PeerGalaxy Original Calendar

Welcome to PeerGalaxy Calendar featuring over 99,000+ monthly offerings of FREE telephone- and online-accessible peer support, recovery support + wellness activities!

Over 30+ warmlines plus webinars, workshops, job postings, special events, consumer input opportunities and more.

WE ARE PEER FOR YOU!

Click the Accessibility Button on the right side, halfway down in the middle, for enhanced viewing and/or access options!  Click the Translate Button in the lower left corner for language options. 

Your use of this site is subject to the Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions of Use.  Reminder: Fees or charges may be charged by your carrier for sending or receiving SMS text messaging, phone, or data.

If you have an event to add, email us: webmail@peergalaxy.com

How Events are Sorted:

First, at the top of the list: SAMHSA Disaster Helpline and similar links.

Next in the list: Bundled “All Day” Events for organizations with events happening at multiple times throughout the day and/or in many formats or locations; these are bundled into a single listing to prevent endless scrolling.  Usually these offer a lookup by zip code or other criteria. 

Lastly, Time-Specific Events listed by start time from 12:01am early morning to 11:59pm late night.  Warmlines and places east of Oregon’s time zone tend to start earlier (e.g. 4am in Oregon is 7am in New York).

Mar
19
Tue
2024
01 – Support Line – Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 – 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone
Mar 19 all-day
01 - Support Line - Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 - 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone

 

Crisis / Support Line For Racial Equity Support

503-575-3764
Answered by BIPOC counselors 
M-F from 8:30 AM -5:00 PM PST

The Racial Equity Support Line is a service led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism. We offer support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues.

Many of us experience racism every day.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture where racist acts happen often. From workplaces to housing to healthcare, we know that our communities aren’t getting the same kind of treatment as others.

Experiencing racism can harm our mental wellness.

Whether in small acts, or violent ones, racial bias can have serious emotional impacts. Racism changes how we see the world around us. It’s stressful to worry about how people see us as different or dangerous. It’s exhausting to notice the ways that people treat us as less-than, day in and day out. It’s heartbreaking to turn on the news and learn about more violence against people who look like us.

We get it. And we’re here to talk. To support. To connect.

The person who answers may be a stranger – but we understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your situation as you talk through your feelings, and we may offer resources based on what seems most helpful to you.

Call us today at 503-575-3764.

This line is available weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm, Pacific Standard Time.

If you have questions or want to reach the Director of Equity Initiatives, please email Donna Harrell at DonnaH@linesforlife.org.

Toll-Free Access

If you need toll-free access, call any line at Lines for Life and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line during its operating hours.

For example, you can call Lines for Life / National Suicide Prevention Line @ 1-877-273-8255 and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line between 8:30am and 5pm PST.

LWWMI – Living Well With Mental Illness – Online Peer Support Community – 24/7 @ Discord
Mar 19 all-day

 

Online Peer Support Community

What is online peer support?

  • Community

    A safe and supportive online community for people living with mental illness and those who support them.

  • Chat

    Text based chat channels covering a wide range of topics.

  • Forum

    A general forum for posting questions and getting community feedback.

  • Social

    A drop in community for voice and video chat.

  • Online

    All hosted online through an easy to use private Discord server, available to access 24/7 anywhere in the world. (Learn about Discord below).

Join Today!

What is Discord?

Our peer support community is built on Discord.

Discord is an app that lets people build communities around text based chat, as well as connect with one another through voice and video group calls.

Discord is 100% free to use and the app is available for mobile (iOS and Android), desktop (PC and Mac), or you can even connect without any app just by accessing it through a web browser like Chrome.

Code of Conduct

Welcome to the Code of Conduct. Let’s get right to it!

  1. We use supportive, welcoming language.

    • We strive to use welcoming/caring language that is supportive, encouraging, respecting, accepting, understanding and/or validating. We do our best to avoid using critical, shaming, controlling, or patronizing language.

    • We will do our best to monitor and edit our own language. If a mod reaches out and asks us to edit it, we edit it.

  2. We respect differing perspectives of others, and make space for each other within the community.

    • We will make space for others to share their personal experiences. We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other. This includes: bullying, bigotry, hate speech, physical threats, personal attacks, doxing. We also will not tell anyone that their lived experience is wrong, or shame others for their choice in treatment.

    • We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, neurodiversity, mental health, physical health, religion, or political alignment.

    • If something someone says appears to be breaking a community rule, acting with malice, or is otherwise problematic, we will not attack or criticize them, but instead will alert the Mod Team, who can assess and handle the situation. Before doing this, it can also be helpful to assume good intent, and ask for clarification in a respectful and non-judgemental way. The mods are available to lend a hand as well.

    • We will strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone to feel safe participating in.

  3. We call people what they ask to be called.

    • We call people by their stated names/pronouns/identities. If a dead name or incorrect pronoun is used (yours or someone else’s), we will respectfully ask the person to update their message to properly reflect the other’s name/pronouns/identities. If it is brought to your attention that you have made a mistake with someone else’s name/pronouns/identities, that’s okay, mistakes happen, but please kindly take the note and edit the message as soon as possible.

    • We do not correct others on their own usage of their names/pronouns/identities. For example if someone prefers to be called “schizophrenic” or “person living with schizophrenia”, that is up to each individual person. We respect each individual’s choice to determine how they would like to be referred to.

    • If we have any concerns about continued use of incorrect names/pronouns/identities, or feel that misuse is being done maliciously, we will let a mod know.

  4. We connect with each other from a trauma informed perspective.

    • We understand that everyone is coming to this community with different experiences and potential triggers. We will do our best to be mindful of this by using the “spoilers” function for any text that will likely be triggering or sensitive for others (write || on either side of the text to be hidden, or highlight the text to be hidden, right click and then click the eye symbol on the far right). Particularly triggering topics may be around suicide and addiction (no glorification allowed of either), as well as members difficult experiences with the mental health care system.

    • If you are feeling triggered, please step away from the conversation. If there is a channel or part of the server that is too triggering for you, please consider muting it or asking a moderator for help with finding accommodation.

  5. We provide our own experiences rather than provide direct advice.

    • When someone asks about medical treatments and therapies, we stick to speaking about our own experiences (keeping in mind that experiences may differ greatly between individual people). If we do provide more than our own experience, we share resources, strategies, and ideas without giving direct advice. If we do accidentally give direct advice (medical or generalized) and we’re asked to remove it, we remove it.

    • It is important to remember that discussion about treatments and therapies on this server does not replace talking with your doctor. Please discuss any issues or concerns with your doctor as well before making any changes to your or your loved one’s care.

  6. We let the Mods do the moderating. We respect moderator decisions and their time.

    • If you notice someone isn’t following a rule, please refrain from correcting community members, and instead, please briefly share your concerns with a moderator.

    • Refrain from arguing with the moderators and/or engaging the moderators in lengthy discussions.

    • If you have a concern or disagree with something the moderators have done, please respectfully reach out to Rob by DM. We are happy to discuss a situation and listen to concerns. (We may not always be able to go into detail, but will do our best to provide an adequate answer for our decision.)

VAFP – VisionAware and Front Porch – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Mar 19 all-day

 

 

support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and contentedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

 

 

Well Connected Program Offerings

Welcome to Well Connected

Well Connected is a nationwide phone and online community that brings  people over the age of 60 together to explore, learn, laugh, and share  experiences. Over 3,500 members join educational, fun, and engaging groups from the comfort of home. The Well Connected community of participants, staff, facilitators, and presenters value being connected to  engaging content, and to each other. Well Connected is a Front Porch  Community Service and is free of charge to individual members.

A Word About Inclusion

We welcome participants from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, living situations, and abilities. Many of our participants are low vision or blind. Many are dealing with health concerns, chronic or disabling conditions or other issues. Please be sensitive, and mindful of the diversity in our community.

How It Works

1. Browse the materials and find groups that interest you, there a currently    groups to select from.

( download the 2024 Catalog In PDF or TEXT and choose from 77 different groups! )

• Once you are enrolled in the program, there is no limit to the number of
groups you may join. ( To Join use this Link ) or by phone at 877- 797-7299

• Check your Participant Calendar for group times in your time zone, and
for information about how to join.

 

2. Join by Phone

• All groups can be joined by telephone using a toll-free number from an
unblocked number.

• To join a group, call the program line, and when prompted, enter the
two-digit code listed on the Participant Calendar.

• If you need help getting into groups, we can call you! Call the office to
request an automated call-in to any group.

3. Join Online

• All groups can be joined online with a device that connects to the
Internet.

• Create your own online registration account and sign yourself up!

• Once you’re registered for groups in advance, and you will get an email
the morning of the group (check your spam folder!) with a personal link
to join.

• Allow the system to access your microphone and speakers.

• Click the Join Group button to enter the meeting.

• If you need tech help, contact us and we can send you more detailed
instructions, or walk you through how it works.

Call or email the office to get started, or if you have any questions.

(877) 797-7299 | connections@frontporch.net

Other Resources:  

Writing Group:

https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/about-us/

 

Poem Reading and Sharing Group:

https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/events/62686fc43560cac65899bb5c

 

Meditation:

Every Monday from 8 p.m. to 8:30 on zoom, go to https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/events-calendar/ and click on Monday night Loving Kindness Meditatio

MNA – Metis Nation of Alberta – Peer Led Addictions Support Group – Tuesdays @ Online Via ZOOM
Mar 19 @ 6:30 am – 7:30 am

 

 

Living with addiction can feel isolating and lonely. Find connection and community at our new Peer-Led Addictions Support Group every Tuesday night, 6:30-7:30 p.m., starting May 30.

No need to register! Just drop in via Zoom.

For more information, contact Lisa at lvaughn@metis.org

 

 

CA – Crim-Anon – Criminals Anonymous Fellowship – OREGON CITY HILLTOP MEETING – Tuesday @ Online via Zoom
Mar 19 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm

 

sponsor event banner

 

CRIM ANON (Criminals Anonymous) Recovery Group

Without You There Is No Us

Crim Anon Virtual Group on Tuesday Nights

7:00pm-8:15pm PST

 

About Crim-Anon (Criminals Anonymous)

We are a recovery fellowship comprised of men, women, youth, survivors, and their families that are committed to supporting and living a crime-free lifestyle. We welcome you to check out our website at www.crimanon.org. Zoom on in with us!  To join this meeting, use the ZOOM Link and Meeting ID provided below:

CONTACT US:
Criminal Anonymous World Services
2601 SE 160th Ave., Portland, OR 97236
Bear C: (971) 282-1903    bear01@crimanon.org
Zane M: (503) 754-5217
Billy S: (971) 985-4849
Hours of Operation    24/7 
Get in touch with our team at Criminal Anonymous World Services in Portland, OR if you need support, have any questions.
Grand Elders are available      24/7:
 Bear – (971) 282-1903
 Zane – (503) 754-5217
 Reina – (503) 446-0243
 Billy – (971) 985-4849
 Bo – (971) 772-8307
 Amber – (503) 799-2552
 Andrey M – (503) 660-9448
 Tara – (971) 323-2699
 DJ – (503) 501-1368
 Twila – (503) 936-5185
 Caitlin – (971) 804-2848
 Nick – (503) 465-7013
 Joanie – (503) 732-4115
 Michelle – (503) 875-7985
 Cliff – (971) 283-3133
 Dick – 503) 380-5800
 Melanie – (503) 922-5014
 Sean – (971) 276-5365

Crim Anon Website:

https://www.crimanon.org

Facebook Crim Anon Home Page

https://www.facebook.com/CriminalsAnonymous/

Facebook  Crim Anon Fellowship Page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/475073000014931/

 

Mar
20
Wed
2024
01 – Support Line – Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 – 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone
Mar 20 all-day
01 - Support Line - Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 - 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone

 

Crisis / Support Line For Racial Equity Support

503-575-3764
Answered by BIPOC counselors 
M-F from 8:30 AM -5:00 PM PST

The Racial Equity Support Line is a service led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism. We offer support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues.

Many of us experience racism every day.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture where racist acts happen often. From workplaces to housing to healthcare, we know that our communities aren’t getting the same kind of treatment as others.

Experiencing racism can harm our mental wellness.

Whether in small acts, or violent ones, racial bias can have serious emotional impacts. Racism changes how we see the world around us. It’s stressful to worry about how people see us as different or dangerous. It’s exhausting to notice the ways that people treat us as less-than, day in and day out. It’s heartbreaking to turn on the news and learn about more violence against people who look like us.

We get it. And we’re here to talk. To support. To connect.

The person who answers may be a stranger – but we understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your situation as you talk through your feelings, and we may offer resources based on what seems most helpful to you.

Call us today at 503-575-3764.

This line is available weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm, Pacific Standard Time.

If you have questions or want to reach the Director of Equity Initiatives, please email Donna Harrell at DonnaH@linesforlife.org.

Toll-Free Access

If you need toll-free access, call any line at Lines for Life and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line during its operating hours.

For example, you can call Lines for Life / National Suicide Prevention Line @ 1-877-273-8255 and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line between 8:30am and 5pm PST.

LWWMI – Living Well With Mental Illness – Online Peer Support Community – 24/7 @ Discord
Mar 20 all-day

 

Online Peer Support Community

What is online peer support?

  • Community

    A safe and supportive online community for people living with mental illness and those who support them.

  • Chat

    Text based chat channels covering a wide range of topics.

  • Forum

    A general forum for posting questions and getting community feedback.

  • Social

    A drop in community for voice and video chat.

  • Online

    All hosted online through an easy to use private Discord server, available to access 24/7 anywhere in the world. (Learn about Discord below).

Join Today!

What is Discord?

Our peer support community is built on Discord.

Discord is an app that lets people build communities around text based chat, as well as connect with one another through voice and video group calls.

Discord is 100% free to use and the app is available for mobile (iOS and Android), desktop (PC and Mac), or you can even connect without any app just by accessing it through a web browser like Chrome.

Code of Conduct

Welcome to the Code of Conduct. Let’s get right to it!

  1. We use supportive, welcoming language.

    • We strive to use welcoming/caring language that is supportive, encouraging, respecting, accepting, understanding and/or validating. We do our best to avoid using critical, shaming, controlling, or patronizing language.

    • We will do our best to monitor and edit our own language. If a mod reaches out and asks us to edit it, we edit it.

  2. We respect differing perspectives of others, and make space for each other within the community.

    • We will make space for others to share their personal experiences. We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other. This includes: bullying, bigotry, hate speech, physical threats, personal attacks, doxing. We also will not tell anyone that their lived experience is wrong, or shame others for their choice in treatment.

    • We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, neurodiversity, mental health, physical health, religion, or political alignment.

    • If something someone says appears to be breaking a community rule, acting with malice, or is otherwise problematic, we will not attack or criticize them, but instead will alert the Mod Team, who can assess and handle the situation. Before doing this, it can also be helpful to assume good intent, and ask for clarification in a respectful and non-judgemental way. The mods are available to lend a hand as well.

    • We will strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone to feel safe participating in.

  3. We call people what they ask to be called.

    • We call people by their stated names/pronouns/identities. If a dead name or incorrect pronoun is used (yours or someone else’s), we will respectfully ask the person to update their message to properly reflect the other’s name/pronouns/identities. If it is brought to your attention that you have made a mistake with someone else’s name/pronouns/identities, that’s okay, mistakes happen, but please kindly take the note and edit the message as soon as possible.

    • We do not correct others on their own usage of their names/pronouns/identities. For example if someone prefers to be called “schizophrenic” or “person living with schizophrenia”, that is up to each individual person. We respect each individual’s choice to determine how they would like to be referred to.

    • If we have any concerns about continued use of incorrect names/pronouns/identities, or feel that misuse is being done maliciously, we will let a mod know.

  4. We connect with each other from a trauma informed perspective.

    • We understand that everyone is coming to this community with different experiences and potential triggers. We will do our best to be mindful of this by using the “spoilers” function for any text that will likely be triggering or sensitive for others (write || on either side of the text to be hidden, or highlight the text to be hidden, right click and then click the eye symbol on the far right). Particularly triggering topics may be around suicide and addiction (no glorification allowed of either), as well as members difficult experiences with the mental health care system.

    • If you are feeling triggered, please step away from the conversation. If there is a channel or part of the server that is too triggering for you, please consider muting it or asking a moderator for help with finding accommodation.

