Area Support Groups

Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families: Meets Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m., St. John's Church, upper room, 35 Park St., Williamstown, use middle-door entry; Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m., George B. Crane Memorial Center, upstairs, 81 Linden St., Pittsfield. Info: Karin 413-841-3801.

Al-Anon Meetings: Strength and hope for families and friends of problem drinkers and addicts. Meeting schedule:

Monday: 11 a.m., All Saints Episcopal Church, 57 Summer St., North Adams; Step meeting, 7 p.m., Congregational Church, 25 Park Place, Lee; 7:30 p.m., Firehouse, Main Street, Route 23, South Egremont. 

Wednesday:  First Congregational Church, 42 Park St., Adams, meet in rectory building; Step meeting, 7:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 755 Main St., Dalton. 

Thursday: 10 a.m., First Congregational Church, 906 Main St., Williamstown, newcomer's meeting at 6:30 p.m. first Thursday of the month. 

Anonymous Meetings: Alcoholics Anonymous, main contact number: 413-448-2382; Narcotics Anonymous, information on daily meeting locations and times: 413-443-4377.

Beacon Recovery Community Center All Recovery Meetings: BRCC is a peer led effort that offers support groups, connections to networks that can assist anyone seeking recovery, and opportunities to socialize with others. Hosted by The Green, 85 Main St., North Adams. Free and open to all. All Recovery meeting and social time from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and All Recovery meeting, social time and activity/workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays. Info: Susan at scross@nbccoalition.org or 413-663-7588.

Gamblers Anonymous: First-floor conference room at 7 p.m. first and third Wednesdays, BMC Hillcrest Campus, 165 Tor Court, Pittsfield. Info: Charlie T., 413-637-2550.

Learn to Cope: Peer support, education, resources for families dealing with addiction and recovery, overdose education, Narcan training. Meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, HEAL Community Room, Berkshire Medical Cancer Center, first floor of the modern building, 165 Tor Court, Pittsfield. Info: 508-738-5148, learn2cope.org.

Whatever Works Berkshires: For people using medication-assisted treatment for addiction recovery. Meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays at George B. Crane Memorial Center, 81 Linden St., Pittsfield. Transportation help might be available. Info: whateverworks789@yahoo.com or Whatever Works Berkshires page on Facebook.

BRAIN/NERVOUS SYSTEM

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: For those afflicted with the motor neuron disease ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, family and caregivers encouraged to attend, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., first and third Wednesday of the month, BMC Medical Arts Building, fifth floor Rehab meeting room, 777 North St., Pittsfield.

Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts: Support groups for survivors, families, caregivers, professionals; second Tuesday, 4 to 6 p.m., BIA-MA at Berkshire Medical Center, Center for Rehabilitation, Medical Arts Complex, fifth floor, 777 North St., Pittsfield, 413-443-0200; Southern Berkshire Brain Injury Support Group, 4 to 6 p.m., third Tuesday, CHP, 444 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, 413-443-0200 or 888-554-5553.

Chronic Fatigue (CFIDS, CFS), Fibromyalgia (FMS): Also called ME myalgic encephalomyelitis, and other painful syndromes. Meets first Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. For location, call Delly, 413-442-8980, or Tom, 413-464-5043. Free and all are welcome.

Multiple Sclerosis Support: Meets from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., third Thursday of each month, MS Support Foundation, 85 Main St., Suite 202, North Adams, 413-664-2011.

Parkinson's Disease: For those with the disease, their family, friends and caregivers, 10:30 a.m., last Friday of month, Williamstown Savings Bank, lower-level board room, 795 Main St., Williamstown, 413-458-8427. APDA Resource Center, 800-651-8466.

Spinal Cord Injury: Support and information using peer mentors and clinic experience; guest speakers; meets monthly at 5 p.m., first Thursday, Center for Rehabilitation, Medical Arts Complex, 777 North St., fifth floor, Pittsfield, 413-447-3075.

Stroke Survivors: For survivors and caregivers, first Tuesday at 3 p.m., BMC Medical Arts Center, outpatient rehab gym, fifth floor, 777 North St., Pittsfield. Info: David Wasielewski, 413-684-0152, walu2@verizon.net, or BMC, 413-447-2000.

