Local Support Groups 

Abuse 

Face to Face
This nonprofit, joint project of the National Domestic Violence Project and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery provides free surgery for qualified women who have been disfigured by a violent partner.  Contact (800) 842-4546

Florida Domestic Violence Hotline
The hotline offers information about shelters, legal options and other resources. Call (800) 500-1119

 Kids in Distress
The nonprofit KID offers various levels of care for abused and neglected children in Broward and Palm Beach counties.  Foster and adoptive parents are needed (free training plus benefits).  Donations of funds, supplies, working vehicles and boats are also needed. 819 NE 26th St, Ft Lauderdale (954) 390-7654, ext. 1335  http://kidsindistress.org/home.asp

National Domestic Violence Hotline
The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide victims and those calling on their behalf with crisis intervention, information about domestic violence, referrals to local service providers and confidential, anonymous support.  The toll-free hotline provides information in English or Spanish, and has access to translators in many languages. Call (800) 799-SAFE or (800) 787-3224 (TTY).

Women in Distress
Services, programs and support groups are available confidentially for battered women and men, abused children, those who do the battering, family members who feel helpless, gay and lesbian families, Creole-speaking and Spanish-speaking families, and elderly victims of domestic violence. Call the Crisis Line at (954) 761-1133, 24/7.

Addiction

Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center
The center assists substance-addicted women and their children so they can continue recovery and facilitate the preservation of a healthy family unit. 3500 N State Road 7, Suite 351, Lauderdale Lakes (954) 733-6068 

Cocaine Anonymous
A 12-step program designed to help stop the abuse of cocaine and other mind-altering substances.  Meetings are available at various times in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.  For dates and times, call the hotline at (954) 779-7272.  Free. http://fla-ca.org/

Co-Dependents Anonymous
Open meeting are held at various times and locations in Palm Beach County. (800) 254-1333  Optional donation: $1. For Broward County meetings, call (954) 748-2158 http://coda.org/ 

Crystal Meth Anonymous
Meetings are held 7 pm Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, plus 5 pm Sundays at Lambda South, 1231-A E. Las Olas Blvd, Ft Lauderdale; and at 7 pm Mondays at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center, 1717 N Andrews Ave, Ft Lauderdale.  Free.
http://lifeormeth.com/

Nar-Anon
Twelve step, self-help support groups for the friends and family members of addicts meets at: 8:15 pm Wednesdays at University Hospital Pavilion (emergency entrance to right rear of parking area) 7425 N University Dr, Tamarac 8:30 pm Tuesdays at High Point Rehab Center
5960 SW 106th Ave, Cooper City (954) 584-6578 7:30 pm Wednesdays at Boca Raton Middle School  1251 NW Eighth St, room 116, Boca Raton (561) 998-8474 Free.

Narcotics Anonymous
Support groups are offered for those who want to stop using drugs or those concerned about their drug use.  For meeting times and locations in your vicinity, meeting information or assistance, call the 24-hour help lines at (305) 620-3875 (north Miami-Dade); (954) 476-9297 (Broward north of State Rd 84, http://goldcoastna.org/); (954) 967-6755 (Broward south of SR 84); (561) 393-0303 (Boca Raton and Delray Bch); (561) 848-6262 (the Palm Beaches).  Free.

SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) provides an alternative to 12-step-based recovery programs.  The system utilizes a psychological approach to recovery through enhancing motivation to abstain, cope with urges and develop problem-solving techniques.  Meeting are held 8-9:30 pm Wednesdays at Unitarian Church, 3970 NW 21st Ave, Ft Lauderdale (954) 427-3741  http://smartrecovery.org/  Free.

Anxiety

Panic and Anxiety
A support group for those suffering with panic, anxiety, posttraumatic stress and agoraphobia meets at 7:30 pm on the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Central Park Recreation Center, 9151 NW 2nd St, Plantation (954) 584-9540.  Free.

Panic and Anxiety
Support group.  Meetings will be held from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm every first Tuesday of the month.  4331 N. Federal Highway, Suite 405 ort Lauderdale, FL 33308  ABSOLUTELY FREE (305) 933-9362 http://sassoon1.com/sasspsy/anxiety.cfm

Bereavement

Compassionate Friends
A nonsectarian support group for parents who have lost children and those who have lost siblings, 7:30 pm on the third Tuesday of each month at Plantation Community Center, 5555 Palm Tree Rd, Plantation (954) 749-3154.  Free.