  5. We provide our own experiences rather than provide direct advice.

    • When someone asks about medical treatments and therapies, we stick to speaking about our own experiences (keeping in mind that experiences may differ greatly between individual people). If we do provide more than our own experience, we share resources, strategies, and ideas without giving direct advice. If we do accidentally give direct advice (medical or generalized) and we’re asked to remove it, we remove it.

    • It is important to remember that discussion about treatments and therapies on this server does not replace talking with your doctor. Please discuss any issues or concerns with your doctor as well before making any changes to your or your loved one’s care.

  6. We let the Mods do the moderating. We respect moderator decisions and their time.

    • If you notice someone isn’t following a rule, please refrain from correcting community members, and instead, please briefly share your concerns with a moderator.

    • Refrain from arguing with the moderators and/or engaging the moderators in lengthy discussions.

    • If you have a concern or disagree with something the moderators have done, please respectfully reach out to Rob by DM. We are happy to discuss a situation and listen to concerns. (We may not always be able to go into detail, but will do our best to provide an adequate answer for our decision.)

VAFP – VisionAware and Front Porch – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Mar 20 all-day

 

 

support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and contentedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

 

 

Well Connected Program Offerings

Welcome to Well Connected

Well Connected is a nationwide phone and online community that brings  people over the age of 60 together to explore, learn, laugh, and share  experiences. Over 3,500 members join educational, fun, and engaging groups from the comfort of home. The Well Connected community of participants, staff, facilitators, and presenters value being connected to  engaging content, and to each other. Well Connected is a Front Porch  Community Service and is free of charge to individual members.

A Word About Inclusion

We welcome participants from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, living situations, and abilities. Many of our participants are low vision or blind. Many are dealing with health concerns, chronic or disabling conditions or other issues. Please be sensitive, and mindful of the diversity in our community.

How It Works

1. Browse the materials and find groups that interest you, there a currently    groups to select from.

( download the 2024 Catalog In PDF or TEXT and choose from 77 different groups! )

• Once you are enrolled in the program, there is no limit to the number of
groups you may join. ( To Join use this Link ) or by phone at 877- 797-7299

• Check your Participant Calendar for group times in your time zone, and
for information about how to join.

 

2. Join by Phone

• All groups can be joined by telephone using a toll-free number from an
unblocked number.

• To join a group, call the program line, and when prompted, enter the
two-digit code listed on the Participant Calendar.

• If you need help getting into groups, we can call you! Call the office to
request an automated call-in to any group.

3. Join Online

• All groups can be joined online with a device that connects to the
Internet.

• Create your own online registration account and sign yourself up!

• Once you’re registered for groups in advance, and you will get an email
the morning of the group (check your spam folder!) with a personal link
to join.

• Allow the system to access your microphone and speakers.

• Click the Join Group button to enter the meeting.

• If you need tech help, contact us and we can send you more detailed
instructions, or walk you through how it works.

Call or email the office to get started, or if you have any questions.

(877) 797-7299 | connections@frontporch.net

Other Resources:  

Writing Group:

https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/about-us/

 

Poem Reading and Sharing Group:

https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/events/62686fc43560cac65899bb5c

 

Meditation:

Every Monday from 8 p.m. to 8:30 on zoom, go to https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/events-calendar/ and click on Monday night Loving Kindness Meditatio

Mar
21
Thu
2024
01 – Support Line – Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 – 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone
Mar 21 all-day
01 - Support Line - Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 - 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone

 

Crisis / Support Line For Racial Equity Support

503-575-3764
Answered by BIPOC counselors 
M-F from 8:30 AM -5:00 PM PST

The Racial Equity Support Line is a service led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism. We offer support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues.

Many of us experience racism every day.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture where racist acts happen often. From workplaces to housing to healthcare, we know that our communities aren’t getting the same kind of treatment as others.

Experiencing racism can harm our mental wellness.

Whether in small acts, or violent ones, racial bias can have serious emotional impacts. Racism changes how we see the world around us. It’s stressful to worry about how people see us as different or dangerous. It’s exhausting to notice the ways that people treat us as less-than, day in and day out. It’s heartbreaking to turn on the news and learn about more violence against people who look like us.

We get it. And we’re here to talk. To support. To connect.

The person who answers may be a stranger – but we understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your situation as you talk through your feelings, and we may offer resources based on what seems most helpful to you.

Call us today at 503-575-3764.

This line is available weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm, Pacific Standard Time.

If you have questions or want to reach the Director of Equity Initiatives, please email Donna Harrell at DonnaH@linesforlife.org.

Toll-Free Access

If you need toll-free access, call any line at Lines for Life and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line during its operating hours.

For example, you can call Lines for Life / National Suicide Prevention Line @ 1-877-273-8255 and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line between 8:30am and 5pm PST.

LWWMI – Living Well With Mental Illness – Online Peer Support Community – 24/7 @ Discord
Mar 21 all-day

 

Online Peer Support Community

What is online peer support?

  • Community

    A safe and supportive online community for people living with mental illness and those who support them.

  • Chat

    Text based chat channels covering a wide range of topics.

  • Forum

    A general forum for posting questions and getting community feedback.

  • Social

    A drop in community for voice and video chat.

  • Online

    All hosted online through an easy to use private Discord server, available to access 24/7 anywhere in the world. (Learn about Discord below).

Join Today!

What is Discord?

Our peer support community is built on Discord.

Discord is an app that lets people build communities around text based chat, as well as connect with one another through voice and video group calls.

Discord is 100% free to use and the app is available for mobile (iOS and Android), desktop (PC and Mac), or you can even connect without any app just by accessing it through a web browser like Chrome.

Code of Conduct

Welcome to the Code of Conduct. Let’s get right to it!

  1. We use supportive, welcoming language.

    • We strive to use welcoming/caring language that is supportive, encouraging, respecting, accepting, understanding and/or validating. We do our best to avoid using critical, shaming, controlling, or patronizing language.

    • We will do our best to monitor and edit our own language. If a mod reaches out and asks us to edit it, we edit it.

  2. We respect differing perspectives of others, and make space for each other within the community.

    • We will make space for others to share their personal experiences. We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other. This includes: bullying, bigotry, hate speech, physical threats, personal attacks, doxing. We also will not tell anyone that their lived experience is wrong, or shame others for their choice in treatment.

    • We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, neurodiversity, mental health, physical health, religion, or political alignment.

    • If something someone says appears to be breaking a community rule, acting with malice, or is otherwise problematic, we will not attack or criticize them, but instead will alert the Mod Team, who can assess and handle the situation. Before doing this, it can also be helpful to assume good intent, and ask for clarification in a respectful and non-judgemental way. The mods are available to lend a hand as well.

    • We will strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone to feel safe participating in.

  3. We call people what they ask to be called.

    • We call people by their stated names/pronouns/identities. If a dead name or incorrect pronoun is used (yours or someone else’s), we will respectfully ask the person to update their message to properly reflect the other’s name/pronouns/identities. If it is brought to your attention that you have made a mistake with someone else’s name/pronouns/identities, that’s okay, mistakes happen, but please kindly take the note and edit the message as soon as possible.

    • We do not correct others on their own usage of their names/pronouns/identities. For example if someone prefers to be called “schizophrenic” or “person living with schizophrenia”, that is up to each individual person. We respect each individual’s choice to determine how they would like to be referred to.

    • If we have any concerns about continued use of incorrect names/pronouns/identities, or feel that misuse is being done maliciously, we will let a mod know.

  4. We connect with each other from a trauma informed perspective.

    • We understand that everyone is coming to this community with different experiences and potential triggers. We will do our best to be mindful of this by using the “spoilers” function for any text that will likely be triggering or sensitive for others (write || on either side of the text to be hidden, or highlight the text to be hidden, right click and then click the eye symbol on the far right). Particularly triggering topics may be around suicide and addiction (no glorification allowed of either), as well as members difficult experiences with the mental health care system.

    • If you are feeling triggered, please step away from the conversation. If there is a channel or part of the server that is too triggering for you, please consider muting it or asking a moderator for help with finding accommodation.

  5. We provide our own experiences rather than provide direct advice.

    • When someone asks about medical treatments and therapies, we stick to speaking about our own experiences (keeping in mind that experiences may differ greatly between individual people). If we do provide more than our own experience, we share resources, strategies, and ideas without giving direct advice. If we do accidentally give direct advice (medical or generalized) and we’re asked to remove it, we remove it.

    • It is important to remember that discussion about treatments and therapies on this server does not replace talking with your doctor. Please discuss any issues or concerns with your doctor as well before making any changes to your or your loved one’s care.

  6. We let the Mods do the moderating. We respect moderator decisions and their time.

    • If you notice someone isn’t following a rule, please refrain from correcting community members, and instead, please briefly share your concerns with a moderator.

    • Refrain from arguing with the moderators and/or engaging the moderators in lengthy discussions.

    • If you have a concern or disagree with something the moderators have done, please respectfully reach out to Rob by DM. We are happy to discuss a situation and listen to concerns. (We may not always be able to go into detail, but will do our best to provide an adequate answer for our decision.)

VAFP – VisionAware and Front Porch – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Mar 21 all-day

 

 

support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and contentedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

 

 

Well Connected Program Offerings

Welcome to Well Connected

Well Connected is a nationwide phone and online community that brings  people over the age of 60 together to explore, learn, laugh, and share  experiences. Over 3,500 members join educational, fun, and engaging groups from the comfort of home. The Well Connected community of participants, staff, facilitators, and presenters value being connected to  engaging content, and to each other. Well Connected is a Front Porch  Community Service and is free of charge to individual members.

A Word About Inclusion

We welcome participants from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, living situations, and abilities. Many of our participants are low vision or blind. Many are dealing with health concerns, chronic or disabling conditions or other issues. Please be sensitive, and mindful of the diversity in our community.

How It Works

1. Browse the materials and find groups that interest you, there a currently    groups to select from.

( download the 2024 Catalog In PDF or TEXT and choose from 77 different groups! )

• Once you are enrolled in the program, there is no limit to the number of
groups you may join. ( To Join use this Link ) or by phone at 877- 797-7299

• Check your Participant Calendar for group times in your time zone, and
for information about how to join.

 

2. Join by Phone

• All groups can be joined by telephone using a toll-free number from an
unblocked number.

• To join a group, call the program line, and when prompted, enter the
two-digit code listed on the Participant Calendar.

• If you need help getting into groups, we can call you! Call the office to
request an automated call-in to any group.

3. Join Online

• All groups can be joined online with a device that connects to the
Internet.

• Create your own online registration account and sign yourself up!

• Once you’re registered for groups in advance, and you will get an email
the morning of the group (check your spam folder!) with a personal link
to join.

• Allow the system to access your microphone and speakers.

• Click the Join Group button to enter the meeting.

• If you need tech help, contact us and we can send you more detailed
instructions, or walk you through how it works.

Call or email the office to get started, or if you have any questions.

(877) 797-7299 | connections@frontporch.net

Other Resources:  

Writing Group:

https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/about-us/

 

Poem Reading and Sharing Group:

https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/events/62686fc43560cac65899bb5c

 

Meditation:

Every Monday from 8 p.m. to 8:30 on zoom, go to https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/events-calendar/ and click on Monday night Loving Kindness Meditatio

Mar
22
Fri
2024
01 – Support Line – Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 – 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone
Mar 22 all-day
01 - Support Line - Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 - 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone

 

Crisis / Support Line For Racial Equity Support

503-575-3764
Answered by BIPOC counselors 
M-F from 8:30 AM -5:00 PM PST

The Racial Equity Support Line is a service led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism. We offer support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues.

Many of us experience racism every day.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture where racist acts happen often. From workplaces to housing to healthcare, we know that our communities aren’t getting the same kind of treatment as others.

Experiencing racism can harm our mental wellness.

Whether in small acts, or violent ones, racial bias can have serious emotional impacts. Racism changes how we see the world around us. It’s stressful to worry about how people see us as different or dangerous. It’s exhausting to notice the ways that people treat us as less-than, day in and day out. It’s heartbreaking to turn on the news and learn about more violence against people who look like us.

We get it. And we’re here to talk. To support. To connect.

The person who answers may be a stranger – but we understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your situation as you talk through your feelings, and we may offer resources based on what seems most helpful to you.

Call us today at 503-575-3764.

This line is available weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm, Pacific Standard Time.

If you have questions or want to reach the Director of Equity Initiatives, please email Donna Harrell at DonnaH@linesforlife.org.

Toll-Free Access

If you need toll-free access, call any line at Lines for Life and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line during its operating hours.

For example, you can call Lines for Life / National Suicide Prevention Line @ 1-877-273-8255 and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line between 8:30am and 5pm PST.

LWWMI – Living Well With Mental Illness – Online Peer Support Community – 24/7 @ Discord
Mar 22 all-day

 

Online Peer Support Community

What is online peer support?

  • Community

    A safe and supportive online community for people living with mental illness and those who support them.

  • Chat

    Text based chat channels covering a wide range of topics.

  • Forum

    A general forum for posting questions and getting community feedback.

  • Social

    A drop in community for voice and video chat.

  • Online

    All hosted online through an easy to use private Discord server, available to access 24/7 anywhere in the world. (Learn about Discord below).

Join Today!

What is Discord?

Our peer support community is built on Discord.

Discord is an app that lets people build communities around text based chat, as well as connect with one another through voice and video group calls.

Discord is 100% free to use and the app is available for mobile (iOS and Android), desktop (PC and Mac), or you can even connect without any app just by accessing it through a web browser like Chrome.

Code of Conduct

Welcome to the Code of Conduct. Let’s get right to it!

  1. We use supportive, welcoming language.

    • We strive to use welcoming/caring language that is supportive, encouraging, respecting, accepting, understanding and/or validating. We do our best to avoid using critical, shaming, controlling, or patronizing language.

    • We will do our best to monitor and edit our own language. If a mod reaches out and asks us to edit it, we edit it.

  2. We respect differing perspectives of others, and make space for each other within the community.

    • We will make space for others to share their personal experiences. We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other. This includes: bullying, bigotry, hate speech, physical threats, personal attacks, doxing. We also will not tell anyone that their lived experience is wrong, or shame others for their choice in treatment.

    • We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, neurodiversity, mental health, physical health, religion, or political alignment.

    • If something someone says appears to be breaking a community rule, acting with malice, or is otherwise problematic, we will not attack or criticize them, but instead will alert the Mod Team, who can assess and handle the situation. Before doing this, it can also be helpful to assume good intent, and ask for clarification in a respectful and non-judgemental way. The mods are available to lend a hand as well.

    • We will strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone to feel safe participating in.

  3. We call people what they ask to be called.

    • We call people by their stated names/pronouns/identities. If a dead name or incorrect pronoun is used (yours or someone else’s), we will respectfully ask the person to update their message to properly reflect the other’s name/pronouns/identities. If it is brought to your attention that you have made a mistake with someone else’s name/pronouns/identities, that’s okay, mistakes happen, but please kindly take the note and edit the message as soon as possible.

    • We do not correct others on their own usage of their names/pronouns/identities. For example if someone prefers to be called “schizophrenic” or “person living with schizophrenia”, that is up to each individual person. We respect each individual’s choice to determine how they would like to be referred to.

    • If we have any concerns about continued use of incorrect names/pronouns/identities, or feel that misuse is being done maliciously, we will let a mod know.

  4. We connect with each other from a trauma informed perspective.

    • We understand that everyone is coming to this community with different experiences and potential triggers. We will do our best to be mindful of this by using the “spoilers” function for any text that will likely be triggering or sensitive for others (write || on either side of the text to be hidden, or highlight the text to be hidden, right click and then click the eye symbol on the far right). Particularly triggering topics may be around suicide and addiction (no glorification allowed of either), as well as members difficult experiences with the mental health care system.

    • If you are feeling triggered, please step away from the conversation. If there is a channel or part of the server that is too triggering for you, please consider muting it or asking a moderator for help with finding accommodation.

  5. We provide our own experiences rather than provide direct advice.

    • When someone asks about medical treatments and therapies, we stick to speaking about our own experiences (keeping in mind that experiences may differ greatly between individual people). If we do provide more than our own experience, we share resources, strategies, and ideas without giving direct advice. If we do accidentally give direct advice (medical or generalized) and we’re asked to remove it, we remove it.