Tea and Talk: For adult women with a brain injury, first Thursday, 1 to 3 p.m., Brain Injury Association-Massachusetts, Western Regional Office, 180 Elm St., Suite C, Pittsfield. Call 413-443-0200 before first meeting.

CANCER

Breast Cancer Support: Weekly; day and time to be scheduled with participants, facilitated by Amy Jenter, LICSW. Information: Laura Harner, 413-528-2810, ext. 20, lharner@berkshiresouth.org.

Caregiver Connections: For those providing care & support to a person living with cancer, 11 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, BMC Cancer Center, 165 Tor Court, Pittsfield, 413-447-3092.

Fighting with Faith: For those impacted by cancer, meets third Sunday at 6 p.m. for conversation, healing Scriptures, prayer, friendship, First Baptist Church, 131 Main St., North Adams, 413-663-3780.

Mindfulness Meditation: Open to patients & caregivers, learn and practice mindfulness meditation for stress management, anxiety, worry, depression, and pain, 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays, BMC Cancer Center, 165 Tor Court, Pittsfield, 413-447-3092.

Multiple Myeloma: The Southern Vermont Myeloma Support Network (including the northern Berkshires and eastern New York state), third Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m., Community Resource Room, SVMC Regional Cancer Center, 140 Hospital Drive, Bennington, Vt. Information: Jan Martin Bopp, group leader, at svt@imfsupport.org or 802-375-5494.

Prostate Cancer Support Group: Meets from 4:30-5:30 p.m., first Wednesday, BMC Cancer Center, 165 Tor Court, Pittsfield, 413-447-3092.

Support Group for Cancer: Meets at 9 a.m., first and third Thursday of the month, St. John's Episcopal Church, Park Street, Williamstown.

Women's Cancer Support & Networking: Second Tuesday, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., BMC Cancer Center, 165 Tor Court, Pittsfield.

Caregiver Support: Free, preregistration not required, 5 to 6:30 p.m. on third Monday of every month, ground floor conference room, Fairview Hospital, 29 Lewis Ave., Great Barrington. Information: 413-429-1167 or cholcomb@wingatesrc.com.

Caregiver Support: Fourth Thursday, Spitzer Senior Center, 116 Ashland St., North Adams, 413-662-3125, 413-499-0524.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic Violence Drop-In: For survivors of domestic violence, 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Elizabeth Freeman Center, 43 Francis Ave., Pittsfield. Contact Destiny, 413-499-2425.

Transitions: For people who are having housing issues because of relationship violence or its effects. Support and resources and art activities, 10 a.m. Mondays, Elizabeth Freeman Center, 43 Francis Ave., Pittsfield; Heather, 413-499-2425.

Women Warriors: Peer support, resources, and social activities for survivors of domestic or sexual violence, 2 to 4 p.m., Fridays, Elizabeth Freeman Center, 43 Francis Ave., Pittsfield; Linda P., 413-499-2425.

EATING DISORDERS

Overeaters Anonymous: 12-step meeting, Wednesday, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Berkshire Bank, Community Room, 99 North St., Pittsfield; Friday, noon to 1 p.m., Fairview Hospital, ambulance building, 29 Lewis Ave., Great Barrington; Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Fairview Hospital, fourth floor, 29 Lewis Ave., Great Barrington.

FAMILY

Berkshire County Chapter for Blue Star Parents: Open to all military parents: reserves, National Guard or active duty; 7 p.m., second Thursday, American Legion, 91 American Legion Drive, North Adams. Info: Eileen Monyahan, emonyahan@gmail.com, 413-212-0445.

Berkshire County Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Meets from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. every other Monday, First United Methodist Church, Fenn Street, Pittsfield; use the Pearl Street entrance. Info: Michelle, 413-446-8224, michellazzo@aol.com. or Genie, 413-447-7734, ebr914@Yahoo.com.