Emma Paisley's Place
The non-profit organization offers a support group for parents who have lost a child, 6:30-8:15 pm on the third Tuesday of each month at Lauderhill Towne Center Library, 6399 W Oakland Blvd, Lauderhill (954) 410-5686 http://emmapaisleysplace.org/

Fetal and Infant Deaths
A support group is offered for parents experiencing loss due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, fetal demise, stillbirth or newborn death, 7 pm on the third Thursday of each month at the Plantation General Hospital, 401 NW 42nd Ave, Plantation (954) 765-0550

Cancer

American Cancer Society
Dozens of free support groups for cancer patients and survivors are held at various times and locations throughout Broward County.  There are groups for patients with specific types of cancers, and others geared to bereavement, caregivers and children.  Volunteers are needed for the 'Road to Recovery' program to drive cancer patients to and from treatment, and to help with special events in Broward County.  Call (954) 564-0880 to find the appropriate group (to volunteer, ext 127); (800) ACS-2345 or http://cancer.org

Breast and Cervical Cancer Initiative
The Broward County Health Department offers free or low-cost mammograms and PAP smears to Broward County women ages 50 and older who have little or no insurance (including Medicare or Medicaid), and cannot afford to pay for these services on their own.  Tests are recommended annually.  Follow up tests and treatment are also provided free or at reduced cost.   Call (954) 762-3649 for an appointment.

Gilda's Club
Gilda's club is a not-for-profit social and emotional support community for people living with cancer, and their family and friends.  It offers many activities including yoga, Pilates, informational presentations, wellness workshops, children's and teens' groups and activities, and socializing.  New member meetings are held 10:30 am-noon every other Thursday, and 6:30-8:30 pm on selected Mondays and Tuesdays (reservations required).  119 Rose Drive, Ft Lauderdale (954) 763-6776 http://gildasclubsouthflorida.org/  Free.

Diet/Eating Disorders

Food Addicts Anonymous
FAA is a 12-step recovery group for those with eating disorders.  Meetings take place weekly in West Palm Bch, Pompano Bch, Juno Bch and Ft Lauderdale.   Call (561) 967-3871.  Free.

Family and Parenting

Behavioral Health Hotline
Parents with children who are out of control, depressed, anxious or experimenting with drugs or alcohol can talk to counselors who can provide information and referrals to mental health services, substance abuse prevention and treatment programs, case management and other services.  24 hours a day.  Free and confidential. Call (954) 396-4636

Healthy Mother-Healthy Babies Coalition
The Broward County organization is dedicated to reducing infant mortality and improving birth outcomes through prenatal care, education, public awareness and advocacy.  (954) 765-0550

Healthy Start
The nonprofit organization assists expectant mothers and their developing babies with childbirth education, breastfeeding, parenting support, care coordination and supportive counseling.  (954) 563-7583  http://browardhealthystart.com/

M.O.M.S. Club
Moms Offering Moms Support, a nationwide, nondenominational support group for stay-at-home moms, has more than 20 chapters in the tri-county area.  In addition to support, it also offers activities for children plus charity/community projects.  Cost: $25/year http://momsclub.org/

Orphaned Children Now Adults
A support group that fosters spiritual growth for young adults (18 and older) who experienced parental loss in childhood. 8010 W Nab Rd, North Lauderdale (954) 917-1514  Free, donations accepted

Food Programs

Cooperative Feeding Program
The agency provides food, clothing and supplies to those in need.  Funds, donations, volunteers are also needed. 1 NW 33rd Terrace, Ft Lauderdale (954) 792-2328 http://feedingbroward.org/

Food for Life Network
The organization assists people living with HIV/AIDS.  Donations of canned goods are needed.  3510 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 209, Miami  (305) 576-3663

Food Stamp Help Line
Florida has more than one-half million families who are not 'food secure' and the 6th highest ranking of severe hunger.  Yet too many people are dropping the food stamp program because of confusion about eligibility.  (800) 224-3470  http://flimpact.org/

Meals on Wheels
The nonprofit organization delivers thousands of free, nutritious meals per week to homebound seniors in Broward County.  Volunteers are needed.  (954) 731-8770  http://bmow.com/

Poverello Food Bank and Thrift Store
The not-for-profit organization providing food and nutritional services to those who are struggling with HIV and AIDS, seeks volunteer help, donations and funds. (954) 561-3663

Share Florida
Save up to 50% off retail grocery prices by participating in a nonprofit program.  Sponsored by Tampa United Methodist Centers and TECO Energy. We are a not-for-profit organization that rewards personal community involvement with substantial savings on delicious food and groceries. Two hours of monthly volunteer service is the only "membership fee" necessary for big savings on your food bill. There are no income requirements. SHARE reaches across Florida through neighborhood locations in each community. Become a part of the SHARE family today and start saving money and changing lives!  (800) 536-3379  http://shareflorida.org/

Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Tran gendered

Gay and Lesbian Community Center
Free, anonymous and confidential testing for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis.  Dozens of support groups for addiction, seniors, youth and more.  (954) 463-9005 1717 N Andrews Ave, Ft Lauderdale

Hepatitis

Hep-C Alert
Free, confidential blood testing for Hepatitis A, B, C and HIV, plus counseling is offered by appointment at 660 NE 125th St, North Miami  (305) 893-7992 or (877) HELP-4HEP A support group is held 6-8 pm on the first Monday of each month at Broward County Health Dept, Administration Center, 780 SW 8th Ave, Ft Lauderdale (877) 435-7443

HIV/AIDS

AIDS Project Florida
The HIV and AIDS service agency offers transportation, financial assistance, support groups, information and referrals, at 2817 E Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 200, Ft Lauderdale (954) 537-4111.  All are free, donations are suggested.

