Many CHAD member charities offer support groups across the state for those affected by chronic disease and their families. We recommend reaching out to the group contact or the agency before attending a meeting to verify the information listed below is correct.
The ALS Association
Virtual Support Groups
Contact infoNE@als.org, 402-552-6646
Client Support Group
First Tuesday of the month, 4:00 p.m.
Third Wednesday of the month, 11:00 a.m.
Women Caregiver Support Group
First Tuesday of the month, 1:00 p.m.
Men Caregiver Support Group
Third Thursday of the month, 1:00 p.m.
Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter
Virtual Support Groups
ALZConnected® alzconnected.org:
FREE online community for everyone affected by Alzheimer's or another dementia, including people with the disease, caregivers, family members, friends and individuals who have lost someone to Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer’s Navigator: Map out a plan to approach Alzheimer's alzheimersnavigator.org
When facing Alzheimer's disease, there are a lot of things to consider. Alzheimer's Navigator helps guide Caregivers to answers by creating a personalized action plan and linking you to information, support and local resources.
On-Demand Learning Anytime: training.alz.org
Find virtual education and virtual/phone support groups across the country!
Steps:
Go to the Community Resource Finder here: alz.org/CRF.
Once there, go to the Alzheimer's Association Program and Events. Choose an option from the menu (It only lets you search one option at a time) and then put in your zip code.
Hint! After the initial search appears. Go to the menu on the left that says adjust your search and scroll down to expand your search to 500 miles and many more options will appear. Feel free to put in other zip codes too for more results.
Helpline: 1-800-272-3900, leanne.strain@homeinstead.com, Available 24/7
Through this free service, specialists and master’s-level clinicians offer confidential support and information to people living with dementia, caregivers, families and the public.
In Person Support Groups
Burwell
Meets 1st Wednesday of the month, 10:00 p.m.
Community Memorial Health: 1015 F Street, Burwell, Nebraska 68823
Contact Sharon Osentowski, 308-380-9363,ukolachedesire@gmail.com
Bellevue
Meets 3rd Monday of the month, 7:00 p.m.
Bellevue Senior Center: 109 W 22nd Avenue, Bellevue, NE 68005
Contact Kathie Bickerstaff, (402) 292-0515, (402) 630-3241 or kbickers@cox.net, or Monica Brown, (402) 292-2528 or (402) 301-7673 or mbrownkt@gmail.com.
Chadron
Meets 3rd Friday of the month, 3:00 p.m.
Country Kitchen Meeting Room: 1250 W 10th Street, Chadron, NE 69337.
Contact Sherri Blome, (308) 432-8190 or sherri.blome@wchr.net, or Alynn Risseeuw,
(308) 432-0253 or alynn.risseeuw@chadronhospital.com.
Columbus
Meets 4th Monday of the month, 1:30p.m.
Columbus CommunityCenter (old hospital): 3111 19th Street, Columbus, NE 68601, *Door on the north side.
Contact Martha Davidson, 402-910-8580 or jdavidson6@neb.rr.com.
Fairbury
Meets 2nd Thursday of the month, 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. (verify time before attending)
JCH&L Clinic Conference Room: 2200 H Street, Fairbury, NE 68352.
Contact Lanna Likens, (402) 729-6855, lana.likens@jchealthandlife.org.
Genoa
Meets 2nd Thursday of the month, 1:30 p.m.
Pawnee Senior Center: 115 N Oak Street, Genoa, NE 68640
Contact Ann Smith, (402) 750-8040, asmith@genoamedical.org
Grand Island
Meets 1st Wednesday of the month, 10:30 a.m.
Grand Generation Center: 304 E Third Street, Grand Island NE 68801.
Contact Brenda Wells, (308) 384-1080 or Brenda.wells@amedisys.com.
Kearney
Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
Kearney Faith United Methodist Church: 1623 Central Avenue, Karney, NE 68847
Contact ggjacobitz@yahoo.com.
Loup City
Meets 3rd Tuesday of the month, 10:00 a.m.
St. Josephat Convent: 644 N 9th Street, Loup City, NE 68853.
Contact Sharon Osentowski, (308) 380-9363 or kolachedesire@gmail.com.