    • It is important to remember that discussion about treatments and therapies on this server does not replace talking with your doctor. Please discuss any issues or concerns with your doctor as well before making any changes to your or your loved one’s care.

  6. We let the Mods do the moderating. We respect moderator decisions and their time.

    • If you notice someone isn’t following a rule, please refrain from correcting community members, and instead, please briefly share your concerns with a moderator.

    • Refrain from arguing with the moderators and/or engaging the moderators in lengthy discussions.

    • If you have a concern or disagree with something the moderators have done, please respectfully reach out to Rob by DM. We are happy to discuss a situation and listen to concerns. (We may not always be able to go into detail, but will do our best to provide an adequate answer for our decision.)

VAFP – VisionAware and Front Porch – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Mar 22 all-day

 

 

support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and contentedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

 

 

Well Connected Program Offerings

Welcome to Well Connected

Well Connected is a nationwide phone and online community that brings  people over the age of 60 together to explore, learn, laugh, and share  experiences. Over 3,500 members join educational, fun, and engaging groups from the comfort of home. The Well Connected community of participants, staff, facilitators, and presenters value being connected to  engaging content, and to each other. Well Connected is a Front Porch  Community Service and is free of charge to individual members.

A Word About Inclusion

We welcome participants from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, living situations, and abilities. Many of our participants are low vision or blind. Many are dealing with health concerns, chronic or disabling conditions or other issues. Please be sensitive, and mindful of the diversity in our community.

How It Works

1. Browse the materials and find groups that interest you, there a currently    groups to select from.

( download the 2024 Catalog In PDF or TEXT and choose from 77 different groups! )

• Once you are enrolled in the program, there is no limit to the number of
groups you may join. ( To Join use this Link ) or by phone at 877- 797-7299

• Check your Participant Calendar for group times in your time zone, and
for information about how to join.

 

2. Join by Phone

• All groups can be joined by telephone using a toll-free number from an
unblocked number.

• To join a group, call the program line, and when prompted, enter the
two-digit code listed on the Participant Calendar.

• If you need help getting into groups, we can call you! Call the office to
request an automated call-in to any group.

3. Join Online

• All groups can be joined online with a device that connects to the
Internet.

• Create your own online registration account and sign yourself up!

• Once you’re registered for groups in advance, and you will get an email
the morning of the group (check your spam folder!) with a personal link
to join.

• Allow the system to access your microphone and speakers.

• Click the Join Group button to enter the meeting.

• If you need tech help, contact us and we can send you more detailed
instructions, or walk you through how it works.

Call or email the office to get started, or if you have any questions.

(877) 797-7299 | connections@frontporch.net

Other Resources:  

Writing Group:

https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/about-us/

 

Poem Reading and Sharing Group:

https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/events/62686fc43560cac65899bb5c

 

Meditation:

Every Monday from 8 p.m. to 8:30 on zoom, go to https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/events-calendar/ and click on Monday night Loving Kindness Meditatio

Mar
23
Sat
2024
LWWMI – Living Well With Mental Illness – Online Peer Support Community – 24/7 @ Discord
Mar 23 all-day

 

Online Peer Support Community

What is online peer support?

  • Community

    A safe and supportive online community for people living with mental illness and those who support them.

  • Chat

    Text based chat channels covering a wide range of topics.

  • Forum

    A general forum for posting questions and getting community feedback.

  • Social

    A drop in community for voice and video chat.

  • Online

    All hosted online through an easy to use private Discord server, available to access 24/7 anywhere in the world. (Learn about Discord below).

Join Today!

What is Discord?

Our peer support community is built on Discord.

Discord is an app that lets people build communities around text based chat, as well as connect with one another through voice and video group calls.

Discord is 100% free to use and the app is available for mobile (iOS and Android), desktop (PC and Mac), or you can even connect without any app just by accessing it through a web browser like Chrome.

Code of Conduct

Welcome to the Code of Conduct. Let’s get right to it!

  1. We use supportive, welcoming language.

    • We strive to use welcoming/caring language that is supportive, encouraging, respecting, accepting, understanding and/or validating. We do our best to avoid using critical, shaming, controlling, or patronizing language.

    • We will do our best to monitor and edit our own language. If a mod reaches out and asks us to edit it, we edit it.

  2. We respect differing perspectives of others, and make space for each other within the community.

    • We will make space for others to share their personal experiences. We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other. This includes: bullying, bigotry, hate speech, physical threats, personal attacks, doxing. We also will not tell anyone that their lived experience is wrong, or shame others for their choice in treatment.

    • We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, neurodiversity, mental health, physical health, religion, or political alignment.

    • If something someone says appears to be breaking a community rule, acting with malice, or is otherwise problematic, we will not attack or criticize them, but instead will alert the Mod Team, who can assess and handle the situation. Before doing this, it can also be helpful to assume good intent, and ask for clarification in a respectful and non-judgemental way. The mods are available to lend a hand as well.

    • We will strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone to feel safe participating in.

  3. We call people what they ask to be called.

    • We call people by their stated names/pronouns/identities. If a dead name or incorrect pronoun is used (yours or someone else’s), we will respectfully ask the person to update their message to properly reflect the other’s name/pronouns/identities. If it is brought to your attention that you have made a mistake with someone else’s name/pronouns/identities, that’s okay, mistakes happen, but please kindly take the note and edit the message as soon as possible.

    • We do not correct others on their own usage of their names/pronouns/identities. For example if someone prefers to be called “schizophrenic” or “person living with schizophrenia”, that is up to each individual person. We respect each individual’s choice to determine how they would like to be referred to.

    • If we have any concerns about continued use of incorrect names/pronouns/identities, or feel that misuse is being done maliciously, we will let a mod know.

  4. We connect with each other from a trauma informed perspective.

    • We understand that everyone is coming to this community with different experiences and potential triggers. We will do our best to be mindful of this by using the “spoilers” function for any text that will likely be triggering or sensitive for others (write || on either side of the text to be hidden, or highlight the text to be hidden, right click and then click the eye symbol on the far right). Particularly triggering topics may be around suicide and addiction (no glorification allowed of either), as well as members difficult experiences with the mental health care system.

    • If you are feeling triggered, please step away from the conversation. If there is a channel or part of the server that is too triggering for you, please consider muting it or asking a moderator for help with finding accommodation.

  5. We provide our own experiences rather than provide direct advice.

    • When someone asks about medical treatments and therapies, we stick to speaking about our own experiences (keeping in mind that experiences may differ greatly between individual people). If we do provide more than our own experience, we share resources, strategies, and ideas without giving direct advice. If we do accidentally give direct advice (medical or generalized) and we’re asked to remove it, we remove it.

    • It is important to remember that discussion about treatments and therapies on this server does not replace talking with your doctor. Please discuss any issues or concerns with your doctor as well before making any changes to your or your loved one’s care.

  6. We let the Mods do the moderating. We respect moderator decisions and their time.

    • If you notice someone isn’t following a rule, please refrain from correcting community members, and instead, please briefly share your concerns with a moderator.

    • Refrain from arguing with the moderators and/or engaging the moderators in lengthy discussions.

    • If you have a concern or disagree with something the moderators have done, please respectfully reach out to Rob by DM. We are happy to discuss a situation and listen to concerns. (We may not always be able to go into detail, but will do our best to provide an adequate answer for our decision.)

VAFP – VisionAware and Front Porch – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Mar 23 all-day

 

 

support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and contentedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

 

 

Well Connected Program Offerings

Welcome to Well Connected

Well Connected is a nationwide phone and online community that brings  people over the age of 60 together to explore, learn, laugh, and share  experiences. Over 3,500 members join educational, fun, and engaging groups from the comfort of home. The Well Connected community of participants, staff, facilitators, and presenters value being connected to  engaging content, and to each other. Well Connected is a Front Porch  Community Service and is free of charge to individual members.

A Word About Inclusion

We welcome participants from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, living situations, and abilities. Many of our participants are low vision or blind. Many are dealing with health concerns, chronic or disabling conditions or other issues. Please be sensitive, and mindful of the diversity in our community.

How It Works

1. Browse the materials and find groups that interest you, there a currently    groups to select from.

( download the 2024 Catalog In PDF or TEXT and choose from 77 different groups! )

• Once you are enrolled in the program, there is no limit to the number of
groups you may join. ( To Join use this Link ) or by phone at 877- 797-7299

• Check your Participant Calendar for group times in your time zone, and
for information about how to join.

 

2. Join by Phone

• All groups can be joined by telephone using a toll-free number from an
unblocked number.

• To join a group, call the program line, and when prompted, enter the
two-digit code listed on the Participant Calendar.

• If you need help getting into groups, we can call you! Call the office to
request an automated call-in to any group.

3. Join Online

• All groups can be joined online with a device that connects to the
Internet.

• Create your own online registration account and sign yourself up!

• Once you’re registered for groups in advance, and you will get an email
the morning of the group (check your spam folder!) with a personal link
to join.

• Allow the system to access your microphone and speakers.

• Click the Join Group button to enter the meeting.

• If you need tech help, contact us and we can send you more detailed
instructions, or walk you through how it works.

Call or email the office to get started, or if you have any questions.

(877) 797-7299 | connections@frontporch.net

Other Resources:  

Writing Group:

https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/about-us/

 

Poem Reading and Sharing Group:

https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/events/62686fc43560cac65899bb5c

 

Meditation:

Every Monday from 8 p.m. to 8:30 on zoom, go to https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/events-calendar/ and click on Monday night Loving Kindness Meditatio

Mar
24
Sun
2024
LWWMI – Living Well With Mental Illness – Online Peer Support Community – 24/7 @ Discord
Mar 24 all-day

 

Online Peer Support Community

What is online peer support?

  • Community

    A safe and supportive online community for people living with mental illness and those who support them.

  • Chat

    Text based chat channels covering a wide range of topics.

  • Forum

    A general forum for posting questions and getting community feedback.

  • Social

    A drop in community for voice and video chat.

  • Online

    All hosted online through an easy to use private Discord server, available to access 24/7 anywhere in the world. (Learn about Discord below).

Join Today!

What is Discord?

Our peer support community is built on Discord.

Discord is an app that lets people build communities around text based chat, as well as connect with one another through voice and video group calls.

Discord is 100% free to use and the app is available for mobile (iOS and Android), desktop (PC and Mac), or you can even connect without any app just by accessing it through a web browser like Chrome.

Code of Conduct

Welcome to the Code of Conduct. Let’s get right to it!

  1. We use supportive, welcoming language.

    • We strive to use welcoming/caring language that is supportive, encouraging, respecting, accepting, understanding and/or validating. We do our best to avoid using critical, shaming, controlling, or patronizing language.

    • We will do our best to monitor and edit our own language. If a mod reaches out and asks us to edit it, we edit it.

  2. We respect differing perspectives of others, and make space for each other within the community.

    • We will make space for others to share their personal experiences. We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other. This includes: bullying, bigotry, hate speech, physical threats, personal attacks, doxing. We also will not tell anyone that their lived experience is wrong, or shame others for their choice in treatment.

    • We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, neurodiversity, mental health, physical health, religion, or political alignment.

    • If something someone says appears to be breaking a community rule, acting with malice, or is otherwise problematic, we will not attack or criticize them, but instead will alert the Mod Team, who can assess and handle the situation. Before doing this, it can also be helpful to assume good intent, and ask for clarification in a respectful and non-judgemental way. The mods are available to lend a hand as well.

    • We will strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone to feel safe participating in.

  3. We call people what they ask to be called.

    • We call people by their stated names/pronouns/identities. If a dead name or incorrect pronoun is used (yours or someone else’s), we will respectfully ask the person to update their message to properly reflect the other’s name/pronouns/identities. If it is brought to your attention that you have made a mistake with someone else’s name/pronouns/identities, that’s okay, mistakes happen, but please kindly take the note and edit the message as soon as possible.

    • We do not correct others on their own usage of their names/pronouns/identities. For example if someone prefers to be called “schizophrenic” or “person living with schizophrenia”, that is up to each individual person. We respect each individual’s choice to determine how they would like to be referred to.

    • If we have any concerns about continued use of incorrect names/pronouns/identities, or feel that misuse is being done maliciously, we will let a mod know.

  4. We connect with each other from a trauma informed perspective.

    • We understand that everyone is coming to this community with different experiences and potential triggers. We will do our best to be mindful of this by using the “spoilers” function for any text that will likely be triggering or sensitive for others (write || on either side of the text to be hidden, or highlight the text to be hidden, right click and then click the eye symbol on the far right). Particularly triggering topics may be around suicide and addiction (no glorification allowed of either), as well as members difficult experiences with the mental health care system.

    • If you are feeling triggered, please step away from the conversation. If there is a channel or part of the server that is too triggering for you, please consider muting it or asking a moderator for help with finding accommodation.

  5. We provide our own experiences rather than provide direct advice.

    • When someone asks about medical treatments and therapies, we stick to speaking about our own experiences (keeping in mind that experiences may differ greatly between individual people). If we do provide more than our own experience, we share resources, strategies, and ideas without giving direct advice. If we do accidentally give direct advice (medical or generalized) and we’re asked to remove it, we remove it.

    • It is important to remember that discussion about treatments and therapies on this server does not replace talking with your doctor. Please discuss any issues or concerns with your doctor as well before making any changes to your or your loved one’s care.

  6. We let the Mods do the moderating. We respect moderator decisions and their time.

    • If you notice someone isn’t following a rule, please refrain from correcting community members, and instead, please briefly share your concerns with a moderator.

    • Refrain from arguing with the moderators and/or engaging the moderators in lengthy discussions.

    • If you have a concern or disagree with something the moderators have done, please respectfully reach out to Rob by DM. We are happy to discuss a situation and listen to concerns. (We may not always be able to go into detail, but will do our best to provide an adequate answer for our decision.)

VAFP – VisionAware and Front Porch – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Mar 24 all-day

 

 

support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and contentedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

 

 

Well Connected Program Offerings

Welcome to Well Connected

Well Connected is a nationwide phone and online community that brings  people over the age of 60 together to explore, learn, laugh, and share  experiences. Over 3,500 members join educational, fun, and engaging groups from the comfort of home. The Well Connected community of participants, staff, facilitators, and presenters value being connected to  engaging content, and to each other. Well Connected is a Front Porch  Community Service and is free of charge to individual members.

A Word About Inclusion

We welcome participants from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, living situations, and abilities. Many of our participants are low vision or blind. Many are dealing with health concerns, chronic or disabling conditions or other issues. Please be sensitive, and mindful of the diversity in our community.

How It Works

1. Browse the materials and find groups that interest you, there a currently    groups to select from.

( download the 2024 Catalog In PDF or TEXT and choose from 77 different groups! )

• Once you are enrolled in the program, there is no limit to the number of
groups you may join. ( To Join use this Link ) or by phone at 877- 797-7299

• Check your Participant Calendar for group times in your time zone, and
for information about how to join.

 

2. Join by Phone

• All groups can be joined by telephone using a toll-free number from an
unblocked number.

• To join a group, call the program line, and when prompted, enter the
two-digit code listed on the Participant Calendar.

• If you need help getting into groups, we can call you! Call the office to
request an automated call-in to any group.

3. Join Online

• All groups can be joined online with a device that connects to the
Internet.

• Create your own online registration account and sign yourself up!

• Once you’re registered for groups in advance, and you will get an email
the morning of the group (check your spam folder!) with a personal link
to join.

• Allow the system to access your microphone and speakers.

• Click the Join Group button to enter the meeting.

• If you need tech help, contact us and we can send you more detailed
instructions, or walk you through how it works.

Call or email the office to get started, or if you have any questions.

(877) 797-7299 | connections@frontporch.net

Other Resources:  

Writing Group:

https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/about-us/

 

Poem Reading and Sharing Group:

https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/events/62686fc43560cac65899bb5c

 

Meditation:

Every Monday from 8 p.m. to 8:30 on zoom, go to https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/events-calendar/ and click on Monday night Loving Kindness Meditatio

Mar
25
Mon
2024
01 – Support Line – Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 – 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone
Mar 25 all-day
01 - Support Line - Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 - 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone

 

Crisis / Support Line For Racial Equity Support

503-575-3764
Answered by BIPOC counselors 
M-F from 8:30 AM -5:00 PM PST

The Racial Equity Support Line is a service led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism. We offer support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues.

