other venues. The meeting will be held some time between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., depending upon the location and activity. For information about upcoming events call Becky McGill at (609) 748-5410.
Self Help Center Expands Programming
The Self Help Wellness Center of Atlantic County is a program operated by mental health consumers for mental health consumers. The center affords consumers an atmosphere where people may network and gain the support from their peers dealing with the same life issues.
The center offers members a wide spectrum of self-help groups, advocacy, educational, social activities and recreational trips. A monthly calendar of events is available at www.mhaac.info. The Self Help Wellness Center is sponsored by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County.
For information call Jaime at (609) 272-1700, ext. 308.
Smoking Cessation Clinics
New Jersey Quitcenters are smoking cessation clinics that offer a customized, face-to-face approach to quitting. The Quitcenter treatment model combines intensive individual or group counseling, with the supervised use of nicotine patches, gum and inhalers. The result for clients is a quit rate that is more than double the abstinence rate for quitters with no treatment, and roughly 50 percent greater than those seeking group or individual counseling alone.
Currently there are seven centers located conveniently across the state that provide services on a sliding fee scale according to income. NJ Quitcenter clients can purchase over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy products at a reduced cost.
In addition to the Quitcenters, the state offers NJ Quitline – a free, telephone-based counseling service – and NJ QuitNet – a free, online service with information, counseling, chat rooms and online peer support and encouragement.
The Shore Memorial Hospital Quit Center provides services to Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Ocean counties. Call (609) 653-3440.
For information on all of the smoking cessation services offered by the state, including NJ Quitcenter locations, visit www.nj.quitnet.com, or call NJ Quitline at (866) NJ-STOPS.
Free Exercise Classes
Atlantic County residents age 60 years and older are invited to take advantage of the free exercise classes offered at many of the county’s nine senior centers. In addition to the exercise classes, the senior centers will offer the "Move Today" Jeopardy-style workshop during the month of April. Participants will learn about the benefits of exercise, the risk factors of not exercising and healthy living habits.
Exercise classes are offered as follows:
Chair Tai Chi
Brigantine Senior Center - 31st Street and Bayshore Drive, (609) 266-7491
Dr. Leinweber Senior Center - 235 Dolphin Ave., Northfield, (609) 645-5954
Healthy Bones Exercise Class
Brigantine Senior Center - 31st Street and Bayshore Drive, (609) 266-7491
Egg Harbor Township Senior Center - 5045 English Creek Ave., (609) 272-8179
Chair Yoga
Brigantine Senior Center - 31st Street and Bayshore Drive, (609) 266-7491
Dr. Leinweber Senior Center - 235 Dolphin Ave., Northfield, (609) 645-5954
Line Dancing
Egg Harbor Township Senior Center - 5045 English Creek Ave., (609) 272-8179
Dr. Leinweber Senior Center - 235 Dolphin Ave., Northfield, (609) 645-5954
Jeffries Towers - 227 N. Vermont Ave., Atlantic City, (609) 344-4106
Ventnor Senior Center - 6500 Atlantic Ave., (609) 822-9239
Osteo Exercise
Ventnor Senior Center - 6500 Atlantic Ave., (609) 822-9239
For information about the classes, call Cindy Chadwick at (609) 645-7700, ext. 4353.
Interweave South Jersey
Interweave GLBT of South Jersey meets the second Sunday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Jersey Shore, 75 S. Pomona Road at the corner of Liebig Street. Interweave provides education and support to individuals/families in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community.
For information, visit http://interweave.uucsjs.org, or call (609) 965-9400.
Prenatal Yoga Class
The AtlantiCare LifeCenter, in collaboration with AtlantiCare Women’s Health and Wellness, offers a Prenatal Yoga class 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays in the aerobic studio at the AtlantiCare LifeCenter in the AtlantiCare Health Park, 2500 English Creek Ave., Egg Harbor Township.
Fee is $10 per class or $70 for 10 classes. Registration is required; call (609) 677-5433.
Nicotine Anonymous
Nicotine Anonymous meets 7 p.m. Mondays at the Shore Memorial Hospital Conference Center, 17 W. New York Ave., Somers Point. Call Robert at (609) 646-3011.
Postpartum Support Group
This counselor-guided weekly support group helps new mothers deal with the adjustments of new parenthood and the illness of postpartum depression. It meets 1 to 2:30 p.m. Mondays. New moms are encouraged to bring their babies. Call (609) 926-4229 for location and information.