North Platte
Meets 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, 1:00 p.m.
First Methodist Church Fireside Room: 1600 W E Street, North Platte, NE 69101.
Contact Dick Warneke, (308) 532-9443 or rwarn@charter.net.
Omaha Central
Meets 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, 1:00 p.m.
New Cassel Auditorium: 900 N 90th Street, Omaha, NE 68114.
Contact Melanie Haynes-McCurry or mmccurry@newcassel.org.
Omaha Area
Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month, 6:00 p.m.
Fountain View Senor Living: 5710 S 108th Street, Omaha, NE 68137
Omaha West
Meets 1st Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
King of Kings Church, CORE Conference Room: 11615 I Street, Omaha, NE 68137.
Contact Karen Lovejoy, (402) 333-6464 x9088 or Karen@kingofkings.org.
Seward
Meets third Tuesday of the month, 7:00 p.m.
Kinship Pointe Private Dining Room: 500 Heartland Park Drive, Seward, NE 68434.
Contact Kassandra Mounce, (402) 866-8109 or kass@scarlettsenioradvisors.com
Scottsbluff
Meets fouth Wednesday of the month, 4:00 p.m.
Home Instead: 1821 1st Avenue, Scottsbluff, Nebraska 69361
Contact Lou Anne Strain, (308) 635-2900, leanne.strain@homeinstead.com
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Virtual Support Groups - Statewide and Nationwide
For information on online support groups go to https://afsp.org/find-a-support-group.
In Person Support Groups
For information on in person support groups in Nebraska go to https://afsp.org/find-a-support-group.
American Lung Association In Nebraska
Online Support Groups
For information go to Online Support Communities | Additional Online Support
Arthritis Foundation Nebraska
National
https://www.arthritis.org/about-live-yes!-connect-group
Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska
Statewide Virtual Support Groups (via Zoom)
Three different support groups held monthly.
Group 1 - Open to All Participants
Group 2 - Individuals with Brain Injuries Only
Group 3 - Brain Injury Caregivers/Family Members
To Register: Fill out the Google Form at bit.ly/virtualbiane.
Contact Penny Costello, (402) 432-0605 or penny.costello@gmail.com
Incarcerated Populations - Open to individuals in the Corrections system, and family Members
Contact Shir Smith, (402) 683-0754 or shir@biane.org, or MenDi McCuiston,
(402) 683-0712 or mendi@biane.org.
Alliance
Contact Patrick Duldulao, (308) 761-3372 or fduldulao@bbgh.org, or TaLisa Brown,
(308) 761-3372 or tbrown@bbgh.org.
Columbus
Contact Joe Madden, (402) 562-3333 or jpmadden@columbushosp.org, or Kara Steier, kjseier@columbushosp.org, Jessica Hayes, jahayes@columbushosp.org
Council Bluffs
Contact Ruth Hamlin, (402) 650-7132 or martinwoodinternational@gmail.com.
Grand Island
Contact Jennifer Niedfelt, (308) 398-5896 or jennifer.niedfelt@commonspirit.org.
Hebron
South Central Nebraska Brain Injury Group
Contact Rose Clauson, tbisouthcentralnebraska@outlook.com
Kearney
John Rodriguez, (308) 455-0266 or guez2000@gmail.com
Lincoln
Group 1 - Bright Ideas Group
Contact Karen Hux, PhD, (402) 573-3700 or karen.hux@qliomaha.com, or Gina Simanek, MA, LMHP (402) 683-0715 or gina@biane.org
Group 2 - Lincoln Area Group
Nita Sipple, (402) 890-4521 or nita_sipple@yahoo.com
Group 3 - Post-COVID Education & Support Group
Contact Jade Bertsch, (402) 413-3881 or jbertsch@madonna.org or Mary Reece, mreece@madonna.org
Norfolk
Contact Charlotte Endorf, (402) 860-3774 or ckendorf@gmail.com.
