Support Groups
At CHKD we want to offer parents, patients and family members access to as many support resources as possible. We offer several support groups right here at CHKD. Below is a list of the ongoing groups available. We are always interested in starting new groups, so if you have a desire to develop a special interest group, let us know and we'll be happy to share ideas.
"Dine and Discover"
Dine and Discover is a support and education group for CHKD NICU families. The meetings are facilitated by a social worker and parent support coordinator (NICU graduate
parent) to connect families with one another, offer support and to provide education opportunities. The group meets twice a month on Wednesdays from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Rachel Houck or Maureen Heald at (757) 668-7941.
OCD Children's Support Groups
This group is for boys ages 9-11 years of age. It meets every other week on Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. in the Department of Behavioral Medicine. The approach is cognitive behavioral (CBT) as well as a dynamic orientation. A manual is used with CBT exercises for the children. Parents will be seen separately to help with a basic understanding of OCD as well as for suggestions for interventions at home.
For more information and meeting dates, contact Elliott Levin at (757) 668-7932.
Munch and Mingle
A lunch time support group to provide education and support for parents who have children with cancer. This group meets monthly. Lunch is provided. Childcare is not provided.
For more information, contact Sheila McElmurry at (757) 668-7802.
XIBS (Extremely Important Brothers and Sisters)
XIBS is a program for siblings of CHKD oncology patients. The program is designed to minimize the negative impact of cancer on siblings and to provide education and support. The program is open to siblings 5-14 years of age.
For more information, contact Brian Sellitti at (757) 668-6754.
Teen Hearts United Give Strength and Support (T-HUGSS)
This group is open to teens with cardiac issues and offers the opportunity for members to share concerns and feelings and gain mutual support. There is no fee and dinner is provided.
For more information and meeting dates, contact Kristi Beers at (757) 668-7646.
Hearts United Give Strength and Support (HUGSS)
HUGSS is a support group for parents and families of children with cardiac issues. This group provides mutual support, education and social events. Meetings are held quarterly (evening hours) with special events—family bowling, American Heart Walk, ask a doc, etc.
For more information and meeting dates, contact Kristi Beers at (757) 668-7646.
Food Allergy Support Group of Tidewater (FASGOT)
FASGOT is a support group for parents and families of children with food allergies.
Our mission is to provide educational support about food allergies to the community. Meetings are held monthly (evening hours). The fee is $20 but there is no charge
for medical and educational professionals. Refreshments will be served.
For more information and meeting dates, contact Michelle Hoang at (757) 284-4450 or visit the
FASGOT website.
Sibshops
Sibshops are lively, pedal-to-the-metal workshops for siblings of children with special needs. Sibshops acknowledge that being the brother or sister of a person with special needs is for some a good thing, for others a not so good thing, and for many, somewhere in between. The Sibshop model intersperses information and discussion activities with games designed to be unique, offbeat and appealing to a wide range of abilities. These two-hour workshops are held at CHKD and at the Health & Surgery Center at Oyster Point on a monthly basis from September through May.
View the upcoming
calendar.
For more information or to register, email Natalie Bjorkman or call Lori Bartee at (757) 668-7273.
Support Groups for Parents of Children with Special Needs
Parenting a child with special needs is complicated; navigating the medical and education systems, juggling frequent appointments and trying to manage financial hardships can be overwhelming and may seem very lonely. These tasks will seem less daunting, however, with the assistance and support of other parents who are walking the same road. You are not alone!
These support groups for parents of children with significant special needs are held monthly in the evenings at CHKD in Norfolk and on the Peninsula (Oyster Point). Dinner is provided. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate children at these groups. Please call (757) 668-7941 or (757) 668-8546 for additional information.