Many of us experience racism every day.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture where racist acts happen often. From workplaces to housing to healthcare, we know that our communities aren’t getting the same kind of treatment as others.

Experiencing racism can harm our mental wellness.

Whether in small acts, or violent ones, racial bias can have serious emotional impacts. Racism changes how we see the world around us. It’s stressful to worry about how people see us as different or dangerous. It’s exhausting to notice the ways that people treat us as less-than, day in and day out. It’s heartbreaking to turn on the news and learn about more violence against people who look like us.

We get it. And we’re here to talk. To support. To connect.

The person who answers may be a stranger – but we understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your situation as you talk through your feelings, and we may offer resources based on what seems most helpful to you.

Call us today at 503-575-3764.

This line is available weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm, Pacific Standard Time.

If you have questions or want to reach the Director of Equity Initiatives, please email Donna Harrell at DonnaH@linesforlife.org.

Toll-Free Access

If you need toll-free access, call any line at Lines for Life and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line during its operating hours.

For example, you can call Lines for Life / National Suicide Prevention Line @ 1-877-273-8255 and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line between 8:30am and 5pm PST.

LWWMI – Living Well With Mental Illness – Online Peer Support Community – 24/7 @ Discord
Mar 25 all-day

 

Online Peer Support Community

What is online peer support?

  • Community

    A safe and supportive online community for people living with mental illness and those who support them.

  • Chat

    Text based chat channels covering a wide range of topics.

  • Forum

    A general forum for posting questions and getting community feedback.

  • Social

    A drop in community for voice and video chat.

  • Online

    All hosted online through an easy to use private Discord server, available to access 24/7 anywhere in the world. (Learn about Discord below).

Join Today!

What is Discord?

Our peer support community is built on Discord.

Discord is an app that lets people build communities around text based chat, as well as connect with one another through voice and video group calls.

Discord is 100% free to use and the app is available for mobile (iOS and Android), desktop (PC and Mac), or you can even connect without any app just by accessing it through a web browser like Chrome.

Code of Conduct

Welcome to the Code of Conduct. Let’s get right to it!

  1. We use supportive, welcoming language.

    • We strive to use welcoming/caring language that is supportive, encouraging, respecting, accepting, understanding and/or validating. We do our best to avoid using critical, shaming, controlling, or patronizing language.

    • We will do our best to monitor and edit our own language. If a mod reaches out and asks us to edit it, we edit it.

  2. We respect differing perspectives of others, and make space for each other within the community.

    • We will make space for others to share their personal experiences. We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other. This includes: bullying, bigotry, hate speech, physical threats, personal attacks, doxing. We also will not tell anyone that their lived experience is wrong, or shame others for their choice in treatment.

    • We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, neurodiversity, mental health, physical health, religion, or political alignment.

    • If something someone says appears to be breaking a community rule, acting with malice, or is otherwise problematic, we will not attack or criticize them, but instead will alert the Mod Team, who can assess and handle the situation. Before doing this, it can also be helpful to assume good intent, and ask for clarification in a respectful and non-judgemental way. The mods are available to lend a hand as well.

    • We will strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone to feel safe participating in.

  3. We call people what they ask to be called.

    • We call people by their stated names/pronouns/identities. If a dead name or incorrect pronoun is used (yours or someone else’s), we will respectfully ask the person to update their message to properly reflect the other’s name/pronouns/identities. If it is brought to your attention that you have made a mistake with someone else’s name/pronouns/identities, that’s okay, mistakes happen, but please kindly take the note and edit the message as soon as possible.

    • We do not correct others on their own usage of their names/pronouns/identities. For example if someone prefers to be called “schizophrenic” or “person living with schizophrenia”, that is up to each individual person. We respect each individual’s choice to determine how they would like to be referred to.

    • If we have any concerns about continued use of incorrect names/pronouns/identities, or feel that misuse is being done maliciously, we will let a mod know.

  4. We connect with each other from a trauma informed perspective.

    • We understand that everyone is coming to this community with different experiences and potential triggers. We will do our best to be mindful of this by using the “spoilers” function for any text that will likely be triggering or sensitive for others (write || on either side of the text to be hidden, or highlight the text to be hidden, right click and then click the eye symbol on the far right). Particularly triggering topics may be around suicide and addiction (no glorification allowed of either), as well as members difficult experiences with the mental health care system.

    • If you are feeling triggered, please step away from the conversation. If there is a channel or part of the server that is too triggering for you, please consider muting it or asking a moderator for help with finding accommodation.

  5. We provide our own experiences rather than provide direct advice.

    • When someone asks about medical treatments and therapies, we stick to speaking about our own experiences (keeping in mind that experiences may differ greatly between individual people). If we do provide more than our own experience, we share resources, strategies, and ideas without giving direct advice. If we do accidentally give direct advice (medical or generalized) and we’re asked to remove it, we remove it.

    • It is important to remember that discussion about treatments and therapies on this server does not replace talking with your doctor. Please discuss any issues or concerns with your doctor as well before making any changes to your or your loved one’s care.

  6. We let the Mods do the moderating. We respect moderator decisions and their time.

    • If you notice someone isn’t following a rule, please refrain from correcting community members, and instead, please briefly share your concerns with a moderator.

    • Refrain from arguing with the moderators and/or engaging the moderators in lengthy discussions.

    • If you have a concern or disagree with something the moderators have done, please respectfully reach out to Rob by DM. We are happy to discuss a situation and listen to concerns. (We may not always be able to go into detail, but will do our best to provide an adequate answer for our decision.)

VAFP – VisionAware and Front Porch – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Mar 25 all-day

 

 

support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and contentedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

 

 

Well Connected Program Offerings

Welcome to Well Connected

Well Connected is a nationwide phone and online community that brings  people over the age of 60 together to explore, learn, laugh, and share  experiences. Over 3,500 members join educational, fun, and engaging groups from the comfort of home. The Well Connected community of participants, staff, facilitators, and presenters value being connected to  engaging content, and to each other. Well Connected is a Front Porch  Community Service and is free of charge to individual members.

A Word About Inclusion

We welcome participants from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, living situations, and abilities. Many of our participants are low vision or blind. Many are dealing with health concerns, chronic or disabling conditions or other issues. Please be sensitive, and mindful of the diversity in our community.

How It Works

1. Browse the materials and find groups that interest you, there a currently    groups to select from.

( download the 2024 Catalog In PDF or TEXT and choose from 77 different groups! )

• Once you are enrolled in the program, there is no limit to the number of
groups you may join. ( To Join use this Link ) or by phone at 877- 797-7299

• Check your Participant Calendar for group times in your time zone, and
for information about how to join.

 

2. Join by Phone

• All groups can be joined by telephone using a toll-free number from an
unblocked number.

• To join a group, call the program line, and when prompted, enter the
two-digit code listed on the Participant Calendar.

• If you need help getting into groups, we can call you! Call the office to
request an automated call-in to any group.

3. Join Online

• All groups can be joined online with a device that connects to the
Internet.

• Create your own online registration account and sign yourself up!

• Once you’re registered for groups in advance, and you will get an email
the morning of the group (check your spam folder!) with a personal link
to join.

• Allow the system to access your microphone and speakers.

• Click the Join Group button to enter the meeting.

• If you need tech help, contact us and we can send you more detailed
instructions, or walk you through how it works.

Call or email the office to get started, or if you have any questions.

(877) 797-7299 | connections@frontporch.net

Other Resources:  

Writing Group:

https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/about-us/

 

Poem Reading and Sharing Group:

https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/events/62686fc43560cac65899bb5c

 

Meditation:

Every Monday from 8 p.m. to 8:30 on zoom, go to https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/events-calendar/ and click on Monday night Loving Kindness Meditatio

Mar
26
Tue
2024
01 – Support Line – Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 – 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone
Mar 26 all-day
01 - Support Line - Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 - 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone

 

Crisis / Support Line For Racial Equity Support

503-575-3764
Answered by BIPOC counselors 
M-F from 8:30 AM -5:00 PM PST

The Racial Equity Support Line is a service led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism. We offer support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues.

Many of us experience racism every day.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture where racist acts happen often. From workplaces to housing to healthcare, we know that our communities aren’t getting the same kind of treatment as others.

Experiencing racism can harm our mental wellness.

Whether in small acts, or violent ones, racial bias can have serious emotional impacts. Racism changes how we see the world around us. It’s stressful to worry about how people see us as different or dangerous. It’s exhausting to notice the ways that people treat us as less-than, day in and day out. It’s heartbreaking to turn on the news and learn about more violence against people who look like us.

We get it. And we’re here to talk. To support. To connect.

The person who answers may be a stranger – but we understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your situation as you talk through your feelings, and we may offer resources based on what seems most helpful to you.

Call us today at 503-575-3764.

This line is available weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm, Pacific Standard Time.

If you have questions or want to reach the Director of Equity Initiatives, please email Donna Harrell at DonnaH@linesforlife.org.

Toll-Free Access

If you need toll-free access, call any line at Lines for Life and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line during its operating hours.

For example, you can call Lines for Life / National Suicide Prevention Line @ 1-877-273-8255 and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line between 8:30am and 5pm PST.

LWWMI – Living Well With Mental Illness – Online Peer Support Community – 24/7 @ Discord
Mar 26 all-day

 

Online Peer Support Community

What is online peer support?

  • Community

    A safe and supportive online community for people living with mental illness and those who support them.

  • Chat

    Text based chat channels covering a wide range of topics.

  • Forum

    A general forum for posting questions and getting community feedback.

  • Social

    A drop in community for voice and video chat.

  • Online

    All hosted online through an easy to use private Discord server, available to access 24/7 anywhere in the world. (Learn about Discord below).

Join Today!

What is Discord?

Our peer support community is built on Discord.

Discord is an app that lets people build communities around text based chat, as well as connect with one another through voice and video group calls.

Discord is 100% free to use and the app is available for mobile (iOS and Android), desktop (PC and Mac), or you can even connect without any app just by accessing it through a web browser like Chrome.

Code of Conduct

Welcome to the Code of Conduct. Let’s get right to it!

  1. We use supportive, welcoming language.

    • We strive to use welcoming/caring language that is supportive, encouraging, respecting, accepting, understanding and/or validating. We do our best to avoid using critical, shaming, controlling, or patronizing language.

    • We will do our best to monitor and edit our own language. If a mod reaches out and asks us to edit it, we edit it.

  2. We respect differing perspectives of others, and make space for each other within the community.

    • We will make space for others to share their personal experiences. We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other. This includes: bullying, bigotry, hate speech, physical threats, personal attacks, doxing. We also will not tell anyone that their lived experience is wrong, or shame others for their choice in treatment.

    • We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, neurodiversity, mental health, physical health, religion, or political alignment.

    • If something someone says appears to be breaking a community rule, acting with malice, or is otherwise problematic, we will not attack or criticize them, but instead will alert the Mod Team, who can assess and handle the situation. Before doing this, it can also be helpful to assume good intent, and ask for clarification in a respectful and non-judgemental way. The mods are available to lend a hand as well.

    • We will strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone to feel safe participating in.

  3. We call people what they ask to be called.

    • We call people by their stated names/pronouns/identities. If a dead name or incorrect pronoun is used (yours or someone else’s), we will respectfully ask the person to update their message to properly reflect the other’s name/pronouns/identities. If it is brought to your attention that you have made a mistake with someone else’s name/pronouns/identities, that’s okay, mistakes happen, but please kindly take the note and edit the message as soon as possible.

    • We do not correct others on their own usage of their names/pronouns/identities. For example if someone prefers to be called “schizophrenic” or “person living with schizophrenia”, that is up to each individual person. We respect each individual’s choice to determine how they would like to be referred to.

    • If we have any concerns about continued use of incorrect names/pronouns/identities, or feel that misuse is being done maliciously, we will let a mod know.

  4. We connect with each other from a trauma informed perspective.

    • We understand that everyone is coming to this community with different experiences and potential triggers. We will do our best to be mindful of this by using the “spoilers” function for any text that will likely be triggering or sensitive for others (write || on either side of the text to be hidden, or highlight the text to be hidden, right click and then click the eye symbol on the far right). Particularly triggering topics may be around suicide and addiction (no glorification allowed of either), as well as members difficult experiences with the mental health care system.

    • If you are feeling triggered, please step away from the conversation. If there is a channel or part of the server that is too triggering for you, please consider muting it or asking a moderator for help with finding accommodation.

  5. We provide our own experiences rather than provide direct advice.

    • When someone asks about medical treatments and therapies, we stick to speaking about our own experiences (keeping in mind that experiences may differ greatly between individual people). If we do provide more than our own experience, we share resources, strategies, and ideas without giving direct advice. If we do accidentally give direct advice (medical or generalized) and we’re asked to remove it, we remove it.

    • It is important to remember that discussion about treatments and therapies on this server does not replace talking with your doctor. Please discuss any issues or concerns with your doctor as well before making any changes to your or your loved one’s care.

  6. We let the Mods do the moderating. We respect moderator decisions and their time.

    • If you notice someone isn’t following a rule, please refrain from correcting community members, and instead, please briefly share your concerns with a moderator.

    • Refrain from arguing with the moderators and/or engaging the moderators in lengthy discussions.

    • If you have a concern or disagree with something the moderators have done, please respectfully reach out to Rob by DM. We are happy to discuss a situation and listen to concerns. (We may not always be able to go into detail, but will do our best to provide an adequate answer for our decision.)

VAFP – VisionAware and Front Porch – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Mar 26 all-day

 

 

support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and contentedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

 

 

Well Connected Program Offerings

Welcome to Well Connected

Well Connected is a nationwide phone and online community that brings  people over the age of 60 together to explore, learn, laugh, and share  experiences. Over 3,500 members join educational, fun, and engaging groups from the comfort of home. The Well Connected community of participants, staff, facilitators, and presenters value being connected to  engaging content, and to each other. Well Connected is a Front Porch  Community Service and is free of charge to individual members.

A Word About Inclusion

We welcome participants from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, living situations, and abilities. Many of our participants are low vision or blind. Many are dealing with health concerns, chronic or disabling conditions or other issues. Please be sensitive, and mindful of the diversity in our community.

How It Works

1. Browse the materials and find groups that interest you, there a currently    groups to select from.

( download the 2024 Catalog In PDF or TEXT and choose from 77 different groups! )

• Once you are enrolled in the program, there is no limit to the number of
groups you may join. ( To Join use this Link ) or by phone at 877- 797-7299

• Check your Participant Calendar for group times in your time zone, and
for information about how to join.

 

2. Join by Phone

• All groups can be joined by telephone using a toll-free number from an
unblocked number.

• To join a group, call the program line, and when prompted, enter the
two-digit code listed on the Participant Calendar.

• If you need help getting into groups, we can call you! Call the office to
request an automated call-in to any group.

3. Join Online

• All groups can be joined online with a device that connects to the
Internet.

• Create your own online registration account and sign yourself up!

• Once you’re registered for groups in advance, and you will get an email
the morning of the group (check your spam folder!) with a personal link
to join.

• Allow the system to access your microphone and speakers.

• Click the Join Group button to enter the meeting.

• If you need tech help, contact us and we can send you more detailed
instructions, or walk you through how it works.

Call or email the office to get started, or if you have any questions.

(877) 797-7299 | connections@frontporch.net

Other Resources:  

Writing Group:

https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/about-us/

 

Poem Reading and Sharing Group:

https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/events/62686fc43560cac65899bb5c

 

Meditation:

Every Monday from 8 p.m. to 8:30 on zoom, go to https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/events-calendar/ and click on Monday night Loving Kindness Meditatio

MNA – Metis Nation of Alberta – Peer Led Addictions Support Group – Tuesdays @ Online Via ZOOM
Mar 26 @ 6:30 am – 7:30 am

 

 

Living with addiction can feel isolating and lonely. Find connection and community at our new Peer-Led Addictions Support Group every Tuesday night, 6:30-7:30 p.m., starting May 30.

No need to register! Just drop in via Zoom.