Celebrate Recovery Program for the Addicted
The Celebrate Recovery Program at Shore Fellowship Church is a Christ-centered 12-step program to help people recover from addictive and compulsive behaviors. Meetings are 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays in the Student Education Building of Shore Fellowship Church, 1049 Ocean Heights Ave., Egg Harbor Township.
The objective of the program is to help people overcome addictions or compulsions related to alcohol, drugs, gambling and overeating. Meetings are co-ed, confidential and respect the anonymity of anyone attending. Contact Shore Fellowship Church at (609) 646-4693 or www.shorefellowship.com.
Sex and Love Addiction
Augustine Fellowship holds an anonymous 12-step orientation recovery program for the treatment of sex and love addiction 7:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays at Trinity United Methodist Church on Route 9 in Marmora.
Pilates
A six-week Pilates course taught by certified instructor JoAnne Barbieri provides the foundation to build strength in the abdomen, legs and back. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat and Pilates ball. It will be held 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays at SMH Conference Center. Cost is $30. Call (609) 653-4500.
Relax with Yoga
Relax, refresh and rejuvenate through an ongoing, open-ended yoga group held 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Mondays and Saturdays in the Community Room at the Hindu Jain Temple, 571 S. Pomona Road in Galloway Township. Bring a mat or blanket and wear comfortable clothing. Arrive 10 minutes prior to class. A $3 donation is requested. No preregistration is required. Contact Steve Wolos at (609) 652-2102 or Kalpana Contractor at (609) 706-6698.
Al-Anon
Al-Anon Support Group meetings are held at the following locations: 7 p.m. Mondays at Epiphany Church, 6605 Atlantic Ave. in Ventnor; 8 p.m. Mondays at Presbyterian Church, 208 New Jersey Ave. in Absecon; 7 p.m. Wednesdays at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Poplar and Wabash avenues in Linwood; and 8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Presbyterian Church, 6001 Main St. in Mays Landing.
Self-Help Center Expands Programming
The Self-Help Center of Atlantic County, sponsored by the county Mental Health Association, offers mental health consumers an atmosphere where they may network and gain support from peers dealing with the same life issues. The center is open Monday through Saturday, offering members a wide spectrum of self-help groups, advocacy education, social activities and recreational trips. A monthly calendar of events is available at www.mhaac.info. Call (609) 272-1700, ext. 305.
Alzheimer’s Support Group
Alzheimer’s Support Group meets 2 p.m. the third Monday of the month at Jewish Older Adult Services of Atlantic County Herman Pogachefsky Pavilion, 1101 Atlantic Ave. in Atlantic City; 3:45 p.m. the last Wednesday of the month at Brandall Estates, 432 Central Ave. in Linwood; 6 to 7:30 p.m. the last Tuesday of the month at Senior Care of Galloway Caregivers Support Group, 76 W. Jimmie Leeds Road; 6 to 8 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Generations Adult Day Health Center, 40 E. New York Ave. in Somers Point; 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Meadowview Nursing Home, 235 Dolphin Ave. in Northfield; and 11 a.m. the first Sunday of the month at Seashore Gardens, 22 W. Jimmie Leeds Road in Galloway Township.
Look Good … Feel Better at ARMC
The American Cancer Society’s Look Good … Feel Better program is held 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of every other month in the Center for Childbirth at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Mainland Campus. The free program helps women undergoing cancer treatment learn to cope with the appearance-related side effects of treatment and regain self-confidence. To register call AtlantiCare at (888) 569-1000 or visit www.atlanticare.org.
Look Good … Feel Better at Shore Memorial Hospital
Look Good … Feel Better is held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Shore Memorial Hospital Cancer Center. This free workshop sponsored by the American Cancer Society shows cancer patients how to enhance their appearance by learning to use makeup techniques, wigs, turbans and scarves. Call (800) ACS-2345 to register.
Free Childbirth Preparation Classes
Discover birth as a positive, empowering experience. South Jersey BirthNetwork's childbirth education classes are held 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month at Magnolia Hill Studios, 1425 Magnolia Road, Vineland. The class explores the options and comfort measures available during labor and birth. Call (856) 498-5620 or email sjbirthnetwork@hotmail.com.
Adult Cancer Support Group
Shore Memorial Hospital sponsors a cancer support group that meets 2 p.m. Tuesdays in the second-floor conference room at the Cancer Center. Sessions are free and open to patients, their caregivers, family and friends. Call (609) 653-3585.