Broward House
The organization provides housing and other services for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS and other catastrophic health issues.  Volunteers, donations of funds are needed.  1726 SE 3rd Ave, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316  (954) 522-4749

Care Resource
The not-for-profit multicultural community organization provides  counseling, testing, support services, medical care, clinical trials, referrals, education and outreach in response to HIV spectrum illness.  It also offers monthly discussion groups on nutrition and positive men's and women's issues.  830 E Oakland Park Blvd, Ft Lauderdale  (954) 567-7141 and 3510 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 300 Miami (305) 576-1234  http://careresource.org/ 

Center for Positive Connections
Run by HIV-positive heterosexuals and others, the center offers emotional, educational and social support.  Resources include support groups (including in Spanish), social activities, holistic therapies, a gym, educational seminars, peer counseling and outreach, a lending library, and more.  12570 NE 7th Ave, Suite 104, North Miami  (305) 891-2066; (800) POS-CONN http://positiveconnections.org/index.html

Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach County (CAP)
CAP provides education, advocacy, outreach, counseling and other services to individuals and families infected and affected by HIV and AIDS in Palm Beach County.  Free HIV testing is offered.  Donations are needed.  (561) 472-3022

Planned Parenthood
Confidential HIV testing at 3475 N Dixie Hwy, Oakland Park, (954) 561-1905 and 263 N University Dr, Pembroke Pines (954) 963-9889.  Appointment preferred, evening and Saturday hours.  Counseling provided.  Call for hours.  Parental consent not required for teens.  Cost: $50

Project Link
The agency provides prevention education, counseling and testing, linkage to HIV medical care and other services.  Testing by appointment.  Volunteers are needed.  4005 N Federal Hwy, Suite 207, Ft Lauderdale (954) 564-8669.  Services are free, but contributions are appreciated.

Resource Directory
A 90-page guide lists professional, public and private businesses and organizations that offer services to HIV/AIDS affected community.  Free. http://sobeaids.org/welcome.htm 306 Lincoln Road. Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 532-1033

Wellness Center of South Florida
The nonprofit organization provides HIV treatment, educational seminars, support groups for HIV+ heterosexuals, the Aids Insurance Continuation Program and more. (954) 568-0152

Mental Health

American Health Association
Counseling for the newly bereaved is offered, plus friendship, singles and current events groups, a professional network society, trauma support, peer counseling for seniors, help with weight loss and food addiction, and more, at various locations in Palm Beach County.  3200 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton (561) 347-8936.  All support services are free.

Bipolar/Depression
The Gold Coast Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance offers education and assistance for those afflicted, as well as for friends and families throughout Broward and Miami-Dade counties  (954) 923-8272.  Donations appreciated.  http://goldcoastdbsa.com/

Center for Group Counseling
Support groups for bereavement, seniors, men's and women's issues, caregivers, divorced/separated and more are offered at various times.  (561) 483-5300 Free.

Emotions Anonymous
A 12-step group that helps with mild to severe emotional problems such as depression, suicidal thoughts, bipolar disorder, anxiety or schizophrenia.  (954) 921-1729.  Free.

Mental Health Association of Broward County
Support groups are offered for depression, bipolar, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety and Schitzophrenics Anonymous (free).  9Muses is an arts-oriented drop-in program.  Volunteers are needed for different programs, training provided.  7145 W Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderhill (954) 746-2055  http://mhabroward.org/

Recovery, Inc
The self-help organization offers a systematic self-help method for people suffering from nervous symptoms such as panic attacks, anxiety, sleep problems, dizziness, heart palpitations and more.  Weekly meetings in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties.  (561) 642-1722.  Free, donations accepted.  http://recovery-inc.org/

Switchboard Miami
The nonprofit agency provides 24-hour telephone crisis counseling, suicide prevention, information and referral services, plus individual and family counseling, and educational and prevention programs.  701 SW 27th Ave, Suite 1000, Miami (305) 358-HELP  http://switchboardmiami.org/

Women

Planned Parenthood
Services include low-cost birth control, pregnancy tests and STD/HIV testing. Volunteers are needed. Lake Worth (561) 641-0300 West Palm Beach (561) 683-0302