For more information, contact Lisa at lvaughn@metis.org

 

 

CA – Crim-Anon – Criminals Anonymous Fellowship – OREGON CITY HILLTOP MEETING – Tuesday @ Online via Zoom
Mar 26 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm

 

sponsor event banner

 

CRIM ANON (Criminals Anonymous) Recovery Group

Without You There Is No Us

Crim Anon Virtual Group on Tuesday Nights

7:00pm-8:15pm PST

 

About Crim-Anon (Criminals Anonymous)

We are a recovery fellowship comprised of men, women, youth, survivors, and their families that are committed to supporting and living a crime-free lifestyle. We welcome you to check out our website at www.crimanon.org. Zoom on in with us!  To join this meeting, use the ZOOM Link and Meeting ID provided below:

CONTACT US:
Criminal Anonymous World Services
2601 SE 160th Ave., Portland, OR 97236
Bear C: (971) 282-1903    bear01@crimanon.org
Zane M: (503) 754-5217
Billy S: (971) 985-4849
Hours of Operation    24/7 
Get in touch with our team at Criminal Anonymous World Services in Portland, OR if you need support, have any questions.
Grand Elders are available      24/7:
 Bear – (971) 282-1903
 Zane – (503) 754-5217
 Reina – (503) 446-0243
 Billy – (971) 985-4849
 Bo – (971) 772-8307
 Amber – (503) 799-2552
 Andrey M – (503) 660-9448
 Tara – (971) 323-2699
 DJ – (503) 501-1368
 Twila – (503) 936-5185
 Caitlin – (971) 804-2848
 Nick – (503) 465-7013
 Joanie – (503) 732-4115
 Michelle – (503) 875-7985
 Cliff – (971) 283-3133
 Dick – 503) 380-5800
 Melanie – (503) 922-5014
 Sean – (971) 276-5365

Crim Anon Website:

https://www.crimanon.org

Facebook Crim Anon Home Page

https://www.facebook.com/CriminalsAnonymous/

Facebook  Crim Anon Fellowship Page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/475073000014931/

 

Mar
27
Wed
2024
01 – Support Line – Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 – 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone
Mar 27 all-day
01 - Support Line - Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 - 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone

 

Crisis / Support Line For Racial Equity Support

503-575-3764
Answered by BIPOC counselors 
M-F from 8:30 AM -5:00 PM PST

The Racial Equity Support Line is a service led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism. We offer support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues.

Many of us experience racism every day.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture where racist acts happen often. From workplaces to housing to healthcare, we know that our communities aren’t getting the same kind of treatment as others.

Experiencing racism can harm our mental wellness.

Whether in small acts, or violent ones, racial bias can have serious emotional impacts. Racism changes how we see the world around us. It’s stressful to worry about how people see us as different or dangerous. It’s exhausting to notice the ways that people treat us as less-than, day in and day out. It’s heartbreaking to turn on the news and learn about more violence against people who look like us.

We get it. And we’re here to talk. To support. To connect.

The person who answers may be a stranger – but we understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your situation as you talk through your feelings, and we may offer resources based on what seems most helpful to you.

Call us today at 503-575-3764.

This line is available weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm, Pacific Standard Time.

If you have questions or want to reach the Director of Equity Initiatives, please email Donna Harrell at DonnaH@linesforlife.org.

Toll-Free Access

If you need toll-free access, call any line at Lines for Life and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line during its operating hours.

For example, you can call Lines for Life / National Suicide Prevention Line @ 1-877-273-8255 and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line between 8:30am and 5pm PST.

LWWMI – Living Well With Mental Illness – Online Peer Support Community – 24/7 @ Discord
Mar 27 all-day

 

Online Peer Support Community

What is online peer support?

  • Community

    A safe and supportive online community for people living with mental illness and those who support them.

  • Chat

    Text based chat channels covering a wide range of topics.

  • Forum

    A general forum for posting questions and getting community feedback.

  • Social

    A drop in community for voice and video chat.

  • Online

    All hosted online through an easy to use private Discord server, available to access 24/7 anywhere in the world. (Learn about Discord below).

Join Today!

What is Discord?

Our peer support community is built on Discord.

Discord is an app that lets people build communities around text based chat, as well as connect with one another through voice and video group calls.

Discord is 100% free to use and the app is available for mobile (iOS and Android), desktop (PC and Mac), or you can even connect without any app just by accessing it through a web browser like Chrome.

Code of Conduct

Welcome to the Code of Conduct. Let’s get right to it!

  1. We use supportive, welcoming language.

    • We strive to use welcoming/caring language that is supportive, encouraging, respecting, accepting, understanding and/or validating. We do our best to avoid using critical, shaming, controlling, or patronizing language.

    • We will do our best to monitor and edit our own language. If a mod reaches out and asks us to edit it, we edit it.

  2. We respect differing perspectives of others, and make space for each other within the community.

    • We will make space for others to share their personal experiences. We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other. This includes: bullying, bigotry, hate speech, physical threats, personal attacks, doxing. We also will not tell anyone that their lived experience is wrong, or shame others for their choice in treatment.

    • We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, neurodiversity, mental health, physical health, religion, or political alignment.

    • If something someone says appears to be breaking a community rule, acting with malice, or is otherwise problematic, we will not attack or criticize them, but instead will alert the Mod Team, who can assess and handle the situation. Before doing this, it can also be helpful to assume good intent, and ask for clarification in a respectful and non-judgemental way. The mods are available to lend a hand as well.

    • We will strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone to feel safe participating in.

  3. We call people what they ask to be called.

    • We call people by their stated names/pronouns/identities. If a dead name or incorrect pronoun is used (yours or someone else’s), we will respectfully ask the person to update their message to properly reflect the other’s name/pronouns/identities. If it is brought to your attention that you have made a mistake with someone else’s name/pronouns/identities, that’s okay, mistakes happen, but please kindly take the note and edit the message as soon as possible.

    • We do not correct others on their own usage of their names/pronouns/identities. For example if someone prefers to be called “schizophrenic” or “person living with schizophrenia”, that is up to each individual person. We respect each individual’s choice to determine how they would like to be referred to.

    • If we have any concerns about continued use of incorrect names/pronouns/identities, or feel that misuse is being done maliciously, we will let a mod know.

  4. We connect with each other from a trauma informed perspective.

    • We understand that everyone is coming to this community with different experiences and potential triggers. We will do our best to be mindful of this by using the “spoilers” function for any text that will likely be triggering or sensitive for others (write || on either side of the text to be hidden, or highlight the text to be hidden, right click and then click the eye symbol on the far right). Particularly triggering topics may be around suicide and addiction (no glorification allowed of either), as well as members difficult experiences with the mental health care system.

    • If you are feeling triggered, please step away from the conversation. If there is a channel or part of the server that is too triggering for you, please consider muting it or asking a moderator for help with finding accommodation.

  5. We provide our own experiences rather than provide direct advice.

    • When someone asks about medical treatments and therapies, we stick to speaking about our own experiences (keeping in mind that experiences may differ greatly between individual people). If we do provide more than our own experience, we share resources, strategies, and ideas without giving direct advice. If we do accidentally give direct advice (medical or generalized) and we’re asked to remove it, we remove it.

    • It is important to remember that discussion about treatments and therapies on this server does not replace talking with your doctor. Please discuss any issues or concerns with your doctor as well before making any changes to your or your loved one’s care.

  6. We let the Mods do the moderating. We respect moderator decisions and their time.

    • If you notice someone isn’t following a rule, please refrain from correcting community members, and instead, please briefly share your concerns with a moderator.

    • Refrain from arguing with the moderators and/or engaging the moderators in lengthy discussions.

    • If you have a concern or disagree with something the moderators have done, please respectfully reach out to Rob by DM. We are happy to discuss a situation and listen to concerns. (We may not always be able to go into detail, but will do our best to provide an adequate answer for our decision.)

VAFP – VisionAware and Front Porch – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Mar 27 all-day

 

 

support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and contentedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

 

 

Well Connected Program Offerings

Welcome to Well Connected

Well Connected is a nationwide phone and online community that brings  people over the age of 60 together to explore, learn, laugh, and share  experiences. Over 3,500 members join educational, fun, and engaging groups from the comfort of home. The Well Connected community of participants, staff, facilitators, and presenters value being connected to  engaging content, and to each other. Well Connected is a Front Porch  Community Service and is free of charge to individual members.

A Word About Inclusion

We welcome participants from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, living situations, and abilities. Many of our participants are low vision or blind. Many are dealing with health concerns, chronic or disabling conditions or other issues. Please be sensitive, and mindful of the diversity in our community.

How It Works

1. Browse the materials and find groups that interest you, there a currently    groups to select from.

( download the 2024 Catalog In PDF or TEXT and choose from 77 different groups! )

• Once you are enrolled in the program, there is no limit to the number of
groups you may join. ( To Join use this Link ) or by phone at 877- 797-7299

• Check your Participant Calendar for group times in your time zone, and
for information about how to join.

 

2. Join by Phone

• All groups can be joined by telephone using a toll-free number from an
unblocked number.

• To join a group, call the program line, and when prompted, enter the
two-digit code listed on the Participant Calendar.

• If you need help getting into groups, we can call you! Call the office to
request an automated call-in to any group.

3. Join Online

• All groups can be joined online with a device that connects to the
Internet.

• Create your own online registration account and sign yourself up!

• Once you’re registered for groups in advance, and you will get an email
the morning of the group (check your spam folder!) with a personal link
to join.

• Allow the system to access your microphone and speakers.

• Click the Join Group button to enter the meeting.

• If you need tech help, contact us and we can send you more detailed
instructions, or walk you through how it works.

Call or email the office to get started, or if you have any questions.

(877) 797-7299 | connections@frontporch.net

Other Resources:  

Writing Group:

https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/about-us/

 

Poem Reading and Sharing Group:

https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/events/62686fc43560cac65899bb5c

 

Meditation:

Every Monday from 8 p.m. to 8:30 on zoom, go to https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/events-calendar/ and click on Monday night Loving Kindness Meditatio

Mar
28
Thu
2024
01 – Support Line – Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 – 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone
Mar 28 all-day
01 - Support Line - Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 - 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone

 

Crisis / Support Line For Racial Equity Support

503-575-3764
Answered by BIPOC counselors 
M-F from 8:30 AM -5:00 PM PST

The Racial Equity Support Line is a service led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism. We offer support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues.

Many of us experience racism every day.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture where racist acts happen often. From workplaces to housing to healthcare, we know that our communities aren’t getting the same kind of treatment as others.

Experiencing racism can harm our mental wellness.

Whether in small acts, or violent ones, racial bias can have serious emotional impacts. Racism changes how we see the world around us. It’s stressful to worry about how people see us as different or dangerous. It’s exhausting to notice the ways that people treat us as less-than, day in and day out. It’s heartbreaking to turn on the news and learn about more violence against people who look like us.

We get it. And we’re here to talk. To support. To connect.

The person who answers may be a stranger – but we understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your situation as you talk through your feelings, and we may offer resources based on what seems most helpful to you.

Call us today at 503-575-3764.

This line is available weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm, Pacific Standard Time.

If you have questions or want to reach the Director of Equity Initiatives, please email Donna Harrell at DonnaH@linesforlife.org.

Toll-Free Access

If you need toll-free access, call any line at Lines for Life and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line during its operating hours.

For example, you can call Lines for Life / National Suicide Prevention Line @ 1-877-273-8255 and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line between 8:30am and 5pm PST.

LWWMI – Living Well With Mental Illness – Online Peer Support Community – 24/7 @ Discord
Mar 28 all-day

 

Online Peer Support Community

What is online peer support?

  • Community

    A safe and supportive online community for people living with mental illness and those who support them.

  • Chat

    Text based chat channels covering a wide range of topics.

  • Forum

    A general forum for posting questions and getting community feedback.

  • Social

    A drop in community for voice and video chat.

  • Online

    All hosted online through an easy to use private Discord server, available to access 24/7 anywhere in the world. (Learn about Discord below).

Join Today!

What is Discord?

Our peer support community is built on Discord.

Discord is an app that lets people build communities around text based chat, as well as connect with one another through voice and video group calls.

Discord is 100% free to use and the app is available for mobile (iOS and Android), desktop (PC and Mac), or you can even connect without any app just by accessing it through a web browser like Chrome.

Code of Conduct

Welcome to the Code of Conduct. Let’s get right to it!

  1. We use supportive, welcoming language.

    • We strive to use welcoming/caring language that is supportive, encouraging, respecting, accepting, understanding and/or validating. We do our best to avoid using critical, shaming, controlling, or patronizing language.

    • We will do our best to monitor and edit our own language. If a mod reaches out and asks us to edit it, we edit it.

  2. We respect differing perspectives of others, and make space for each other within the community.

    • We will make space for others to share their personal experiences. We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other. This includes: bullying, bigotry, hate speech, physical threats, personal attacks, doxing. We also will not tell anyone that their lived experience is wrong, or shame others for their choice in treatment.

    • We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, neurodiversity, mental health, physical health, religion, or political alignment.

    • If something someone says appears to be breaking a community rule, acting with malice, or is otherwise problematic, we will not attack or criticize them, but instead will alert the Mod Team, who can assess and handle the situation. Before doing this, it can also be helpful to assume good intent, and ask for clarification in a respectful and non-judgemental way. The mods are available to lend a hand as well.

    • We will strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone to feel safe participating in.

  3. We call people what they ask to be called.

    • We call people by their stated names/pronouns/identities. If a dead name or incorrect pronoun is used (yours or someone else’s), we will respectfully ask the person to update their message to properly reflect the other’s name/pronouns/identities. If it is brought to your attention that you have made a mistake with someone else’s name/pronouns/identities, that’s okay, mistakes happen, but please kindly take the note and edit the message as soon as possible.

    • We do not correct others on their own usage of their names/pronouns/identities. For example if someone prefers to be called “schizophrenic” or “person living with schizophrenia”, that is up to each individual person. We respect each individual’s choice to determine how they would like to be referred to.

    • If we have any concerns about continued use of incorrect names/pronouns/identities, or feel that misuse is being done maliciously, we will let a mod know.

  4. We connect with each other from a trauma informed perspective.

    • We understand that everyone is coming to this community with different experiences and potential triggers. We will do our best to be mindful of this by using the “spoilers” function for any text that will likely be triggering or sensitive for others (write || on either side of the text to be hidden, or highlight the text to be hidden, right click and then click the eye symbol on the far right). Particularly triggering topics may be around suicide and addiction (no glorification allowed of either), as well as members difficult experiences with the mental health care system.

    • If you are feeling triggered, please step away from the conversation. If there is a channel or part of the server that is too triggering for you, please consider muting it or asking a moderator for help with finding accommodation.

  5. We provide our own experiences rather than provide direct advice.

    • When someone asks about medical treatments and therapies, we stick to speaking about our own experiences (keeping in mind that experiences may differ greatly between individual people). If we do provide more than our own experience, we share resources, strategies, and ideas without giving direct advice. If we do accidentally give direct advice (medical or generalized) and we’re asked to remove it, we remove it.

    • It is important to remember that discussion about treatments and therapies on this server does not replace talking with your doctor. Please discuss any issues or concerns with your doctor as well before making any changes to your or your loved one’s care.

  6. We let the Mods do the moderating. We respect moderator decisions and their time.

    • If you notice someone isn’t following a rule, please refrain from correcting community members, and instead, please briefly share your concerns with a moderator.

    • Refrain from arguing with the moderators and/or engaging the moderators in lengthy discussions.

    • If you have a concern or disagree with something the moderators have done, please respectfully reach out to Rob by DM. We are happy to discuss a situation and listen to concerns. (We may not always be able to go into detail, but will do our best to provide an adequate answer for our decision.)

VAFP – VisionAware and Front Porch – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Mar 28 all-day

 

 

support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and contentedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

 

 

Well Connected Program Offerings

Welcome to Well Connected

Well Connected is a nationwide phone and online community that brings  people over the age of 60 together to explore, learn, laugh, and share  experiences. Over 3,500 members join educational, fun, and engaging groups from the comfort of home. The Well Connected community of participants, staff, facilitators, and presenters value being connected to  engaging content, and to each other. Well Connected is a Front Porch  Community Service and is free of charge to individual members.

A Word About Inclusion

We welcome participants from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, living situations, and abilities. Many of our participants are low vision or blind. Many are dealing with health concerns, chronic or disabling conditions or other issues. Please be sensitive, and mindful of the diversity in our community.