Central County Parent Support: Peer-led group for parents who have children with social/emotional and/or behavioral challenges. Refreshments provided. Meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. fourth Thursday of every month, Conte Community School, 200 West Union St., Pittsfield. RSVP at least two days in advance to AnnaMaria at 413-887-9132 or asebastino@wmtcinfo.org.

nbCC's The Family Connection: Parent support group run by parents, connect with other parents on the joys and struggles of parenting while gaining parenting skills, 6 to 7:30 p.m., fourth Wednesday, UNO Community Center, 157 River St., North Adams. Info: The Family Place, 413-663-7588.

nbCC's Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Meets from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., first and third Tuesdays, The Family Place, 61 Main St., Suite 208, North Adams. Info: 413-663-7588.

North County Parenting In Common: Meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. second Thursday of the month, UNO Center, 157 River St., North Adams. Supporting each other in our role as parents. Refreshments provided. Children's activities and care provided upon request. RSVP five days in advance to AnnaMaria at 413-887-9132. For transportation, contact Stephanie at 413-663-7588 at least two days in advance.

Parents Helping Parents: Share experiences and get support and encouragement from other parents, free, confidential and anonymous, Wednesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Location/information: 617-926-5008, ext. 102.

GRIEF

Grieving the Death of a Child, Pittsfield: Free drop-in support group for those whose children died before the age of 25. Meets first Monday from 6 to 7:30 p.m., HospiceCare in the Berkshires, 877 South St, Pittsfield. Register/info:413-443-2994.

Healing After Suicide Loss: Peer (survivor) facilitated. Meets the first Thursday of every month, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., 18 Degrees, formerly Berkshire Children & Families, Family Resource Center, 480 West St., Pittsfield. Information: Peggy Morse, 413-441-6316, peggyf@verizon.net.

Legacy of Love: Peer support for those who have lost a loved one to Substance Use Disorder, meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m., second Monday of each month, at Moments House, Dalton CRA, 400 Main St., Dalton.

Loss Due to Substance Use: Meets second Monday, 6 to 7:30 p.m., BMC Chapel, 725 North St., First Floor, Pittsfield. To register or request information, call BMC Pastoral Care Department at 413-447-2251.

Northern Berkshire Loss Support: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 5-19 and Dec. 3-17, Harper Center, 118 Church St., Williamstown. Free, registration required: Corinne 413-242-4495 or czinnicase@gmail.com.

Spouse/Partner Loss-Pittsfield: Free drop-in group. No affiliation with hospice required. Meets third Tuesday, 10 to 11:30 a.m., HospiceCare in the Berkshires, 877 South St., Pittsfield. Register: 413-443-2994.

LGBTQIA

Berkshire Trans Group: Support/discussion group, 7 p.m. first Thursday, Yellow House Books, 252 Main St., Great Barrington; 7 p.m. every other Monday, Berkshire Athenaeum, 1 Wendell Ave., Pittsfield. Info: transberkshires@gmail.com.

LGBTQ Support Group: For those in the LGBTQ community impacted by relationship violence or sexual assault. Safe and confidential, supportive atmosphere, optional creative arts and meditation. For time and meeting place: Jenn at 413-499-2425.

LUNG DISEASE

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): For patients, family members, caregivers and friends of those affected by IPF and other interstitial lung diseases, meets fourth Thursday, from 4 to 6 p.m., private dining room B, Berkshire Medical Center cafeteria, 725 North St., Pittsfield. Info: 413-684-5015.

MENTAL HEALTH

National Alliance on Mental Illness: Free structured group for family members of someone living with mental illness facilitated by a trained family member. Meets second Thursday at 6:30 p.m., private dining rooms, Berkshire Medical Center, 725 North St., Pittsfield. Facilitators: Ed and Marsha Burniske.

VISION

Low Vision Support Group: Held in conjunction with the Massachusetts Association for the Blind, meets first Tuesday at 3 p.m., Pine Hill Art Room, Kimball Farms, 235 Walker St., Lenox.

WEIGHT LOSS

TOPS: Take Off Pounds Sensibly, two weight loss support groups, 4 p.m. Thursdays, Ralph Froio Senior Center, third floor, 330 North St., Pittsfield, 413-447-7035, 413-448-8068; and 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, Morningside Community School, Burbank Street, Pittsfield, 413-442-0829 or 413-442-3964.