Join a Support Group

Meeting with others in a group can be soothing and supportive, and help an individual through times of great loss, trauma, disorientation, and change. Support groups offer individuals an opportunity to share their similar experiences and support one another, providing a safe environment to work through pain and confusion under the guidance of a trained professional. IOA offers a number of groups, including grief & loss, chronic illness, memory loss, and recovery from abusive relationships.

8-week Suicide Bereavement/Traumatic Loss Support Group
San Francisco, 6pm. This group is open to people of any age who have lost a loved one or loved ones to suicide or traumatic death. A $25 donation is gratefully accepted; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. For information about joining this group, contact Patrick Arbore by phone (415) 750-4180 ext. 230, or by email: parbore@ioaging.org.

Bereavement Spiritual Support Groups from a Jewish Perspective
For those living with the loss of a loved one, presented by Bay Area Jewish Healing Center, a program of Institute on Aging. Cost is $100 with scholarships available. For more information and locations, please e-mail the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center or contact by phone at (415) 750-4197. For additional details, please visit www.jewishhealingcenter.org.

Women's Support Group - Women healing together from abusive relationships
8-week group, Wednesdays, 10am to 12 noon. Meet other women who have been in abusive and controlling relationships. Focus on increasing self-esteem and self-confidence, creating healthy boundaries, and maintaining a sense of physical and emotional safety while continuing to heal. Contact Nicole Sucre, facilitator, at (415) 750-4180 x269 for information.

(Ongoing) Traumatic Loss Drop-In Group
Saturdays, 10:30am - 12 noon, 3330 Geary Blvd., 3rd Floor East.
For adults of any age who have experienced the sudden, difficult, or traumatic loss of a loved one. No RSVP required. $20 donations per session gratefully accepted; no one is turned away if money is a problem. Contact the IOA intake coordinator for information at 750-4180 x260.

(Now forming) Early Stage Alzheimer's Support Group
Open to persons with recently diagnosed Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease. Please call for information on date and time.

(Ongoing) Support Group for Caregivers of People with Dementia
Open to caregivers, including spouses, children, grandchildren, siblings, or friends who have a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease or other dementia. No registration necessary.

• 1st Saturday of Every Month
  10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon, 3600 Geary Blvd., San Francisco
• 2nd Wednesday of Every Month
  2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., 3600 Geary Blvd., San Francisco
• 3rd Tuesday of Every Month for Adult Children of People with Dementia
  5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., 3600 Geary Blvd., San Francisco

For information on any of the groups, please contact Kate Sylor at (415) 750-5330, x368 or ksaylor@ioaging.org.

All groups are free of charge, and held at the Institute on Aging, Ruth Ann Rosenberg Adult Day Health Center, and Alzheimer's Day Care Resource Center, 3600 Geary Blvd. (1 block east of Arguello), San Francisco.

(Ongoing) Jewish Spiritual Support Group for People with Chronic Illness and Disabilities
Thursdays, 1pm - 3:30pm. Sponsored by Bay Area Jewish Healing Center Bay Area Jewish Healing Center in conjunction with Jewish Family and Children's Services. Contact Abby Kovalsky, LCSW at (415) 449-1224 for an initial interview.
Cost: Sliding Scale.

For further information and referral, please contact us at (415) 750-4111, or email info@ioaging.org.