Community Resources

Dial 911 immediately if you or a loved one may be having a stroke.

Finding help after a stroke can be difficult. Below you can find information about community events, local support groups, and free or reduced-cost therapy, and other resources. If you have other information that you think we should know about, please email us at stridelab@wcupa.edu. We try to ensure that all information is correct and up to date before posting. We plan to add more information as we get it, so check back often!

 

For Survivors and Family Members

Community Events

Resource Orientation for Stroke & Aphasia (ROSA)

Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the Howard Gittis Student Center Room 200A on Temple University’s Main Campus in Philadelphia.

Register Here

Aphasia Together Retreat 

Monday October 23-25

Register here

Aphasia Awareness Month 

Meet & greet people with aphasia, care partners, families and others! 

Where: Municipal Complex Park - Amphitheater, 2501 Bath Rd Bristol, PA 19007 

When: June 25th 2:00-4:30 pm 

Bring your own lawn chairs. 

Questions?  Contact Mark Harder msharder.maac@gmail.com or 215-852-0730

Register here

Books

How to Go from Stroke Victim to Stroke Victor by Bob Mandell

Access to Book

Utilizing little known innovative therapies, strategies, and a mind/body mentality the “Stroke Victor” pushed his recovery well beyond what was expected. Learn the tricks, techniques, devices, mental games, and philosophies that will help every stroke victim have a stronger recovery and ultimate healing.

 

Independent Living: Functioning With the Use of One Hand in a Two-Handed World by Patricia S. Burnett

Do It One-Handed: A Manual of Daily Living Skills for Stroke Rehabilitation by Susan Cohn

 

 

Other Media

An online course series on counseling skills is available through continuing education provider MedBridgeEducation.

A Guided Meditation to Help with Caregiver Stress by Belleruth Naparstek

Imagery to remind the caregiver – whether family member or professional provider – of their own strength, goodness, tenacity, and resourcefulness.  Also designed to provide relaxation and balance; sustain motivation; reduce isolation; acknowledge the difficulties without sugar-coating them; help release any accrued resentment; and restore hope for the future. Includes guided imagery and affirmations.

Playing time: 45 min.

Available from healthjourneys or Amazon.

Emotional Renewal for Caregivers: Looking After Yourself While Helping a Loved One by Lynn Joseph

This superb, 7-track, guided imagery CD targets caregiver stress in a wonderfully knowledgeable, compassionate, and comprehensive way. Segments include an Intro with Advice, and imagery segments for: Boosting Self-Love; Planning a Smooth Day; Healing Stressful Feelings; Connecting with Your Future Self; Sleeping Soundly; and much more.

Playing time: 72 min.

Available from Amazon.

Brain Friends Podcast

The Brain Friends podcast is a space for neuro nerds and stroke survivors to talk about all things aphasia, language recovery, and community. Hosted by Dr. D. Seles, a neuroscientist and speech-language pathologist, and Angie C., 2x stroke survivor and aphasia advocate.

Podcast Link

 

Support Groups

I need an aphasia support group

People with aphasia can sometimes feel left out at general stroke survivor groups. See below for information about dedicated aphasia support groups. Note that most in-person support groups meet in hospitals and rehab centers, so masks are typically required. Reach out to the contact person with any questions.

*We are currently searching for more aphasia support groups. Check back soon for more resources.

In Person Groups
(alphabetical by state, then town/city)

Online Groups

Delaware

Blue Hen Brew Crew – UD’s Aphasia Support Group (Newark)

  • When: 3rd Tuesday of every month (contact to verify dates); 10:00 am
  • Where: South Atrium of UD STAR Campus, 540 S. College Avenue
  • Contact: UD Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, (302) 831-7100

New Jersey

Adler Aphasia Communication Groups

Capital Health Aphasia Support Group 

  • What: The Healing Arts Steering Committee at Capital Health is presenting a collection of paintings and poems 
  • When: May 1st through August 31st, 2023. Opening Reception June 6th, 2023 5-6pm
  • Where: Capital Health Medical Center, Pennington NJ 08534. Located in the 2nd Floor Atrium
  • For more information: Contact 609-303-4121

Pennsylvania

Reading Rehab Hospital Aphasia Group (Wyomissing)

  • When: 2nd Tuesday of every month, 3-4pm
  • Where: Reading Health Rehabilitation Hospital at Wyomissing, 2802 Papermill Road
  • Contact: Call 484-659-0455 or email RHRWSupportgroups@towerhealth.org
  • Notes: Register in advance at the group’s event page or by calling 484-628-HELP(4357).