How It Works

1. Browse the materials and find groups that interest you, there a currently    groups to select from.

( download the 2024 Catalog In PDF or TEXT and choose from 77 different groups! )

• Once you are enrolled in the program, there is no limit to the number of
groups you may join. ( To Join use this Link ) or by phone at 877- 797-7299

• Check your Participant Calendar for group times in your time zone, and
for information about how to join.

 

2. Join by Phone

• All groups can be joined by telephone using a toll-free number from an
unblocked number.

• To join a group, call the program line, and when prompted, enter the
two-digit code listed on the Participant Calendar.

• If you need help getting into groups, we can call you! Call the office to
request an automated call-in to any group.

3. Join Online

• All groups can be joined online with a device that connects to the
Internet.

• Create your own online registration account and sign yourself up!

• Once you’re registered for groups in advance, and you will get an email
the morning of the group (check your spam folder!) with a personal link
to join.

• Allow the system to access your microphone and speakers.

• Click the Join Group button to enter the meeting.

• If you need tech help, contact us and we can send you more detailed
instructions, or walk you through how it works.

Call or email the office to get started, or if you have any questions.

(877) 797-7299 | connections@frontporch.net

Other Resources:  

Writing Group:

https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/about-us/

 

Poem Reading and Sharing Group:

https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/events/62686fc43560cac65899bb5c

 

Meditation:

Every Monday from 8 p.m. to 8:30 on zoom, go to https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/events-calendar/ and click on Monday night Loving Kindness Meditatio

Mar
29
Fri
2024
01 – Support Line – Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 – 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone
Mar 29 all-day
01 - Support Line - Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 - 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone

 

Crisis / Support Line For Racial Equity Support

503-575-3764
Answered by BIPOC counselors 
M-F from 8:30 AM -5:00 PM PST

The Racial Equity Support Line is a service led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism. We offer support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues.

Many of us experience racism every day.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture where racist acts happen often. From workplaces to housing to healthcare, we know that our communities aren’t getting the same kind of treatment as others.

Experiencing racism can harm our mental wellness.

Whether in small acts, or violent ones, racial bias can have serious emotional impacts. Racism changes how we see the world around us. It’s stressful to worry about how people see us as different or dangerous. It’s exhausting to notice the ways that people treat us as less-than, day in and day out. It’s heartbreaking to turn on the news and learn about more violence against people who look like us.

We get it. And we’re here to talk. To support. To connect.

The person who answers may be a stranger – but we understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your situation as you talk through your feelings, and we may offer resources based on what seems most helpful to you.

Call us today at 503-575-3764.

This line is available weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm, Pacific Standard Time.

If you have questions or want to reach the Director of Equity Initiatives, please email Donna Harrell at DonnaH@linesforlife.org.

Toll-Free Access

If you need toll-free access, call any line at Lines for Life and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line during its operating hours.

For example, you can call Lines for Life / National Suicide Prevention Line @ 1-877-273-8255 and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line between 8:30am and 5pm PST.

LWWMI – Living Well With Mental Illness – Online Peer Support Community – 24/7 @ Discord
Mar 29 all-day

 

Online Peer Support Community

What is online peer support?

  • Community

    A safe and supportive online community for people living with mental illness and those who support them.

  • Chat

    Text based chat channels covering a wide range of topics.

  • Forum

    A general forum for posting questions and getting community feedback.

  • Social

    A drop in community for voice and video chat.

  • Online

    All hosted online through an easy to use private Discord server, available to access 24/7 anywhere in the world. (Learn about Discord below).

Join Today!

What is Discord?

Our peer support community is built on Discord.

Discord is an app that lets people build communities around text based chat, as well as connect with one another through voice and video group calls.

Discord is 100% free to use and the app is available for mobile (iOS and Android), desktop (PC and Mac), or you can even connect without any app just by accessing it through a web browser like Chrome.

Code of Conduct

Welcome to the Code of Conduct. Let’s get right to it!

  1. We use supportive, welcoming language.

    • We strive to use welcoming/caring language that is supportive, encouraging, respecting, accepting, understanding and/or validating. We do our best to avoid using critical, shaming, controlling, or patronizing language.

    • We will do our best to monitor and edit our own language. If a mod reaches out and asks us to edit it, we edit it.

  2. We respect differing perspectives of others, and make space for each other within the community.

    • We will make space for others to share their personal experiences. We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other. This includes: bullying, bigotry, hate speech, physical threats, personal attacks, doxing. We also will not tell anyone that their lived experience is wrong, or shame others for their choice in treatment.

    • We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, neurodiversity, mental health, physical health, religion, or political alignment.

    • If something someone says appears to be breaking a community rule, acting with malice, or is otherwise problematic, we will not attack or criticize them, but instead will alert the Mod Team, who can assess and handle the situation. Before doing this, it can also be helpful to assume good intent, and ask for clarification in a respectful and non-judgemental way. The mods are available to lend a hand as well.

    • We will strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone to feel safe participating in.

  3. We call people what they ask to be called.

    • We call people by their stated names/pronouns/identities. If a dead name or incorrect pronoun is used (yours or someone else’s), we will respectfully ask the person to update their message to properly reflect the other’s name/pronouns/identities. If it is brought to your attention that you have made a mistake with someone else’s name/pronouns/identities, that’s okay, mistakes happen, but please kindly take the note and edit the message as soon as possible.

    • We do not correct others on their own usage of their names/pronouns/identities. For example if someone prefers to be called “schizophrenic” or “person living with schizophrenia”, that is up to each individual person. We respect each individual’s choice to determine how they would like to be referred to.

    • If we have any concerns about continued use of incorrect names/pronouns/identities, or feel that misuse is being done maliciously, we will let a mod know.

  4. We connect with each other from a trauma informed perspective.

    • We understand that everyone is coming to this community with different experiences and potential triggers. We will do our best to be mindful of this by using the “spoilers” function for any text that will likely be triggering or sensitive for others (write || on either side of the text to be hidden, or highlight the text to be hidden, right click and then click the eye symbol on the far right). Particularly triggering topics may be around suicide and addiction (no glorification allowed of either), as well as members difficult experiences with the mental health care system.

    • If you are feeling triggered, please step away from the conversation. If there is a channel or part of the server that is too triggering for you, please consider muting it or asking a moderator for help with finding accommodation.

  5. We provide our own experiences rather than provide direct advice.

    • When someone asks about medical treatments and therapies, we stick to speaking about our own experiences (keeping in mind that experiences may differ greatly between individual people). If we do provide more than our own experience, we share resources, strategies, and ideas without giving direct advice. If we do accidentally give direct advice (medical or generalized) and we’re asked to remove it, we remove it.

    • It is important to remember that discussion about treatments and therapies on this server does not replace talking with your doctor. Please discuss any issues or concerns with your doctor as well before making any changes to your or your loved one’s care.

  6. We let the Mods do the moderating. We respect moderator decisions and their time.

    • If you notice someone isn’t following a rule, please refrain from correcting community members, and instead, please briefly share your concerns with a moderator.

    • Refrain from arguing with the moderators and/or engaging the moderators in lengthy discussions.

    • If you have a concern or disagree with something the moderators have done, please respectfully reach out to Rob by DM. We are happy to discuss a situation and listen to concerns. (We may not always be able to go into detail, but will do our best to provide an adequate answer for our decision.)

VAFP – VisionAware and Front Porch – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Mar 29 all-day

 

 

support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and contentedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

 

 

Well Connected Program Offerings

Welcome to Well Connected

Well Connected is a nationwide phone and online community that brings  people over the age of 60 together to explore, learn, laugh, and share  experiences. Over 3,500 members join educational, fun, and engaging groups from the comfort of home. The Well Connected community of participants, staff, facilitators, and presenters value being connected to  engaging content, and to each other. Well Connected is a Front Porch  Community Service and is free of charge to individual members.

A Word About Inclusion

We welcome participants from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, living situations, and abilities. Many of our participants are low vision or blind. Many are dealing with health concerns, chronic or disabling conditions or other issues. Please be sensitive, and mindful of the diversity in our community.

How It Works

1. Browse the materials and find groups that interest you, there a currently    groups to select from.

( download the 2024 Catalog In PDF or TEXT and choose from 77 different groups! )

• Once you are enrolled in the program, there is no limit to the number of
groups you may join. ( To Join use this Link ) or by phone at 877- 797-7299

• Check your Participant Calendar for group times in your time zone, and
for information about how to join.

 

2. Join by Phone

• All groups can be joined by telephone using a toll-free number from an
unblocked number.

• To join a group, call the program line, and when prompted, enter the
two-digit code listed on the Participant Calendar.

• If you need help getting into groups, we can call you! Call the office to
request an automated call-in to any group.

3. Join Online

• All groups can be joined online with a device that connects to the
Internet.

• Create your own online registration account and sign yourself up!

• Once you’re registered for groups in advance, and you will get an email
the morning of the group (check your spam folder!) with a personal link
to join.

• Allow the system to access your microphone and speakers.

• Click the Join Group button to enter the meeting.

• If you need tech help, contact us and we can send you more detailed
instructions, or walk you through how it works.

Call or email the office to get started, or if you have any questions.

(877) 797-7299 | connections@frontporch.net

Other Resources:  

Writing Group:

https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/about-us/

 

Poem Reading and Sharing Group:

https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/events/62686fc43560cac65899bb5c

 

Meditation:

Every Monday from 8 p.m. to 8:30 on zoom, go to https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/events-calendar/ and click on Monday night Loving Kindness Meditatio

Mar
30
Sat
2024
LWWMI – Living Well With Mental Illness – Online Peer Support Community – 24/7 @ Discord
Mar 30 all-day

 

Online Peer Support Community

What is online peer support?

  • Community

    A safe and supportive online community for people living with mental illness and those who support them.

  • Chat

    Text based chat channels covering a wide range of topics.

  • Forum

    A general forum for posting questions and getting community feedback.

  • Social

    A drop in community for voice and video chat.

  • Online

    All hosted online through an easy to use private Discord server, available to access 24/7 anywhere in the world. (Learn about Discord below).

Join Today!

What is Discord?

Our peer support community is built on Discord.

Discord is an app that lets people build communities around text based chat, as well as connect with one another through voice and video group calls.

Discord is 100% free to use and the app is available for mobile (iOS and Android), desktop (PC and Mac), or you can even connect without any app just by accessing it through a web browser like Chrome.

Code of Conduct

Welcome to the Code of Conduct. Let’s get right to it!

  1. We use supportive, welcoming language.

    • We strive to use welcoming/caring language that is supportive, encouraging, respecting, accepting, understanding and/or validating. We do our best to avoid using critical, shaming, controlling, or patronizing language.

    • We will do our best to monitor and edit our own language. If a mod reaches out and asks us to edit it, we edit it.

  2. We respect differing perspectives of others, and make space for each other within the community.

    • We will make space for others to share their personal experiences. We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other. This includes: bullying, bigotry, hate speech, physical threats, personal attacks, doxing. We also will not tell anyone that their lived experience is wrong, or shame others for their choice in treatment.

    • We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, neurodiversity, mental health, physical health, religion, or political alignment.

    • If something someone says appears to be breaking a community rule, acting with malice, or is otherwise problematic, we will not attack or criticize them, but instead will alert the Mod Team, who can assess and handle the situation. Before doing this, it can also be helpful to assume good intent, and ask for clarification in a respectful and non-judgemental way. The mods are available to lend a hand as well.

    • We will strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone to feel safe participating in.

  3. We call people what they ask to be called.

    • We call people by their stated names/pronouns/identities. If a dead name or incorrect pronoun is used (yours or someone else’s), we will respectfully ask the person to update their message to properly reflect the other’s name/pronouns/identities. If it is brought to your attention that you have made a mistake with someone else’s name/pronouns/identities, that’s okay, mistakes happen, but please kindly take the note and edit the message as soon as possible.

    • We do not correct others on their own usage of their names/pronouns/identities. For example if someone prefers to be called “schizophrenic” or “person living with schizophrenia”, that is up to each individual person. We respect each individual’s choice to determine how they would like to be referred to.

    • If we have any concerns about continued use of incorrect names/pronouns/identities, or feel that misuse is being done maliciously, we will let a mod know.

  4. We connect with each other from a trauma informed perspective.

    • We understand that everyone is coming to this community with different experiences and potential triggers. We will do our best to be mindful of this by using the “spoilers” function for any text that will likely be triggering or sensitive for others (write || on either side of the text to be hidden, or highlight the text to be hidden, right click and then click the eye symbol on the far right). Particularly triggering topics may be around suicide and addiction (no glorification allowed of either), as well as members difficult experiences with the mental health care system.

    • If you are feeling triggered, please step away from the conversation. If there is a channel or part of the server that is too triggering for you, please consider muting it or asking a moderator for help with finding accommodation.

  5. We provide our own experiences rather than provide direct advice.

    • When someone asks about medical treatments and therapies, we stick to speaking about our own experiences (keeping in mind that experiences may differ greatly between individual people). If we do provide more than our own experience, we share resources, strategies, and ideas without giving direct advice. If we do accidentally give direct advice (medical or generalized) and we’re asked to remove it, we remove it.

    • It is important to remember that discussion about treatments and therapies on this server does not replace talking with your doctor. Please discuss any issues or concerns with your doctor as well before making any changes to your or your loved one’s care.

  6. We let the Mods do the moderating. We respect moderator decisions and their time.

    • If you notice someone isn’t following a rule, please refrain from correcting community members, and instead, please briefly share your concerns with a moderator.

    • Refrain from arguing with the moderators and/or engaging the moderators in lengthy discussions.

    • If you have a concern or disagree with something the moderators have done, please respectfully reach out to Rob by DM. We are happy to discuss a situation and listen to concerns. (We may not always be able to go into detail, but will do our best to provide an adequate answer for our decision.)

VAFP – VisionAware and Front Porch – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Mar 30 all-day

 

 

support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and contentedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

 

 

Well Connected Program Offerings

Welcome to Well Connected

Well Connected is a nationwide phone and online community that brings  people over the age of 60 together to explore, learn, laugh, and share  experiences. Over 3,500 members join educational, fun, and engaging groups from the comfort of home. The Well Connected community of participants, staff, facilitators, and presenters value being connected to  engaging content, and to each other. Well Connected is a Front Porch  Community Service and is free of charge to individual members.

A Word About Inclusion

We welcome participants from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, living situations, and abilities. Many of our participants are low vision or blind. Many are dealing with health concerns, chronic or disabling conditions or other issues. Please be sensitive, and mindful of the diversity in our community.

How It Works

1. Browse the materials and find groups that interest you, there a currently    groups to select from.

( download the 2024 Catalog In PDF or TEXT and choose from 77 different groups! )

• Once you are enrolled in the program, there is no limit to the number of
groups you may join. ( To Join use this Link ) or by phone at 877- 797-7299

• Check your Participant Calendar for group times in your time zone, and
for information about how to join.

 

2. Join by Phone

• All groups can be joined by telephone using a toll-free number from an
unblocked number.

• To join a group, call the program line, and when prompted, enter the
two-digit code listed on the Participant Calendar.

• If you need help getting into groups, we can call you! Call the office to
request an automated call-in to any group.

3. Join Online

• All groups can be joined online with a device that connects to the
Internet.

• Create your own online registration account and sign yourself up!

• Once you’re registered for groups in advance, and you will get an email
the morning of the group (check your spam folder!) with a personal link
to join.

• Allow the system to access your microphone and speakers.

• Click the Join Group button to enter the meeting.

• If you need tech help, contact us and we can send you more detailed
instructions, or walk you through how it works.

Call or email the office to get started, or if you have any questions.

(877) 797-7299 | connections@frontporch.net

Other Resources:  

Writing Group:

https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/about-us/

 

Poem Reading and Sharing Group:

https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/events/62686fc43560cac65899bb5c

 

Meditation:

Every Monday from 8 p.m. to 8:30 on zoom, go to https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/events-calendar/ and click on Monday night Loving Kindness Meditatio

Mar
31
Sun
2024
LWWMI – Living Well With Mental Illness – Online Peer Support Community – 24/7 @ Discord
Mar 31 all-day

 

Online Peer Support Community

What is online peer support?

  • Community

    A safe and supportive online community for people living with mental illness and those who support them.

  • Chat

    Text based chat channels covering a wide range of topics.

  • Forum

    A general forum for posting questions and getting community feedback.

  • Social

    A drop in community for voice and video chat.