Overeaters Anonymous in Galloway Township
Overeaters Anonymous H.O.W. meets 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the St. Mark and All Saints Episcopal Church, 429 S. Pitney Road in Galloway Township. There are no dues or fees. Call Victoria at (609) 296-4405.
Nicotine Anonymous in Galloway Township
Nicotine Anonymous meets 7:45 to 8:45 p.m. Tuesdays at St. Mark and All Saints Episcopal Church, 429 S. Pitney Road in Galloway Township. Call Lori at (609) 404-4644.
Suicide Grief Support Group
Heartbreak to Healing suicide grief support group meets 7:30 p.m. the last Tuesday of each month at Grace Lutheran Church, 11 E. Dawes Ave. in Somers Point. The group is for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Call (609) 345-3230.
MS Support Group
Support and education for people with multiple sclerosis is offered 6 to 8 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Galloway Township branch library, 306 E. Jimmie Leeds Road. Meetings include rap sessions, guest speakers and literature. Call Barbara at (609) 264-1916 (day) or Phyllis (609) 266-1497 (day).
Volunteers Needed for Syringe Access Program
South Jersey AIDS Alliance is looking for volunteers to help with its syringe access program 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Oasis Center, 32 S. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City.
For volunteer opportunities and application see www.sjaids.org. Fax to Georgett at (609) 348-8775 or mail to SJAA, 19 Gordon’s Alley, Atlantic City, NJ 08401.
To learn about SJAA programs and services see www.sjaids.org or call (800) 281-AIDS.
Preparation for Childbirth and Early Parenting
This seven-week series will help prepare couples for the birth of their baby and the early parenting experience 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays in the 4th West Classroom at Shore Memorial Hospital. Cost is $110 per couple. Practice sessions on relaxation, breathing, conditioning exercises and other coping techniques for labor are combined with discussion of the labor and birth process and possible medical interventions. Care and characteristics of the newborn are included, along with a tour of the Maternity Care Center. Call (609) 653-3865 to register.
Overeaters Anonymous
An Overeaters Anonymous 12-step program assisting with food addiction is held 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays at the Margate Public Library. Call Estelle at (609) 569-9151.
Medical Explorers
Medical Explorers is for high school students interested in medical careers. The group meets 6:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of every month at Shore Memorial Hospital. Free. Call (609) 653-3724.
Caregivers Support Group
Jewish Family Services offers a support group for caregivers 7 to 8:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at 607 N. Jerome Ave., Margate. Cost is $10 per session and reservations are requested. Call Lois Hutkin at (609) 822-1108.
Juvenile Diabetes Parent Support Group
The southern New Jersey Juvenile Diabetes Parents Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month. Location varies. Contact Steve at (609) 652-2102.
Gam-Anon
Gam-Anon, a 12-step program for family and friends of compulsive gamblers, meets 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Egg Harbor Township. Call (888) 213-3945 or visit www.gam-anon.org.
Esprit de Shore
Esprit de Shore is a monthly one-hour luncheon focusing on health topics for women held at noon on the third Wednesday of each month at Greate Bay Country Club, Somers Point-Mays Landing Road. Cost is $15; call (609) 653-3900 to register.
Lupus Support Group
The Lupus Foundation of South Jersey holds support group meetings 7 to 8:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month in the Heritage Executive Complex, 1873 Route 70 East, Cherry Hill. For directions or information call (856) 424-0266 or visit www.sjjupus.org.
Heartland Hospice Bereavement Support
Heartland Hospice invites anyone having a difficult time with loss and grief to attend a support group 10 a.m. every second and fourth Wednesday at the Somers Point office, 2 Braddock Drive. Call (609) 653-0990.
Gift of Life Support Group
A monthly meeting is held 4:30 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month at Shore Memorial Hospital in Somers Point for patients and their family members and caregivers who are waiting for or have received an organ transplant. The Cape-Atlantic Transplant Group offers insight to donor families and recipients and is supported with materials and information from the Gift of Life Organization of Philadelphia. The meeting usually runs about an hour. Call Bill at (609) 624-0853, or John at (609) 965-0679 or Frcvette@aol.com.
Compassionate Friends
The Compassionate Friends is a worldwide support group for parents, grandparents and siblings of children who have died at any age. The local chapter meets 7:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at Grace Lutheran Church, Dawes Avenue and Shore Road in Somers Point. Call (609) 653-8451 or (609) 399-2451.