 Magee Rehab Hospital Aphasia Group

  • When: 1st Tuesday of every month (except July), 1-2pm
  • Where: 1500 S. Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia PA 19147
  • Contact: Sarah Lantz, call (215) 218-3909 or email Sarah.Lantz@jefferson.edu

Good Shepherd Penn Partners-Aphasia Support Group

  • When: last Wednesday of every month
  • Where: Virtually on Microsoft Teams
  • Contact:  (215) 294-9216 or email Aphasia.Group@pennmedicine.upenn.edu 

MAAC Aphasia Support Group (Virtual) 

When: September 11th, 7:00pm ET.  
Where: Meet on Zoom: Meeting ID: 825 0528 1851
Passcode: 194696
Contact: Mark Harder at msharder.maac@gmail.com 

Reading Rehab Hospital Aphasia Group

Rutgers "Entre Amigos" Group 

  • What: A social support group for Spanish speakers with communication problems after a stroke
  • When: 
    • Thursday, February 16 @ 4-5pm
    • Wednesday, February 22 @ 4-5pm
    • Wednesday, March 8 @ 4-5pm 
    • Wednesday, March 22 @ 4-5pm 
    • Future Dates will be announced on March 22nd. 
  • To join the group: contact Dr. José  Centeno 973-972-2234. jose.centeno@rutgers.edu

Grupo “Entre Amigos” 

  • Grupo Social de Apoyo para Personas Con Problemas de Comunicación (Afasia) Despues de un Daño Cerebral (Stroke) 
  • Fechas: 
    • Jueves,  Febrero 16 @ 4-5pm
    • Miércoles, Febrero 22 @4-5pm
    • Miércoles, Marzo 8 @4-5pm 
    • Miércoles, Marzo 22 @4-5pm
  • Para tener acceso al groupo: Contácte al Dr. José G. Centeno 
    •  973-972-2234 . jose.centeno@rutgers.edu  

I need a stroke support group

Many support groups meet both in person and online. Note that most in-person support groups meet in hospitals and rehab centers, so masks are typically required. Reach out to the contact person with any questions.

*We are currently searching for more stroke support groups. Check back soon for more resources.

In Person Groups
(alphabetical by state, then town/city)

 Online Groups (alphabetical by group name)

Maryland

Stroke Support Group of Cecil County (Elkton)

  • When: 2nd Wednesday of every month, 10:30-11:30pm
  • Where: ChristianaCare Union Hospital, 106 Bow St.
  • Contact: Sarah Rueda Sarah.Rueda@christianacare.org

New Jersey

 

Community Stroke Support Group (Marlton)

  • When: 1st Wednesday of every month (Feb-Dec), 7-8;30pm
  • Where: 92 Brick Rd, 2nd Floor Patient Dining Room or Zoom ( email Liz Louie ELouie@kessler-rehab.com)

South Jersey Stroke Support Group (Vineland)

  • When: 2nd Tuesday of every month, 1:30-2:30pm
  • Where: Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Vineland, 1237 W. Sherman Ave. Or Zoom (email Nikole Spatola for the link  Nikole.Spatola@encompasshealth.com)

Pennsylvania

Caring Connections at Good Shepherd Rehab Hospital (Allentown)

  • When: Every other month, Wednesdays, 12-1pm
  • Where: 850 S 5th St, Middle Level Conference Room, Hyland Ctr
  • Contact: Rachel Burke, RABurke@gsrh.org
  • Notes: Find more information at their Facebook Page