North Platte
Contact Judy Nichelson, (308) 532-7451 or jn69101@gmail.com
Omaha
Group 1 - Omaha Area Support Group at Immanuel
Contact Judy Elliott, (402) 490-3910 or judy.elliot.1103@gmail.com
Group 2 - Omaha Area Brain Injury Support Group
Contact Allison Seibel, aseibel@madonna.org or Abby McClure, aseibel@madonna.org or Cindy Hackwell, chackwell@madonna.org, Marjorie Moraczewski, mmoraczewski@madonna.org
Group 3 - Omaha Area Stroke Support Group at Madonna Hospital
Contact Kassi Pichler, (402) 401-3645, kpichler@madonna.org
Group 4 - Post-COVID Education & Support Group
Contact Allison Carson, (402) 401-3645 or acarson@madonna.org
Papillion
Caregivers of Survivors of Brain Injury.
Contact Judy Elliott, (402) 490-3910, or judy.elliot.1103@gmail.com.
Scottsbluff
Contact Martha Douglas, (308) 641-6826 or mdouglas.braininjurygroup@gmail.com
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Nebraska/Iowa Chapter
Virtual Support Groups
Omaha
Meets third Monday at 7:00 p.m.
Contact Connie, omaha.ccf.group1@gmail.com
In Person Support Groups
Lincoln
Support group leader needed
Lincoln, NE 68506
Contact Robin Kingham, rkingham@crohnscolitisfoundation.org
Omaha
Meets second Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m.
Hy-Vee: 3410 N 156th St, Omaha, NE 68116 (156 St & Maple St)
Contact Alex, ibd.omaha18@gmail.com
For more information go to: Crohn's Colitis Foundation - Local Chapters
Epilepsy Foundation Nebraska
Virtual Support Groups
Adult Support Group - Open to any adult.
Meets second Thursday of the month, 8:00 p.m. CT
Contact Margo Thruman, margothurman@comcast.net
Register: https://bit.ly/3S41LxE.
Epilepsy Empowerment Groups - Open to any adult.
Meets fouth Tuesday of the month, 11:30 a.m. CT
Contact Roxanne Cogil, rcogil@efa.org
Register: https://bit.ly/3CvgGbu
Meets fourth Thursday of the month, 11:00 a.m. CT
Contact Roxanne Cogil, rcogil@efa.org
Register: https://bit.ly/3JC06L5
Young Adult Support Groups - Open to all young adults.
Meets third Wednesday of the month, 8:30 p.m. CT
Contact Dodie Scroppo dodiescroppo@gmail.com
Register: https://bit.ly/3tgBh27
Meets fourth Thursday of the month, 6:00 p.m. CT
Contact Lara Falcon, lara.falcon@ucb.com or Emma Denlinger, denlinger.emma@medstudent.pitt.edu
Register: https://bit.ly/3tgBh27
Teen Meet-Up
Meets third Thursday of the month, 8:00 p.m. CT
Contact Abby Smith, abagoose@gmail.com
Register: https://bit.ly/44j8feU
Parent & Caregiver Support Groups
Meets every other month on the 2nd Thursday, 8:00 p.m. CT
Contact, Kevin Koppes, (452) 238-7829, kkoppes@efa.org
Register: https://bit.ly/47PXK4Z
Meets third Thursday of the month, 8:00 p.m. CT
Contact Margo Thruman, margothurman@comcast.net, Jennifer Darcy, jdarcy@hawthornacademy.org
Register: https://bit.ly/45mgWpK
Meets third Saturday of the month, 9:00 a.m. CT
Contact Nikki Perry, nikkigessford@yahoo.com
Register: https://bit.ly/40vwS6o
Heart Heroes, Inc.
Virtual Support Group
Coffee, Coping & Conversation
Meets second Saturday of each month, 9:00 AM
Zoom ID: 821 7724 4607
In Person Support Group
Healing Hearts CHD Support Group for Inpatient and outpatient families
Children’s Nebraska, Rainbow Suites, 2nd floor, 8200 Dodge Stree, Omaha, NE 68114
Meets bi-weekly. Dates are updated on website at https://heartheroes.org/nebraska
JDRF Nebraska-Iowa Chapter
In Person Support Groups
Nebraska Cities
T1D Connect
JDRF invites members of the type 1 diabetes community from across the State of Nebraska to partner with JDRF staff in organizing a local T1D meet-up. If you are interested in organizing a meet-up in your city, please email Anna Raur at araur@jdrf.org or complete this online form.