Open Hearts Caregivers Support Group
Heartland Hospice caregivers support group, Open Hearts, is open to all hospice caregivers and meets 10:30 a.m. to noon the second and fourth Thursday of every month beginning in October at the Linwood Library. The meetings are free and will include caregiver-to-caregiver sharing and education on topics such as understanding dementia behaviors, assistive technology and self care. For information or to register call Veronica Sheehan at (609) 653-0990.
Senior Hope
The Shore Memorial Wellness Center hosts a Senior Hope Educational Group sponsored by Family Service Association 2 to 3 p.m. Thursdays at the Somers Point Senior Center on the corner of Ambler Road and Massachusetts Avenue. For information or to register call (609) 653-3894.
Addiction Recovery Christian Support Group
Addiction Recovery Christian Support Group meets 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at Christ Wesleyan Church, 800 Philadelphia Ave. in Egg Harbor City. Call Chris at (609) 965-2108.
No Sweat Yoga
No Sweat Yoga is held noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays at the Noyes Museum of Art on Lily Lake Road in the Oceanville section of Galloway Township. Cost is $12 for members, $14 nonmembers or six classes for $60; $70 for nonmembers. Call (609) 652-8848, visit www.noyesmuseum.org, or email info@noyesmuseum.org.
Dual Recovery Anonymous
The Atlantic County Self-Help Center in Pleasantville has announced a new weekly group, Dual Recovery Anonymous. The group, designed to assist those struggling with mental health and substance-abuse issues, meets 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays at 611 Doughty Road, Pleasantville. The group follows a 12-step model. Call Karen at (609) 272-1700, ext. 302.
Overeaters Anonymous in Mays Landing
Mays Landing Overeaters Anonymous meets 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Lighthouse, 5034 Atlantic Ave. The meetings offer a disciplined and structured approach to prevent compulsive overeating. Call Lynn at (609) 909-0197.
Neck and Spine Surgery Education
Free neck and spine surgery education sessions are available to people undergoing or considering neck or spine surgery 4 to 5 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at Shore Memorial Hospital’s Physical Therapy Department. Call the Shore Memorial Wellness Program at (609) 653-4500 or visit www.shorememorial.org.
Joint Replacement Education
Free hip or knee replacement sessions are available to people undergoing or considering total joint replacement 4 to 5 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at Shore Memorial Hospital’s Physical Therapy Department. Call the Shore Memorial Wellness Program at (609) 653-4500 or visit www.shorememorial.org.
Reiki Sessions
Reiki sessions are held 4 to 6 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays at the Betty Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation on Jimmie Leeds Road in the Pomona section of Galloway Township. Cost is $10. Free reiki is held 7 to 9 p.m. the third Friday of each month at Bacharach. Sessions will also be held 6 to 8 p.m. the third Friday of each month at the Lions Center for the Blind located on Pitney Road in Absecon. Cost is $20. Call Richard Dabney at (609) 926-3524.
Women Celebrate Recovery
Women Celebrate Recovery of Calvary Bible Church in Somers Point is a new group for all hurts, habits and hang-ups 7 p.m. Fridays. For directions call (609) 927-6512.
Overeaters Anonymous in Absecon
Overeaters Anonymous H.O.W. meets 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays at the Absecon Presbyterian Church, 208 New Jersey Ave. in Absecon. Meetings support sugar-free and flour-free plans of eating. There are no dues or fees. Use the side entrance. Call Lori at (609) 404-4644.
Free Health Screenings
The Atlantic County Division of Public Health provides free screenings for heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other chronic illnesses. Services include pap smears and mammogram prescriptions for women and PSA testing and prostate examinations for men. Immunizations and screenings are available for children up to age 18 who have no insurance for a low annual fee.
Flu shots are available by appointment to residents 18 and up for $15. Pneumonia shots are available year round to eligible residents for $25. No fee for either shot for Medicare Part B recipients. For information see www.aclink.org/publichealth. To schedule an appointment, call (609) 645-5933.
Alzheimer’s Caregivers Needed
The SAVE Project of Family Service Association needs volunteers to relieve Alzheimer’s caregivers for an hour or two a week. Training is free. Call Dr. Veronique Battschinger at (609) 569-0239, ext. 1148.
Alcove Grief Groups for Children and Adults
The Alcove Center for Grieving Children and Families in Northfield offers peer support groups for children and adults who are grieving the death of a loved one.
Groups for children, teens and parents meet biweekly. Call (609) 484-1133 to arrange an intake interview.
Child and Adult Care Food Program
The Wee Care Pediatric Medical Day Care child and adult care food program provides meals to children in child-care centers, recreation programs and more. Meals are available at no separate charge to all children 12 and under enrolled in the program and are served without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age or sex. Call (609) 449-0076.
