new jersey self-help clearinghouse
1-800-367-6274. Mon.-Fri. 9-4. Service, funded by State Division of Mental Health Services, state legislation and private and corporate contributions, offers a comprehensive listing of support groups in New Jersey, assistance in developing a group, periodic workshops for starting and running groups, an annual directory and volunteer opportunities.
See Moms Time Out/Playgroups under Parents Place for more groups offering support in addition to playgroups and other social activities.
Grief Support Group
Jewish Family Service of MetroWest, Florham Park, Livingston, West Orange and Jersey City, 973-765-9050. Open to men and women who have lost a spouse or significant other and are struggling with their sorrow.
Holistic Moms Network
PO Box 408, Caldwell, NJ 07006, 877-HOL-MOMS. info@holisticmoms.org. Consult website for local chapters. Non-profit organization dedicated to supporting moms with an interest in natural health and holistic parenting. Local chapters have monthly meetings, playgroups and social events.
La Leche Leagues
1-800-LA-LECHE, 800-525-3243. International organization provides support and information to breastfeeding mothers. Local groups meet monthly. Nursing mothers, their babies and expectant mothers are welcome. To find groups in New Jersey, consult website.
• La Leche League of West Essex
Monthly meetings are held 9:30-11am in Livingston. Infants and children are welcome. 973-533-6887.
Livingston Parent Self-Help Support Group
Northland Recreation Center, Jefferson Court, Livingston. Helene & Jerry, 973-994-4034; Debbie, 973-533-1319; Paul, 908-464-1590. Self-help support group, based on Tough-Love philosophy, for parents. Support, referrals and solutions are facilitated by parents who have experienced similar problems.
MOMIE Mothers of Multiples in Essex
PO Box 289, Livingston, NJ 07039, email momiepresident@
yahoo.com. A non-profit organization for parents of multiple-birth children living in and around Essex County, the group usually meets monthly in Suite 403 of the East Wing of St. Barnabas Medical Center, located on Short Hills Rd. in Livingston. Email for meeting dates and times.
Mothers’ Center of Central New Jersey, Inc.
P.O. Box 7, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076, 908-561-1751. Email: mccnj.business@gmail.com. Non-profit, non-sectarian organization founded in 1978 provides friendship, education, outreach and support for parents. Day and evening discussion groups and craft groups, book clubs, morning and afternoon playgroups and special events. Childcare available during daytime events.
Mothers’ Center of Northwest NJ
P.O. Box 274, Stanhope, NJ 07874, 908-852-2665. Non-profit, non-sectarian organization of mothers offers daytime support/study groups, speakers, parent and child outings, monthly mom’s night out, library resources, and monthly newsletter.
Mothers of Multiples
Support group for mothers of multiple birth children, big sister/little sister program, informal coffees. To find a club in New Jersey, visit website.
NCJW Center for Women
70 South Orange Ave., Suite 120, Livingston, 973-994-4994. Our nonsectarian programs offer a safe and affordable place to go for help when faced with life changes. Support groups, job search strategies, legal and financial guidance, computer classes, workshops. Call or visit us online. Volunteer opportunities available.
Parents Support Group New Jersey, Inc.
P.O. Box 221, West Orange 07052, 973-533-9070, 800-
561-4299. Nonprofit foundation sponsors self-help groups for parents to cope with the disease of addiction. Sibling support group.
Pathways
The Connection for Women and Families, 79 Maple St., Summit, 908-273-4242. Nonprofit program provides support, education and wellness programs for women with cancer. Pathway Cooks, Healing Foods and Cancer Recovery Fitness are new programs.
Pet Loss Support Group
St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center, 575 Woodland Ave., Madison, 973-377-7094. Families with children and others who have lost a pet or are faced with the decision to euthanize a beloved pet are welcome to attend group sessions led by experienced counselors.
Resolve Community Counseling Center, Inc.
1830 Front St., Scotch Plains, 908-322-9180 ext. 20 or 10. Non-profit mental health organization offers a free, ongoing support group for parents coping with the daily challenges of raising a child with any type of disability. Meetings take place on Thurs. 7-8:30pm.
SHARE Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support of North New Jersey
973-543-2495, email: sharenonj@msn.com. Non-denominational, national organization formed by and for parents grieving the death of a baby. Monthly group meetings, lending library, phone-pal, newsletter. All welcome.