  • Online

    All hosted online through an easy to use private Discord server, available to access 24/7 anywhere in the world. (Learn about Discord below).

Join Today!

What is Discord?

Our peer support community is built on Discord.

Discord is an app that lets people build communities around text based chat, as well as connect with one another through voice and video group calls.

Discord is 100% free to use and the app is available for mobile (iOS and Android), desktop (PC and Mac), or you can even connect without any app just by accessing it through a web browser like Chrome.

Code of Conduct

Welcome to the Code of Conduct. Let’s get right to it!

  1. We use supportive, welcoming language.

    • We strive to use welcoming/caring language that is supportive, encouraging, respecting, accepting, understanding and/or validating. We do our best to avoid using critical, shaming, controlling, or patronizing language.

    • We will do our best to monitor and edit our own language. If a mod reaches out and asks us to edit it, we edit it.

  2. We respect differing perspectives of others, and make space for each other within the community.

    • We will make space for others to share their personal experiences. We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other. This includes: bullying, bigotry, hate speech, physical threats, personal attacks, doxing. We also will not tell anyone that their lived experience is wrong, or shame others for their choice in treatment.

    • We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, neurodiversity, mental health, physical health, religion, or political alignment.

    • If something someone says appears to be breaking a community rule, acting with malice, or is otherwise problematic, we will not attack or criticize them, but instead will alert the Mod Team, who can assess and handle the situation. Before doing this, it can also be helpful to assume good intent, and ask for clarification in a respectful and non-judgemental way. The mods are available to lend a hand as well.

    • We will strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone to feel safe participating in.

  3. We call people what they ask to be called.

    • We call people by their stated names/pronouns/identities. If a dead name or incorrect pronoun is used (yours or someone else’s), we will respectfully ask the person to update their message to properly reflect the other’s name/pronouns/identities. If it is brought to your attention that you have made a mistake with someone else’s name/pronouns/identities, that’s okay, mistakes happen, but please kindly take the note and edit the message as soon as possible.

    • We do not correct others on their own usage of their names/pronouns/identities. For example if someone prefers to be called “schizophrenic” or “person living with schizophrenia”, that is up to each individual person. We respect each individual’s choice to determine how they would like to be referred to.

    • If we have any concerns about continued use of incorrect names/pronouns/identities, or feel that misuse is being done maliciously, we will let a mod know.

  4. We connect with each other from a trauma informed perspective.

    • We understand that everyone is coming to this community with different experiences and potential triggers. We will do our best to be mindful of this by using the “spoilers” function for any text that will likely be triggering or sensitive for others (write || on either side of the text to be hidden, or highlight the text to be hidden, right click and then click the eye symbol on the far right). Particularly triggering topics may be around suicide and addiction (no glorification allowed of either), as well as members difficult experiences with the mental health care system.

    • If you are feeling triggered, please step away from the conversation. If there is a channel or part of the server that is too triggering for you, please consider muting it or asking a moderator for help with finding accommodation.

  5. We provide our own experiences rather than provide direct advice.

    • When someone asks about medical treatments and therapies, we stick to speaking about our own experiences (keeping in mind that experiences may differ greatly between individual people). If we do provide more than our own experience, we share resources, strategies, and ideas without giving direct advice. If we do accidentally give direct advice (medical or generalized) and we’re asked to remove it, we remove it.

    • It is important to remember that discussion about treatments and therapies on this server does not replace talking with your doctor. Please discuss any issues or concerns with your doctor as well before making any changes to your or your loved one’s care.

  6. We let the Mods do the moderating. We respect moderator decisions and their time.

    • If you notice someone isn’t following a rule, please refrain from correcting community members, and instead, please briefly share your concerns with a moderator.

    • Refrain from arguing with the moderators and/or engaging the moderators in lengthy discussions.

    • If you have a concern or disagree with something the moderators have done, please respectfully reach out to Rob by DM. We are happy to discuss a situation and listen to concerns. (We may not always be able to go into detail, but will do our best to provide an adequate answer for our decision.)

VAFP – VisionAware and Front Porch – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Mar 31 all-day

 

 

support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and contentedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

 

 

Well Connected Program Offerings

Welcome to Well Connected

Well Connected is a nationwide phone and online community that brings  people over the age of 60 together to explore, learn, laugh, and share  experiences. Over 3,500 members join educational, fun, and engaging groups from the comfort of home. The Well Connected community of participants, staff, facilitators, and presenters value being connected to  engaging content, and to each other. Well Connected is a Front Porch  Community Service and is free of charge to individual members.

A Word About Inclusion

We welcome participants from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, living situations, and abilities. Many of our participants are low vision or blind. Many are dealing with health concerns, chronic or disabling conditions or other issues. Please be sensitive, and mindful of the diversity in our community.

How It Works

1. Browse the materials and find groups that interest you, there a currently    groups to select from.

( download the 2024 Catalog In PDF or TEXT and choose from 77 different groups! )

• Once you are enrolled in the program, there is no limit to the number of
groups you may join. ( To Join use this Link ) or by phone at 877- 797-7299

• Check your Participant Calendar for group times in your time zone, and
for information about how to join.

 

2. Join by Phone

• All groups can be joined by telephone using a toll-free number from an
unblocked number.

• To join a group, call the program line, and when prompted, enter the
two-digit code listed on the Participant Calendar.

• If you need help getting into groups, we can call you! Call the office to
request an automated call-in to any group.

3. Join Online

• All groups can be joined online with a device that connects to the
Internet.

• Create your own online registration account and sign yourself up!

• Once you’re registered for groups in advance, and you will get an email
the morning of the group (check your spam folder!) with a personal link
to join.

• Allow the system to access your microphone and speakers.

• Click the Join Group button to enter the meeting.

• If you need tech help, contact us and we can send you more detailed
instructions, or walk you through how it works.

Call or email the office to get started, or if you have any questions.

(877) 797-7299 | connections@frontporch.net

Other Resources:  

Writing Group:

https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/about-us/

 

Poem Reading and Sharing Group:

https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/events/62686fc43560cac65899bb5c

 

Meditation:

Every Monday from 8 p.m. to 8:30 on zoom, go to https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/events-calendar/ and click on Monday night Loving Kindness Meditatio

Apr
1
Mon
2024
01 – Support Line – Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 – 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone
Apr 1 all-day
01 - Support Line - Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 - 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone

 

Crisis / Support Line For Racial Equity Support

503-575-3764
Answered by BIPOC counselors 
M-F from 8:30 AM -5:00 PM PST

The Racial Equity Support Line is a service led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism. We offer support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues.

Many of us experience racism every day.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture where racist acts happen often. From workplaces to housing to healthcare, we know that our communities aren’t getting the same kind of treatment as others.

Experiencing racism can harm our mental wellness.

Whether in small acts, or violent ones, racial bias can have serious emotional impacts. Racism changes how we see the world around us. It’s stressful to worry about how people see us as different or dangerous. It’s exhausting to notice the ways that people treat us as less-than, day in and day out. It’s heartbreaking to turn on the news and learn about more violence against people who look like us.

We get it. And we’re here to talk. To support. To connect.

The person who answers may be a stranger – but we understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your situation as you talk through your feelings, and we may offer resources based on what seems most helpful to you.

Call us today at 503-575-3764.

This line is available weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm, Pacific Standard Time.

If you have questions or want to reach the Director of Equity Initiatives, please email Donna Harrell at DonnaH@linesforlife.org.

Toll-Free Access

If you need toll-free access, call any line at Lines for Life and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line during its operating hours.

For example, you can call Lines for Life / National Suicide Prevention Line @ 1-877-273-8255 and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line between 8:30am and 5pm PST.

LWWMI – Living Well With Mental Illness – Online Peer Support Community – 24/7 @ Discord
Apr 1 all-day

 

Online Peer Support Community

What is online peer support?

  • Community

    A safe and supportive online community for people living with mental illness and those who support them.

  • Chat

    Text based chat channels covering a wide range of topics.

  • Forum

    A general forum for posting questions and getting community feedback.

  • Social

    A drop in community for voice and video chat.

  • Online

    All hosted online through an easy to use private Discord server, available to access 24/7 anywhere in the world. (Learn about Discord below).

Join Today!

What is Discord?

Our peer support community is built on Discord.

Discord is an app that lets people build communities around text based chat, as well as connect with one another through voice and video group calls.

Discord is 100% free to use and the app is available for mobile (iOS and Android), desktop (PC and Mac), or you can even connect without any app just by accessing it through a web browser like Chrome.

Code of Conduct

Welcome to the Code of Conduct. Let’s get right to it!

  1. We use supportive, welcoming language.

    • We strive to use welcoming/caring language that is supportive, encouraging, respecting, accepting, understanding and/or validating. We do our best to avoid using critical, shaming, controlling, or patronizing language.

    • We will do our best to monitor and edit our own language. If a mod reaches out and asks us to edit it, we edit it.

  2. We respect differing perspectives of others, and make space for each other within the community.

    • We will make space for others to share their personal experiences. We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other. This includes: bullying, bigotry, hate speech, physical threats, personal attacks, doxing. We also will not tell anyone that their lived experience is wrong, or shame others for their choice in treatment.

    • We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, neurodiversity, mental health, physical health, religion, or political alignment.

    • If something someone says appears to be breaking a community rule, acting with malice, or is otherwise problematic, we will not attack or criticize them, but instead will alert the Mod Team, who can assess and handle the situation. Before doing this, it can also be helpful to assume good intent, and ask for clarification in a respectful and non-judgemental way. The mods are available to lend a hand as well.

    • We will strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone to feel safe participating in.

  3. We call people what they ask to be called.

    • We call people by their stated names/pronouns/identities. If a dead name or incorrect pronoun is used (yours or someone else’s), we will respectfully ask the person to update their message to properly reflect the other’s name/pronouns/identities. If it is brought to your attention that you have made a mistake with someone else’s name/pronouns/identities, that’s okay, mistakes happen, but please kindly take the note and edit the message as soon as possible.

    • We do not correct others on their own usage of their names/pronouns/identities. For example if someone prefers to be called “schizophrenic” or “person living with schizophrenia”, that is up to each individual person. We respect each individual’s choice to determine how they would like to be referred to.

    • If we have any concerns about continued use of incorrect names/pronouns/identities, or feel that misuse is being done maliciously, we will let a mod know.

  4. We connect with each other from a trauma informed perspective.

    • We understand that everyone is coming to this community with different experiences and potential triggers. We will do our best to be mindful of this by using the “spoilers” function for any text that will likely be triggering or sensitive for others (write || on either side of the text to be hidden, or highlight the text to be hidden, right click and then click the eye symbol on the far right). Particularly triggering topics may be around suicide and addiction (no glorification allowed of either), as well as members difficult experiences with the mental health care system.

    • If you are feeling triggered, please step away from the conversation. If there is a channel or part of the server that is too triggering for you, please consider muting it or asking a moderator for help with finding accommodation.

  5. We provide our own experiences rather than provide direct advice.

    • When someone asks about medical treatments and therapies, we stick to speaking about our own experiences (keeping in mind that experiences may differ greatly between individual people). If we do provide more than our own experience, we share resources, strategies, and ideas without giving direct advice. If we do accidentally give direct advice (medical or generalized) and we’re asked to remove it, we remove it.

    • It is important to remember that discussion about treatments and therapies on this server does not replace talking with your doctor. Please discuss any issues or concerns with your doctor as well before making any changes to your or your loved one’s care.

  6. We let the Mods do the moderating. We respect moderator decisions and their time.

    • If you notice someone isn’t following a rule, please refrain from correcting community members, and instead, please briefly share your concerns with a moderator.

    • Refrain from arguing with the moderators and/or engaging the moderators in lengthy discussions.

    • If you have a concern or disagree with something the moderators have done, please respectfully reach out to Rob by DM. We are happy to discuss a situation and listen to concerns. (We may not always be able to go into detail, but will do our best to provide an adequate answer for our decision.)

VAFP – VisionAware and Front Porch – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Apr 1 all-day

 

 

support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and contentedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

 

 

Well Connected Program Offerings

Welcome to Well Connected

Well Connected is a nationwide phone and online community that brings  people over the age of 60 together to explore, learn, laugh, and share  experiences. Over 3,500 members join educational, fun, and engaging groups from the comfort of home. The Well Connected community of participants, staff, facilitators, and presenters value being connected to  engaging content, and to each other. Well Connected is a Front Porch  Community Service and is free of charge to individual members.

A Word About Inclusion

We welcome participants from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, living situations, and abilities. Many of our participants are low vision or blind. Many are dealing with health concerns, chronic or disabling conditions or other issues. Please be sensitive, and mindful of the diversity in our community.

How It Works

1. Browse the materials and find groups that interest you, there a currently    groups to select from.

( download the 2024 Catalog In PDF or TEXT and choose from 77 different groups! )

• Once you are enrolled in the program, there is no limit to the number of
groups you may join. ( To Join use this Link ) or by phone at 877- 797-7299

• Check your Participant Calendar for group times in your time zone, and
for information about how to join.

 

2. Join by Phone

• All groups can be joined by telephone using a toll-free number from an
unblocked number.

• To join a group, call the program line, and when prompted, enter the
two-digit code listed on the Participant Calendar.

• If you need help getting into groups, we can call you! Call the office to
request an automated call-in to any group.

3. Join Online

• All groups can be joined online with a device that connects to the
Internet.

• Create your own online registration account and sign yourself up!

• Once you’re registered for groups in advance, and you will get an email
the morning of the group (check your spam folder!) with a personal link
to join.

• Allow the system to access your microphone and speakers.

• Click the Join Group button to enter the meeting.

• If you need tech help, contact us and we can send you more detailed
instructions, or walk you through how it works.

Call or email the office to get started, or if you have any questions.

(877) 797-7299 | connections@frontporch.net

Other Resources:  

Writing Group:

https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/about-us/

 

Poem Reading and Sharing Group:

https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/events/62686fc43560cac65899bb5c

 

Meditation:

Every Monday from 8 p.m. to 8:30 on zoom, go to https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/events-calendar/ and click on Monday night Loving Kindness Meditatio

Apr
2
Tue
2024
01 – Support Line – Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 – 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone
Apr 2 all-day
01 - Support Line - Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 - 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone

 

Crisis / Support Line For Racial Equity Support

503-575-3764
Answered by BIPOC counselors 
M-F from 8:30 AM -5:00 PM PST

The Racial Equity Support Line is a service led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism. We offer support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues.

Many of us experience racism every day.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture where racist acts happen often. From workplaces to housing to healthcare, we know that our communities aren’t getting the same kind of treatment as others.

Experiencing racism can harm our mental wellness.

Whether in small acts, or violent ones, racial bias can have serious emotional impacts. Racism changes how we see the world around us. It’s stressful to worry about how people see us as different or dangerous. It’s exhausting to notice the ways that people treat us as less-than, day in and day out. It’s heartbreaking to turn on the news and learn about more violence against people who look like us.

We get it. And we’re here to talk. To support. To connect.

The person who answers may be a stranger – but we understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your situation as you talk through your feelings, and we may offer resources based on what seems most helpful to you.

Call us today at 503-575-3764.

This line is available weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm, Pacific Standard Time.

If you have questions or want to reach the Director of Equity Initiatives, please email Donna Harrell at DonnaH@linesforlife.org.

Toll-Free Access

If you need toll-free access, call any line at Lines for Life and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line during its operating hours.

For example, you can call Lines for Life / National Suicide Prevention Line @ 1-877-273-8255 and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line between 8:30am and 5pm PST.

LWWMI – Living Well With Mental Illness – Online Peer Support Community – 24/7 @ Discord
Apr 2 all-day

 

Online Peer Support Community

What is online peer support?

  • Community

    A safe and supportive online community for people living with mental illness and those who support them.

  • Chat

    Text based chat channels covering a wide range of topics.

  • Forum

    A general forum for posting questions and getting community feedback.

  • Social

    A drop in community for voice and video chat.

  • Online

    All hosted online through an easy to use private Discord server, available to access 24/7 anywhere in the world. (Learn about Discord below).

Join Today!

What is Discord?

Our peer support community is built on Discord.

Discord is an app that lets people build communities around text based chat, as well as connect with one another through voice and video group calls.

Discord is 100% free to use and the app is available for mobile (iOS and Android), desktop (PC and Mac), or you can even connect without any app just by accessing it through a web browser like Chrome.

