Support Groups
ACSNJ offers a variety of support groups for diverse populations that addresses the needs and concerns voiced by our consumers. We create a safe, confidential environment for individuals dealing with HIV to educate themselves about a number of topics, express their feelings, become encouraged and empowered, and engage with others to create a supportive network so that no one has to handle their illness all alone. A team of dedicated, caring professionals run our groups and we frequently bring in noted speakers from the fields of HIV Pharmaceuticals, Medical Care, Mental Health, Addiction, Nutrition, Legal Issues, Fitness, among others. In addition, we hold several on-going mental health groups and an on-going recovery group which are described in more detail below.
For more information call (856) 933-9500 ext. 219 or click here.
We are currently running the following groups:
Weekly Men’s Group – Thursday mornings 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. in the Bellmawr office.
This group covers a variety of topics that educate participants about issues regarding or related to living with HIV/AIDS. In addition to a host facilitator, guest speakers are invited periodically to present on specific areas of interest. There is at least one open session per month for group members to bring up any topic they would like to discuss.
Monthly Women’s Group - Third Thursday of the month from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Bellmawr office.
This group also has a variety of topics and facilitators that educate participants on issues regarding or related to living with HIV/AIDS. Many of the topics presented specifically focus on women’s issues in connection with HIV/AIDS as well as other health concerns.
Mind Over Matters - Maximum of two meetings per month from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Bellmawr office.
This group is facilitated by Mike Mariano, MSW, LCSW of the Center for Family Services and focuses on mental health issues such as depression, anger management, and coping skills. Clients are encouraged to suggest topics for the group that will help them learn new techniques for dealing with life’s issues.
Express Yourself - Once a month on a selected Wednesday from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. in the Bellmawr office.
This art therapy group uses a variety of art mediums to help clients explore the creative process by encouraging them to use freedom of expression and individual creativity as a means of therapy. The group is open to all clients regardless of skill level.
Life Goes On - Fourth Monday of the month from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Bellmawr office.
This group is facilitated by Dennis Boyer, MSW, LCSW, LCADC of Center for Family Services and uses the recovery model as a framework to help clients identify behaviors that are presenting barriers to progression in their life and strategies to help them approach such behaviors. Examples of these behaviors are substance abuse, sexual over-activity, and obsessive eating to name a few.
Free to be Me - is a specialty group offered periodically during the year.
This group is facilitated by Mike Mariano, MSW, LCSW of Center for Family Services and addresses the topic of transgender identity. The group offers a safe and confidential platform to discuss a variety of topics that are specific to this population.
A Positive Journey - Specialty group offered periodically during the year for those that are newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
This group, which is facilitated by Mike Mariano, MSW, LCSW of Center for Family Services, helps individuals with recognizing, identifying and coping with the many changes experienced following a recent diagnosis of having HIV disease.
Helping Hands - Specialty group offered periodically throughout the year.
This group is for care givers and supporters of those living with HIV/AIDS. The group provides education on HIV and acknowledges the complexity of being the person of support for someone living with the virus.