Widow and Widowers Grief Support
Helping Other People Evolve Inc. holds weekly meetings with lectures, discussions, small group workshops and guest speakers. HOPE is a nonprofit, nonsectarian information program for recently widowed men and women of all ages. For details see www.hopesnj.org or call (856) 751-HOPE or (888) 920-2201.
New Balance Center
The new Balance Center at Shore Memorial provides balance testing and treatment exercises to help people who have experienced chronic dizziness or balance disorders regain their balance control and improve stability.
For information call Valerie DeJoseph at (609) 653-3817.
Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous can help individuals with drug problems. Call (800) 992-0401 or visit www.nanj.org.
Nutrition for Women and Children
The Atlantic County Women, Infants and Children Program is seeking participants. WIC is a federally funded nutrition education and supplement food program that serves pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women and their infants and children up to age 5. Eligibility is based on income, residency and medical/nutritional need. Call any of the following offices: Atlantic City, 1301 Bacharach Blvd., (609) 347-5656; Pleasantville Family Center, 9 S. Main St., (609) 272-0854, or Egg Harbor City Cornerstone Ministries, 200 N. Philadelphia Ave., (609) 965-9126.
HIV Testing
The Atlantic City Division of Health announced the relocation of its HIV rapid testing program to the Reliance Medical and Dental Center, 1325 Baltic Ave., at the corner of Tennessee and Baltic avenues in Atlantic City. For hours and information call (609) 347-6457.
Alcove Center Volunteer Training
The Alcove Center for Grieving Children and Families holds 30-hour training sessions for volunteers interested in facilitating grief support groups for children ages 3-18. Call Mindy at (609) 484-1133 for information and a list of one-hour orientation dates.
Volunteers Needed
Heartland Hospice is looking for “friendly visitor volunteers” for its patients who are at the end-of-life stages. Volunteers from the Galloway Township/Hammonton area are needed. Call (609) 653-0990.
Heartland Hospice Seeking Volunteers
Heartland Hospice is looking for volunteers to provide companionship and respite to patients and families in Atlantic and Cape May counties. Local training provided. Call Anne at (609) 653-0990.
Eating Disorder Recovery Groups
Eating disorder recovery groups that provide education and supportive and therapeutic intervention to those suffering from anorexia, bulimia and compulsive overeating will be held at 227 E. Jimmie Leeds Road in Galloway Township. Call Catherine Cipolla at (609) 748-8992. Most insurance plans accepted.
Live-in Aide Available
Sister Connie Heenan is available to “live-in” with terminally ill cancer patients to take care of their physical, spiritual and emotional needs as well as keep the family aware of their condition. Heenan has taken care of 78 patients since 1996. Call (609) 677-0496.
Arthritis Pool Classes for Seniors
Atlantic County seniors 60 or older who have a doctor’s diagnosis of arthritis and are eligible for Medicaid, Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled or Senior Gold may apply for an arthritis pool grant offered by the county Division of Intergenerational Services.
The arthritis pool class is a gentle exercise program meeting 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the heated therapy pool at the Betty Bacharach Rehabilitation Center in Pomona. Classes encourage flexibility, increase range of motion and promote circulation. The grant covers the cost of 10 classes for eligible participants. After completing the grant, participants are welcome to pay for the program at $85 for 10 classes. Participants must provide their own transportation. For information or to register call (609) 748-5250.
Shore Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Membership Drive
The Auxiliary of Shore Memorial Hospital is always welcoming new members and has many different opportunities for volunteering. For an application call the auxiliary coordinator at (609) 653-4646.
Members Sought for Stroke Community Advisory Group
AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center invites people who have had a stroke or who know a friend or family member who has had one to join its Stroke Community Advisory Group. The group works with ARMC to develop programs and services for stroke patients and their families and assists ARMC in promoting the importance of prompt treatment. Call Sue Leonard at (609) 407-2360 or e-mail susan.leonard@atlanticare.org.
Cancer Screenings
Free screenings for breast, cervical, colon and prostate cancer are available for the uninsured and underinsured. Age and income restrictions apply. For information, call the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection Program for Atlantic County at Shore Memorial Cancer Center, (609) 653-3484.
Dance, Pilates, Weights and Tone
Step by Step Dance Studio offers dance classes for children and adults. Adult classes in Pilates and weights and toning are also available and are held at the Lions Club Center for the Blind on the corner of Pitney and Crestview roads in Absecon. Call (609) 266-8400.