Code of Conduct

Welcome to the Code of Conduct. Let’s get right to it!

  1. We use supportive, welcoming language.

    • We strive to use welcoming/caring language that is supportive, encouraging, respecting, accepting, understanding and/or validating. We do our best to avoid using critical, shaming, controlling, or patronizing language.

    • We will do our best to monitor and edit our own language. If a mod reaches out and asks us to edit it, we edit it.

  2. We respect differing perspectives of others, and make space for each other within the community.

    • We will make space for others to share their personal experiences. We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other. This includes: bullying, bigotry, hate speech, physical threats, personal attacks, doxing. We also will not tell anyone that their lived experience is wrong, or shame others for their choice in treatment.

    • We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, neurodiversity, mental health, physical health, religion, or political alignment.

    • If something someone says appears to be breaking a community rule, acting with malice, or is otherwise problematic, we will not attack or criticize them, but instead will alert the Mod Team, who can assess and handle the situation. Before doing this, it can also be helpful to assume good intent, and ask for clarification in a respectful and non-judgemental way. The mods are available to lend a hand as well.

    • We will strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone to feel safe participating in.

  3. We call people what they ask to be called.

    • We call people by their stated names/pronouns/identities. If a dead name or incorrect pronoun is used (yours or someone else’s), we will respectfully ask the person to update their message to properly reflect the other’s name/pronouns/identities. If it is brought to your attention that you have made a mistake with someone else’s name/pronouns/identities, that’s okay, mistakes happen, but please kindly take the note and edit the message as soon as possible.

    • We do not correct others on their own usage of their names/pronouns/identities. For example if someone prefers to be called “schizophrenic” or “person living with schizophrenia”, that is up to each individual person. We respect each individual’s choice to determine how they would like to be referred to.

    • If we have any concerns about continued use of incorrect names/pronouns/identities, or feel that misuse is being done maliciously, we will let a mod know.

  4. We connect with each other from a trauma informed perspective.

    • We understand that everyone is coming to this community with different experiences and potential triggers. We will do our best to be mindful of this by using the “spoilers” function for any text that will likely be triggering or sensitive for others (write || on either side of the text to be hidden, or highlight the text to be hidden, right click and then click the eye symbol on the far right). Particularly triggering topics may be around suicide and addiction (no glorification allowed of either), as well as members difficult experiences with the mental health care system.

    • If you are feeling triggered, please step away from the conversation. If there is a channel or part of the server that is too triggering for you, please consider muting it or asking a moderator for help with finding accommodation.

  5. We provide our own experiences rather than provide direct advice.

    • When someone asks about medical treatments and therapies, we stick to speaking about our own experiences (keeping in mind that experiences may differ greatly between individual people). If we do provide more than our own experience, we share resources, strategies, and ideas without giving direct advice. If we do accidentally give direct advice (medical or generalized) and we’re asked to remove it, we remove it.

    • It is important to remember that discussion about treatments and therapies on this server does not replace talking with your doctor. Please discuss any issues or concerns with your doctor as well before making any changes to your or your loved one’s care.

  6. We let the Mods do the moderating. We respect moderator decisions and their time.

    • If you notice someone isn’t following a rule, please refrain from correcting community members, and instead, please briefly share your concerns with a moderator.

    • Refrain from arguing with the moderators and/or engaging the moderators in lengthy discussions.

    • If you have a concern or disagree with something the moderators have done, please respectfully reach out to Rob by DM. We are happy to discuss a situation and listen to concerns. (We may not always be able to go into detail, but will do our best to provide an adequate answer for our decision.)

VAFP – VisionAware and Front Porch – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Apr 2 all-day

 

 

support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and contentedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

 

 

Well Connected Program Offerings

Welcome to Well Connected

Well Connected is a nationwide phone and online community that brings  people over the age of 60 together to explore, learn, laugh, and share  experiences. Over 3,500 members join educational, fun, and engaging groups from the comfort of home. The Well Connected community of participants, staff, facilitators, and presenters value being connected to  engaging content, and to each other. Well Connected is a Front Porch  Community Service and is free of charge to individual members.

A Word About Inclusion

We welcome participants from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, living situations, and abilities. Many of our participants are low vision or blind. Many are dealing with health concerns, chronic or disabling conditions or other issues. Please be sensitive, and mindful of the diversity in our community.

How It Works

1. Browse the materials and find groups that interest you, there a currently    groups to select from.

( download the 2024 Catalog In PDF or TEXT and choose from 77 different groups! )

• Once you are enrolled in the program, there is no limit to the number of
groups you may join. ( To Join use this Link ) or by phone at 877- 797-7299

• Check your Participant Calendar for group times in your time zone, and
for information about how to join.

 

2. Join by Phone

• All groups can be joined by telephone using a toll-free number from an
unblocked number.

• To join a group, call the program line, and when prompted, enter the
two-digit code listed on the Participant Calendar.

• If you need help getting into groups, we can call you! Call the office to
request an automated call-in to any group.

3. Join Online

• All groups can be joined online with a device that connects to the
Internet.

• Create your own online registration account and sign yourself up!

• Once you’re registered for groups in advance, and you will get an email
the morning of the group (check your spam folder!) with a personal link
to join.

• Allow the system to access your microphone and speakers.

• Click the Join Group button to enter the meeting.

• If you need tech help, contact us and we can send you more detailed
instructions, or walk you through how it works.

Call or email the office to get started, or if you have any questions.

(877) 797-7299 | connections@frontporch.net

Other Resources:  

Writing Group:

https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/about-us/

 

Poem Reading and Sharing Group:

https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/events/62686fc43560cac65899bb5c

 

Meditation:

Every Monday from 8 p.m. to 8:30 on zoom, go to https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/events-calendar/ and click on Monday night Loving Kindness Meditatio

MNA – Metis Nation of Alberta – Peer Led Addictions Support Group – Tuesdays @ Online Via ZOOM
Apr 2 @ 6:30 am – 7:30 am

 

 

Living with addiction can feel isolating and lonely. Find connection and community at our new Peer-Led Addictions Support Group every Tuesday night, 6:30-7:30 p.m., starting May 30.

No need to register! Just drop in via Zoom.

For more information, contact Lisa at lvaughn@metis.org

 

 

CA – Crim-Anon – Criminals Anonymous Fellowship – OREGON CITY HILLTOP MEETING – Tuesday @ Online via Zoom
Apr 2 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm

 

sponsor event banner

 

CRIM ANON (Criminals Anonymous) Recovery Group

Without You There Is No Us

Crim Anon Virtual Group on Tuesday Nights

7:00pm-8:15pm PST

 

About Crim-Anon (Criminals Anonymous)

We are a recovery fellowship comprised of men, women, youth, survivors, and their families that are committed to supporting and living a crime-free lifestyle. We welcome you to check out our website at www.crimanon.org. Zoom on in with us!  To join this meeting, use the ZOOM Link and Meeting ID provided below:

CONTACT US:
Criminal Anonymous World Services
2601 SE 160th Ave., Portland, OR 97236
Bear C: (971) 282-1903    bear01@crimanon.org
Zane M: (503) 754-5217
Billy S: (971) 985-4849
Hours of Operation    24/7 
Get in touch with our team at Criminal Anonymous World Services in Portland, OR if you need support, have any questions.
Grand Elders are available      24/7:
 Bear – (971) 282-1903
 Zane – (503) 754-5217
 Reina – (503) 446-0243
 Billy – (971) 985-4849
 Bo – (971) 772-8307
 Amber – (503) 799-2552
 Andrey M – (503) 660-9448
 Tara – (971) 323-2699
 DJ – (503) 501-1368
 Twila – (503) 936-5185
 Caitlin – (971) 804-2848
 Nick – (503) 465-7013
 Joanie – (503) 732-4115
 Michelle – (503) 875-7985
 Cliff – (971) 283-3133
 Dick – 503) 380-5800
 Melanie – (503) 922-5014
 Sean – (971) 276-5365

Crim Anon Website:

https://www.crimanon.org

Facebook Crim Anon Home Page

https://www.facebook.com/CriminalsAnonymous/

Facebook  Crim Anon Fellowship Page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/475073000014931/

 

Apr
3
Wed
2024
01 – Support Line – Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 – 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone
Apr 3 all-day
01 - Support Line - Racial Equity Support Line w BIPOC Lived Experience @ (503) 575-3764 - 8:30am to 5:00pm PST Weekdays M-F @ Phone

 

Crisis / Support Line For Racial Equity Support

503-575-3764
Answered by BIPOC counselors 
M-F from 8:30 AM -5:00 PM PST

The Racial Equity Support Line is a service led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism. We offer support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues.

Many of us experience racism every day.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture where racist acts happen often. From workplaces to housing to healthcare, we know that our communities aren’t getting the same kind of treatment as others.

Experiencing racism can harm our mental wellness.

Whether in small acts, or violent ones, racial bias can have serious emotional impacts. Racism changes how we see the world around us. It’s stressful to worry about how people see us as different or dangerous. It’s exhausting to notice the ways that people treat us as less-than, day in and day out. It’s heartbreaking to turn on the news and learn about more violence against people who look like us.

We get it. And we’re here to talk. To support. To connect.

The person who answers may be a stranger – but we understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your situation as you talk through your feelings, and we may offer resources based on what seems most helpful to you.

Call us today at 503-575-3764.

This line is available weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm, Pacific Standard Time.

If you have questions or want to reach the Director of Equity Initiatives, please email Donna Harrell at DonnaH@linesforlife.org.

Toll-Free Access

If you need toll-free access, call any line at Lines for Life and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line during its operating hours.

For example, you can call Lines for Life / National Suicide Prevention Line @ 1-877-273-8255 and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line between 8:30am and 5pm PST.

LWWMI – Living Well With Mental Illness – Online Peer Support Community – 24/7 @ Discord
Apr 3 all-day

 

Online Peer Support Community

What is online peer support?

  • Community

    A safe and supportive online community for people living with mental illness and those who support them.

  • Chat

    Text based chat channels covering a wide range of topics.

  • Forum

    A general forum for posting questions and getting community feedback.

  • Social

    A drop in community for voice and video chat.

  • Online

    All hosted online through an easy to use private Discord server, available to access 24/7 anywhere in the world. (Learn about Discord below).

Join Today!

What is Discord?

Our peer support community is built on Discord.

Discord is an app that lets people build communities around text based chat, as well as connect with one another through voice and video group calls.

Discord is 100% free to use and the app is available for mobile (iOS and Android), desktop (PC and Mac), or you can even connect without any app just by accessing it through a web browser like Chrome.

Code of Conduct

Welcome to the Code of Conduct. Let’s get right to it!

  1. We use supportive, welcoming language.

    • We strive to use welcoming/caring language that is supportive, encouraging, respecting, accepting, understanding and/or validating. We do our best to avoid using critical, shaming, controlling, or patronizing language.

    • We will do our best to monitor and edit our own language. If a mod reaches out and asks us to edit it, we edit it.

  2. We respect differing perspectives of others, and make space for each other within the community.

    • We will make space for others to share their personal experiences. We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other. This includes: bullying, bigotry, hate speech, physical threats, personal attacks, doxing. We also will not tell anyone that their lived experience is wrong, or shame others for their choice in treatment.

    • We do not attack, demean, dismiss, harass, or threaten each other based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, neurodiversity, mental health, physical health, religion, or political alignment.

    • If something someone says appears to be breaking a community rule, acting with malice, or is otherwise problematic, we will not attack or criticize them, but instead will alert the Mod Team, who can assess and handle the situation. Before doing this, it can also be helpful to assume good intent, and ask for clarification in a respectful and non-judgemental way. The mods are available to lend a hand as well.

    • We will strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone to feel safe participating in.

  3. We call people what they ask to be called.

    • We call people by their stated names/pronouns/identities. If a dead name or incorrect pronoun is used (yours or someone else’s), we will respectfully ask the person to update their message to properly reflect the other’s name/pronouns/identities. If it is brought to your attention that you have made a mistake with someone else’s name/pronouns/identities, that’s okay, mistakes happen, but please kindly take the note and edit the message as soon as possible.

    • We do not correct others on their own usage of their names/pronouns/identities. For example if someone prefers to be called “schizophrenic” or “person living with schizophrenia”, that is up to each individual person. We respect each individual’s choice to determine how they would like to be referred to.

    • If we have any concerns about continued use of incorrect names/pronouns/identities, or feel that misuse is being done maliciously, we will let a mod know.

  4. We connect with each other from a trauma informed perspective.

    • We understand that everyone is coming to this community with different experiences and potential triggers. We will do our best to be mindful of this by using the “spoilers” function for any text that will likely be triggering or sensitive for others (write || on either side of the text to be hidden, or highlight the text to be hidden, right click and then click the eye symbol on the far right). Particularly triggering topics may be around suicide and addiction (no glorification allowed of either), as well as members difficult experiences with the mental health care system.

    • If you are feeling triggered, please step away from the conversation. If there is a channel or part of the server that is too triggering for you, please consider muting it or asking a moderator for help with finding accommodation.

  5. We provide our own experiences rather than provide direct advice.

    • When someone asks about medical treatments and therapies, we stick to speaking about our own experiences (keeping in mind that experiences may differ greatly between individual people). If we do provide more than our own experience, we share resources, strategies, and ideas without giving direct advice. If we do accidentally give direct advice (medical or generalized) and we’re asked to remove it, we remove it.

    • It is important to remember that discussion about treatments and therapies on this server does not replace talking with your doctor. Please discuss any issues or concerns with your doctor as well before making any changes to your or your loved one’s care.

  6. We let the Mods do the moderating. We respect moderator decisions and their time.

    • If you notice someone isn’t following a rule, please refrain from correcting community members, and instead, please briefly share your concerns with a moderator.

    • Refrain from arguing with the moderators and/or engaging the moderators in lengthy discussions.

    • If you have a concern or disagree with something the moderators have done, please respectfully reach out to Rob by DM. We are happy to discuss a situation and listen to concerns. (We may not always be able to go into detail, but will do our best to provide an adequate answer for our decision.)

VAFP – VisionAware and Front Porch – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Apr 3 all-day

 

 

support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and contentedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

 

 

Well Connected Program Offerings

Welcome to Well Connected

Well Connected is a nationwide phone and online community that brings  people over the age of 60 together to explore, learn, laugh, and share  experiences. Over 3,500 members join educational, fun, and engaging groups from the comfort of home. The Well Connected community of participants, staff, facilitators, and presenters value being connected to  engaging content, and to each other. Well Connected is a Front Porch  Community Service and is free of charge to individual members.

A Word About Inclusion

We welcome participants from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, living situations, and abilities. Many of our participants are low vision or blind. Many are dealing with health concerns, chronic or disabling conditions or other issues. Please be sensitive, and mindful of the diversity in our community.

How It Works

1. Browse the materials and find groups that interest you, there a currently    groups to select from.

( download the 2024 Catalog In PDF or TEXT and choose from 77 different groups! )

• Once you are enrolled in the program, there is no limit to the number of
groups you may join. ( To Join use this Link ) or by phone at 877- 797-7299

• Check your Participant Calendar for group times in your time zone, and
for information about how to join.

 

2. Join by Phone

• All groups can be joined by telephone using a toll-free number from an
unblocked number.

• To join a group, call the program line, and when prompted, enter the
two-digit code listed on the Participant Calendar.

• If you need help getting into groups, we can call you! Call the office to
request an automated call-in to any group.

3. Join Online

• All groups can be joined online with a device that connects to the
Internet.

• Create your own online registration account and sign yourself up!

• Once you’re registered for groups in advance, and you will get an email
the morning of the group (check your spam folder!) with a personal link
to join.

• Allow the system to access your microphone and speakers.

• Click the Join Group button to enter the meeting.

• If you need tech help, contact us and we can send you more detailed
instructions, or walk you through how it works.

Call or email the office to get started, or if you have any questions.

(877) 797-7299 | connections@frontporch.net

Other Resources:  

Writing Group:

https://www.portlandwritersmill.org/about-us/

 

Poem Reading and Sharing Group:

https://wccls.bibliocommons.com/events/62686fc43560cac65899bb5c

 

Meditation:

Every Monday from 8 p.m. to 8:30 on zoom, go to https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/events-calendar/ and click on Monday night Loving Kindness Meditatio