Stroke ATLAS (Acceptance to Life After Stroke) (Fountain Hill)

  • When: 3rd Tuesday of each month, 4-5pm
  • Where: St. Luke's University Hospital-Bethlehem Campus in the Priscilla Payne Hurd Education Center, Room 105, 801 Ostrum Street
  • Contact: Krysta Leonarczyk, Krista.Leonarczyk@sluhn.org
  • Notes: Please register through the Live Event Calendar

Good Shepherd Penn Partners – Stroke Support Group (Philadelphia)

  • When: Last Thursday of every month, 3-4pm
  • Where: 1800 Lombard St, Penn Medicine @ Rittenhouse, 3rd Floor Dining Room
  • Contact: Tyler Roach, tyler.roach@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

Reading Rehab Hospital Stroke Group (Wyomissing)

  • When: 1st Wednesday of every month, 3-4pm
  • Where: Reading Health Rehabilitation Hospital at Wyomissing, 2802 Papermill Road
  • Contact: Call 484-659-0455 or email RHRWSupportgroups@towerhealth.org
  • Notes: Register in advance at the group’s event page or by calling 484-628-HELP(4357).

 

Caring Connections at Good Shepherd Rehab Hospital

Cooper Stroke and Aneurysm Support Group (Camden)

ChristianaCare Stroke Education Group

Community Stroke Support Group - Marlton

Delaware Stroke Initiative Support Group

  • When: 1st Thursday of each month, 3:50-5:30pm
  • Where: Zoom (email Dr Eleanor Pollak epollak@udel.edu for the link)

Good Shepherd Penn Partners – Stroke Support Group

Reading Rehab Hospital Stroke Group

Stroke ATLAS (Acceptance to Life After Stroke)

Stroke Family CARE Group

  • When: 3rd Wednesday of each month, 5:30-7pm
  • Where: Zoom (email  or call 215-587- 3411 Sonya Dibeler at Sonya.Dibeler@jefferson.edu for Zoom link) or in person at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, 1513 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19102

Stroke Support Group- Penn Medicine Hospital

Young Empowerment Stroke Support (YESS) Group

 

 

I need a caregiver support group

Caregivers are always welcome at stroke and aphasia support groups, but sometimes caregivers need a space all to themselves. See below for information about dedicated caregiver support groups. Note that most in-person support groups meet in hospitals and rehab centers, so masks are typically required. Reach out to the contact person with any questions.

*We are currently searching for more caregiver support groups. Check back soon for more resources.

In Person Groups
(alphabetical by state, then town/city)

 Online Groups

Delaware

Caregiver Support Group Meeting (Newark)

  • When: Meets select dates, contact for details; 5:00-6:30pm
  • Where: University of Delaware, STAR Campus, Room 113 (next to atrium), 540 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE 19713
  • Info and RSVP: Rebecca Hunting Pompon, PhD, (302) 831-3984, rhp@udel.edu

>New Jersey

Adler Aphasia Center (Maywood, NJ)

  • When: Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30am, and Thursdays, 10:30-11:30am
  • Where: Adler Aphasia Center, 60 W Hunter Ave, Maywood, NJ
  • Contact: Meredith Gemeiner,  mgemeiner@adleraphasiacenter.org  or (201) 898-2193
  • Note: This caregiver support group is free for caregivers of Adler program participants. There is a small fee for caregivers of individuals with aphasia not affiliated with Adler Aphasia Center. Please contact Meredith Gemeiner for more information – mgemeiner@adleraphasiacenter.org  or (201) 898-2193.

 

Adler Aphasia Center

  • When: 2nd Tuesday of every month, 9:15-10:15am, and 4th Tuesday of every month, 4-5pm
  • Where: Online
  • Contact: Meredith Gemeiner,  mgemeiner@adleraphasiacenter.org  or (201) 898-2193
  • Note: This caregiver support group is free for caregivers of Adler program participants. There is a small fee for caregivers of individuals with aphasia not affiliated with Adler Aphasia Center. Please contact Meredith Gemeiner for more information – mgemeiner@adleraphasiacenter.org  or (201) 898-2193.

