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Author Topic: Why aren't there Support Groups in my area?  (Read 6555 times)

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Offline SensuousWolf

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  • Posts: 10
Why aren't there Support Groups in my area?
« on: January 21, 2009, 06:01:12 pm »
I live in the New Bedford, MA area and cannot find any kind of support group anywhere close by.  The closest location is Plymouth/Hyannis, MA or Boston and both areas are too far away to attend.

I've asked anyone and everyone I can think of including AIDS in Boston and my Therapist if there are any meeting/support groups in my area only to be told I'd have to go to the aforementioned towns/city. 

Another question.  Are there any volunteer groups that deal with helping those with HIV in my area, again I keep hitting road blocks, its so frustrating. 

I did try volunteering at a Hospice (it wasn't gay oriented) and when I told them I was Poz I never heard back from them.

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Why aren't there Support Groups in my area?
« Reply #1 on: January 21, 2009, 06:17:19 pm »
There probably just aren't enough people interested in your area to have a group.  I live right in downtown Philadelphia and we have a hard time getting a stable group of 6 to show up monthly, though our group is specifically for long-term survivors so that may contribute.  But I know just within our group we have some that drive 45 min./1 hr. to attend, so looking at a map of where you state you live I can't say that the information you are finding of the need to go to Plymouth or Boston is unusual.

Plymouth only looks about 30 miles away -- is that correct?  Or is the traffic just really bad?  Would something in Providence, RI work?

There's also a directory here that you can try to locate something with by zip code:

http://directory.poz.com/
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline AndyArrow

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Re: Why aren't there Support Groups in my area?
« Reply #2 on: January 22, 2009, 02:36:59 am »
My local ASO tried to set up a support group in my area about 6 months ago and I told my counselor to sign me up as soon as he mentioned it.  I'm still waiting.  Unfortunately the counselors just didn't get the same sort of response from other people.  I was told fear of being "outed" as a + was a big factor.  Living in an area without good public transportation also really limits people.

I'm sorry I couldn't help but I can understand how you feel but I'm lucky that Chicago is only about 45mins away from me.

Best of Luck,
AA

It is not the arrival that matters.  It is the journey along the way. -- Michel Montaigne

Offline SensuousWolf

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  • Posts: 10
Re: Why aren't there Support Groups in my area?
« Reply #3 on: January 22, 2009, 11:29:58 am »
I really appreciate the support you both offered and I did fill out a Volunteer on-line Application for the Greater New Bedford Health Center 5 minutes ago so lets see where that gets me.  I'll keep you up-to-date on my progress.

Although Plymouth, MA is about 30 miles away with the traffice heading to the Cape at any time of the year along with the prices for gas, I am looking for opportunities closer to home especially since I'm on a fixed income.

Offline positivmat

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  • Posts: 222
Re: Why aren't there Support Groups in my area?
« Reply #4 on: March 19, 2009, 10:13:13 pm »
Hey I was having the same problem.  Actually there are four support groups within 25 miles of me, all with waiting lists.  You have to get a case management worker who seems to be very concerned with housing and basic issues but not really about being a support group.  So, i just started calling some of the monastery's in my area and found a Franciscan monastery near me that has a support group with room.  I would try the franciscans if you have any near you.  I was born catholic, but am not that religious anymore - so i am a little concerned, but i think that they will be good.  They were very welcoming.  After i go to the first meeting (first sat in april), i will ask if they have any connections to a place near you
Matt

Offline SensuousWolf

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  • Posts: 10
Re: Why aren't there Support Groups in my area?
« Reply #5 on: March 20, 2009, 09:44:30 am »
Hi Matt and thanks for the information.  Since the posting I've become a Volunteer and Member of the Board for the Greater New Bedford Health Center so I'm going to try and start something in my area ASAP...Best of luck to you and thanks again.
Ric

Offline positivmat

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  • Posts: 222
Re: Why aren't there Support Groups in my area?
« Reply #6 on: March 20, 2009, 10:15:42 am »
That's fantastic. I wish you the best of luck. Your community is lucky to have you. I wish we had better programs or more easily found programs.
Matt

Offline SensuousWolf

  • Member
  • Posts: 10
Re: Why aren't there Support Groups in my area?
« Reply #7 on: March 20, 2009, 11:14:29 am »
Maybe you should think about relocating  ;D
Ric

 


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