Join us on the issues related to caring for an aging parent or spouse with speaker, Pam Brandon, from the Texas Area Agency on Aging.

March 8 ~ Paying for Care
You will learn about various levels and options for care and how much these cost in Texas, as well as options on paying for care.  Identifying the need for intervention and how to communicate with our loved one about change is critical to a smooth transition.

April 12 ~ Loss and Grief
As caregivers, we can begin to experience grief long before our loved one has passed away, especially when our loved one has a chronic or debilitating illness.  Understanding the grieving process and how to deal with life losses is essential to coping and understanding your emotions.

May 10 ~ Aging, Mental Health, Depression and Drugs
Understanding normal age-related changes will help caregivers to identify when abnormal symptoms occur that will require intervention.  Recognize signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug abuse, depression and drug interactions.  Learn where and how to seek help.

June 14 ~ Sandwich Generation – Tthe Working Caregivers
For the fast growing population of caregivers who work, either parttime or fulltime – this class will give you strategies to better balance your work and life challenges without compromising the care of your loved one.  Learn how and where to seek help, prioritize time and make your health and well-being a top priority.

We will meet the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in Room 131. For more information, contact Donna Fenwick, dfenwick(at)standrewumc.org.

Tuesday, March 2, 7:00 p.m. Room 126
Holly Scott, Licensed Professional Counselor-Intern
St. Andrew Counseling Center
"Facing Forward:  Life After Cancer Treatments"

The end of cancer treatment is often a time to rejoice. You feel relieved to be finished with the demands of treatment and are ready to put the experience behind you. You may, however, also become fearful and anxious about a recurrence. You and your family want life to return to normal immediately following treatments, but that rarely happens.  One of the hardest things after treatment is not knowing what will happen next. Holly will lead a discussion of the physical and emotional challenges faced by many survivors and caregivers in the survival stage of cancer. 

We will also preview some new initiatives for the Cancer Support Ministry.  Join us to hear about these exciting ideas.

Wednesdays at 7:30 pm - Room 133

Families Anonymous is a fellowship of parents, relatives and friends who have faced up to the reality that a loved one's addiction to alcohol, drugs, or harmful behaviors is seriously affecting our lives and ability to function. Just about every one of us has made the same statement at one time or another: "But I'm not the one who needs help!" It seems obvious when someone else has a problem. On reflection, we might ask ourselves: If the other person has the problem, how come my life seems unmanageable, and I feel like I am going insane?

Members of Families Anonymous are dedicated to doing something constructive about our approach to someone else's problem. We begin to learn from our own experience and benefit from the shared experiences of others in the fellowship. We realize that we are not alone, and that we can know a new freedom from worry and despair. We can know peace. Join us.

Contact David Ashburner at David.Ashburner(at)gmail.com for more information.

Are you going through or gone through a divorce and find it difficult to deal with emotionally? This group is dedicated to help men and women deal with the issues surrounding this complex life-changing experience. You do not have to walk though this trying time alone. There are people who share the same thoughts and feelings and would like a forum to help them face the challenges surrounding divorce and help move towards rebuilding. This group meets weekly for 5 weeks and covers topics from the emotional aspects of separation/divorce to how to begin the process of moving forward. Cost is $50 per person.

Please contact Patti Scott at 214-291-8031 or email her at patti_scott(at)sbcglobal.net for dates, times, and registration information.

If you need childcare for this support group click here.