Good Shepherd Caregiver Support Group

  • What: Caregiver Support Group
  • When: 3rd Tuesday of every month, 6:00-7:00pm
  • Where: Zoom (email Lindsey Musser LMusser@gsrh.org for link)

MAAC Partner/Caregiver Aphasia Support

  • What: An aphasia care partner support group
  • When: 
    • Feb 16th, 2023 7:00pm ET
    •  Mar 16, 2023 07:00 PM ET
    •  Apr 13, 2023 07:00 PM ET
    •  May 11, 2023 07:00 PM ET
    • Jun 15, 2023 07:00 PM ET
    • Jul 13, 2023 07:00 PM ET
  • Where: Zoom
  • Contact: Mark Harder

Stroke Caregiver Problem Solving Group

Free or Reduced Cost Clinical Services

Adler Aphasia Center Full-Service Programs

  • What: 15-week programs that focus on using language while doing naturalistic and social activities. Members must be able to travel to and from their Center 2 days per week.
  • When: There are 3 semesters every year
  • Where: Maywood, NJ; Toms River, NJ; and West Orange, NJ
  • Contact: Visit the Adler Aphasia Center website for more details.

Arcadia University Pro Bono Clinic 

  • What: Student run physical therapy pro bono clinic. 
  • Who they treat: Acute and chronic medical conditions that overall affect your movement. Generally this is seen in patients with overuse injuries; shoulder, neck, lower back, or knee pain; balance difficulties; neurological conditions such as Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Traumatic Brain Injuries or Spinal Cord Injuries; and more. No referral required.
  • Where:  741 Limekiln Pike, Glenside, Pa. 19038.
  • When: The Clinic is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m.
  • To Schedule: please email probonopt@arcadia.edu or call 215-517-2455.

Chester Community Clinic (Widener University)

  • What: Free physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological services for the community.
  • Where: 1720 Melrose Ave., Chester, PA 19013
  • Contact: View the clinic website, call 610-499-4585, or email ChesterCommunityPT@gmail.com for more information.

North Broad Physical Therapy Center (Temple University)

  • What: A free physical therapy clinic in North Philadelphia. New patients must have a referral from a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, podiatrist, or dentist.
  • Where: Jones Hall, 3rd Floor, 1316 W. Ontario Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
  • Contact: View the clinic website, call 215-707-8877, or email NBPTC@temple.edu for more information.

Vaux Community Health Center (Temple University)

  • What: A free clinic in Philadelphia that offers physical therapy and a Type 2 diabetes program.
  • Where: 2300 W. Master Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121
  • Contact: View the clinic website and call 215-204-3084 for more information.

For more pro bono services, see The Pro Bono Network Directory.

Books

Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery by Peter G. Levine

Don’t Leave Me This Way: Or When I Get Back on My Feet You’ll Be Sorry by Julia Fox Garrison

Lessons Learned: Stroke Recovery from a Caregiver’s Prospective by Berenice  Kleiman

After a Stroke: A Support Book for Patients, Caregivers, Families and Friends  (The Family Health Series) by Geoffrey Md Donnan, Carol Burton

Passages in Caregiving: Turning Chaos into Confidence by Gail Sheehy

To Survive Caregiving: A Daughter’s Experience,  A Doctor’s Advice on Finding Hope, Help  and Health by Cheryl E. Woodson

Caregiver and Survivor Magazines

  • Stroke Smart Magazine
    • “Stroke Smart” was a magazine published by the National Stroke Association (now part of the American Stroke Association). Archived articles are available addressing topics for both stroke survivors and stroke
  • Stroke Connection Magazine
    • “Stroke Connection” is a FREE quarterly magazine published by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. Contains articles for both stroke survivors and stroke caregivers.
  • Today's Caregiver Magazine
    • This bi-monthly magazine addressing the needs and concerns of caregivers, and is dedicated to those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, cancer, AIDS, and other threatening diseases.
      Subscribe online.

 

For Professionals

Clinician Resources