T1D Grandparent Connections
Meets quarterly, 10:00 a.m.
Stories Coffee at Lifegate Church, 15555 West Dodge Road, Omaha, NE 68154
Contact Anna Raur, araur@jdrf.org
Local opportunities available throughout the year
Contact Anna Raur, araur@jdrf.org
Virtual Support Groups
For virtual nationwide opportunities, email Anna Raur at araur@jdrf.org or visit https://www.jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa/.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Nebraska
Virtual
Go to https://www.lls.org/welcome-lls-community to learn more or join the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Community.
Omaha
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Omaha Community Support Group
Meets last Tuesday of the month, 5:45 - 7 p.m.
Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center: 8303 Dodge Street, Room 303, Omaha, NE. Parking available on the south side in the general parking lot.
Contact Number: 402-354-4519
National MS Society, Mid-America Chapter
Virtual Support Groups
African-Americans with MS Self-Help group
Contact JoAnn, 404-932-2662, joanndicksonsm@bellsouth.net,
AnCan Virtual Multiple Sclerosis Support Group
Contact Frank Austin, (785) 203-0421, f.frank.austin@gmail.com.
Beatrice MS Support Group - Beatrice, NE
Meets fourth Thursday of the month (March - October only)
Contact Ellen Mohling, 402-239-8272, ellenmohling@gmail.com
Lincoln MS Connect - Lincoln, NE
Meets second Thursday of the month
Contact Dannielle Oesteich, (402) 326-1226, dannielle@lincolnmsconnect.com.
Men with MS Get Together
Meets weekly on Mondays
Contact Matthew Price, 850-974-5504, modifiedbyms@gmail.com
Moms Living with MS
Meets first and last Thursday of the month
Contact Momswithms5@gmail.com
MS Dancers
Meets fourth Sunday of the month
Contact Phoebe Walker, PhoebeA.Walker1@gmail.com
MSFriends® - telephone
Call 1-866-673-7436 (1-866-MSFRIEND); 7 days a week, 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. CT or
email PeerConnections@nmss.org
Multiple Sclerosis Discord MS Support Group
Visit https://discord.gg/aQ4J2u8 to join
Omaha MS Connection Group - Omaha, NE
Meets third Thursday of the month
Contact Rob Voelker, mssupportgroupomaha@cox.net.
Panhandle MS Support Group - Scottsbluff, NE
Second Saturday of the month (except July and August)
Contact Beth Lonowski, (308) 631-0433, beth_l@allophone.com.
Parents of Children and Young Adults with MS
Meets last Sunday of the month
Contact Dawnia, 310-743-7289, msyoungsters@gmail.com
Stay at Home Virtual MS Support Group - Zoom
Meets third Wednesday of each month
Contact Evie, (530) 519-8201, StayatHomeVirtualGroup@yahoo.com
Thrive MS Connect Kearney - Kearney, NE
Meets fourth Tuesday of the month
Contact Lindsie Lybarger, (308) 440-1494, lybargerlb@lopers.unk.edu
United Couples Support
Meets Thursdays
Contact Phoebe Walker, PhoebeA.Walker1@gmail.com
Nebraska AIDS Project
Omaha
Group Therapy
A therapy-based support group for persons living with HIV/AIDS or anyone affected by HIV/AIDS.
Every Tuesday, 7:00 - 8:30 at the Omaha NAP office. To join, please call group facilitator Lucie Long, (402) 651-1684.
NAP Night Support Group
A psychosocial and educational support group for people living with HIV/AIDS or anyone affected by HIV/AIDS.
Meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. To join, get the group location, or further information, please call (402) 552-9260.
Lincoln
Positive Living Support Group
A psychosocial and educational peer support group for people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
Meets every second Tuesday of the month. To join, get the group location, or further information, please call group facilitator Lacie Bolte at (402) 476-7000.
Norfolk
NAP Office Client Lunch. Contact the Norfolk office directly for dates/times.
Scottsbluff/Western Nebraska
HIV Support Group: Calico Spirit Group. Contact Jill Young at Scottsbluff NAP office (308) 672-0794.